Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Confession: this beef chow mein casserole was one of my LEAST favorite dinners as a kid. Right up there with tuna casserole. And now? I totally get why my mom made it.

This old-fashioned mock chow mein casserole is made with ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup and a few simple pantry ingredients, then topped with those crispy chow mein noodles that every kid fights over. It’s inexpensive, filling and makes enough to feed the whole family.

As a kid, I would stare at that pan of beef, rice and soup wondering why we couldn’t just order pizza.

Funny how growing up changes things.

Somewhere along the way, I realized my mom’s casseroles weren’t punishment. 😂 They were the recipes she grew up eating—the kind of simple, budget-friendly dinners that could feed a family without a lot of fuss.

And wouldn’t you know it, now I’m the one craving mock chow mein casserole.

Mom, you win.

What is Mock Chow Mein?

Despite the name, mock chow mein isn’t traditional Chinese chow mein. It’s an old-fashioned American casserole made with ground beef, rice, condensed soup and soy sauce, with crispy chow mein noodles sprinkled over the top.

It’s one of those vintage recipes that showed up in family cookbooks and casserole dishes for generations and this is the version my mom made for us growing up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One reason recipes like this have stuck around for generations? Simple, inexpensive ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Makes the casserole hearty and filling.
• Onion + Celery: The savory flavor base of the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates that creamy, old-fashioned casserole sauce.
• Chicken Gumbo Soup: The unexpected ingredient that gives Mom’s mock chow mein its signature flavor.
• Worcestershire + Soy Sauce: Add plenty of salty, savory flavor.
• Rice: Goes into the casserole uncooked and absorbs all that flavor as it bakes.
• Chow Mein Noodles: The CRUNCHY topping—and arguably the whole reason to make it.

How to Make Beef Chow Mein Casserole

This old-fashioned casserole couldn’t be easier. Brown the beef, stir everything together and let the oven do the rest. Just remember to leave enough time for the 2-hour bake!

1. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef and onions in a large skillet until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Combine: Stir in the celery, soups, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and UNCOOKED rice until well combined.
3. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1½ hours.
4. Add the Noodles: Remove the foil, sprinkle the chow mein noodles evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 30 minutes until the noodles are golden and crunchy.

What to Serve With It

Since the casserole is rich and hearty, simple sides work best:

• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Sauteed Snap Peas
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Fresh Fruit Salad
• Dinner Rolls

Storing and Freezing

Store leftover beef chow mein casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven until heated through.

The chow mein noodles will soften as the casserole sits—and honestly, that’s how many of us grew up eating the leftovers and it’s still delicious!

To freeze beef chow mein casserole, I recommend freezing it without the chow mein noodle topping when possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh crunchy noodles when reheating.

Funny how the dinners we complained about the loudest as kids can become the ones we miss most as adults.

One bite of this mock chow mein casserole and I’m right back at Mom’s dinner table except this time I’m happily eating every last bite.

You were right, Mom.

More Comforting Casserole Recipes…

• Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
• Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Easy Pizza Casserole
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Watch How This Recipe is Made…