Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 8 ounces cooked Chow Mein noodles or cooked spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

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

1. Cook Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

1. Add Aromatics:

• Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

1. Incorporate Vegetables:

• Stir in the chopped celery, julienned carrots, sliced mushrooms, and thinly sliced cabbage. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

1. Prepare Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, beef broth, and cornstarch until well combined. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly.

1. Combine with Noodles:

• Add the cooked Chow Mein noodles or spaghetti to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until the noodles are coated in the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If using grated cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the foil from the baking dish and garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free noodles or spaghetti for the Chow Mein noodles to make the dish gluten-free.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: Swap the Chow Mein noodles for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to reduce the carb content. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and omit the cornstarch. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added fiber and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, but also reduce the amount of carrots and omit the optional cheese topping to further lower the carb count.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bean sprouts would all be delicious additions.

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

1. What can I serve with this Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole?

• This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own as a satisfying one-dish meal.

1. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

• Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

1. Can I use chicken or pork instead of ground beef?

• Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork would work well in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions as you would for the ground beef.