Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole – A Midwest Classic

There are recipes that taste like home, and for me, this Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is one of them. Straight from my grandma’s kitchen in Wisconsin, this dish was a highlight of every visit. I can still remember the smell filling her house, the bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, and the sound of crunchy chow mein noodles on top when we dug in.

This hearty casserole—sometimes called chop suey casserole—is classic Midwest comfort food. It’s creamy, savory, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. With ground beef, tender veggies, rice, and two creamy soups baked together, it’s the kind of dish that makes a family gathering feel extra cozy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & filling: An all-in-one meal that satisfies every craving.

• Easy to make: Just mix, bake, and enjoy.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love it.

• Great for a crowd: Feeds plenty, and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 ½ cups water

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 5 oz chow mein noodles

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (for browning beef)

• Mixing bowl

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Foil

• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions