Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Remove excess fat from the skillet if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the shredded cabbage and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef and vegetables in the skillet.
3. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
4. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chow mein noodles with the beef and vegetable mixture.
2. Gently toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to portion. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Vegetable variety: Add carrots or celery for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with sour cream.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is more than a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience that brings family together. With tender noodles, flavorful beef, and a creamy, cheesy topping, every bite is a reminder of home-cooked love.

If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step infographic for this casserole that makes it super easy to follow while cooking. Do you want me to do that?