Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole — A Comforting Classic

 If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings back memories of family dinners, look no further than Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole. This beloved recipe combines the savory flavors of an Asian-inspired stir-fry with the cozy, satisfying ease of a baked casserole.

Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, water chestnuts, and the irresistible crunch of chow mein noodles, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser — perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with simple ingredients

Family-friendly flavors loved by all ages

Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and sesame notes

Make-ahead friendly for easy meal planning

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (6 oz) crispy chow mein noodles

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

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh or ground)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed chow mein noodles (plus extra for garnish)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Cook for another minute to let the flavors combine.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the crispy chow mein noodles, chopped water chestnuts, and thawed peas and carrots. Stir gently to mix everything together.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, toss the crushed chow mein noodles with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra crushed chow mein noodles or sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for Success

Use low-sodium soy sauce for better flavor control.

You can prepare the casserole ahead and bake it later.

Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a satisfying, nostalgic dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a comforting, hearty meal on the table.

Serve it hot, enjoy the flavors, and make it a regular in your family recipe collection!