This mock chow mein recipe is a timeless casserole recipe that has been loved for generations. I grew up eating it and I still make it for my family.
Mock chow mein is a simple ground beef and rice hotdish with really great flavor and an appealing chow mein noodle crunch.
Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- celery
- cream of mushroom soup
- cream of chicken soup
- water
- rice
- soy sauce
- black pepper
- bean sprouts
- chow mein noodles
How to make Mock Chow Mein
Saute the ground beef and onions until beef is cooked and crumbled. Drain off any extra grease.
Stir in celery, soups, water, rice, bean sprouts, soy sauce and black pepper.
Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and cover with foil.
Bake 30 minutes then remove foil and bake another 30 minutes, sprinkling on the chow mein noodles in the last 5 minutes of baking.
What to serve with mock chow mein
We love it with this spicy broccoli over fresh greens, and for dessert we love these Doubletree cookies!
How to perk up leftover mock chow mein
The casserole itself reheats nicely in the microwave, but I like to sprinkle on a handful of fresh, crunchy chow mein noodles after heating because the original noodles will have softened. I always have a tin in the pantry for this reason and because they’re fun to toss on a salad now and then.
EASY variation of mock chow mein (Great for starving college students)
In saucepan, mix together a can of cream of chicken soup, some leftover chopped chicken (or canned chicken) and about a third of a can of water. Heat on stove until hot. Make a bed of chow mein noodles on serving plates and spoon the sauce over the noodles.
Other ground beef casseroles you’ll enjoy
- Cowboy cornbread skillet casserole
- American goulash
- Cheesy beef and wild rice
- Pizza casserole
- Crunchy beef casserole with French fried onions
- Sloppy tots casserole
- Easy taco casserole
Mock Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ½ cup rice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 14.5 oz can bean sprouts drained
- 1 3 oz can chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Saute ground beef and onions until meat is cooked; drain.
- Add celery, both soups and warm water. Stir in rice, bean sprouts, soy sauce and pepper.
- Turn into 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 30 minutes, sprinkle chow mein noodles on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Billi says
Been making something very similar to this ever since I was a baby, 55 yrs. We always added a can of cream of celery soup as well as a small, drained and chopped, can of water chestnuts for that extra little crisp. We also added one can of sweet peas, and it is ALWAYS a hit and a community favorite now.
Liz says
I like your twist on it; sounds delicious!
Leisha says
This is a favorite! I add mushrooms & water chestnuts to give it a little bit more crunch. Glad someone asked about the rice – I have seen recipes that call for it cooked, so was unsure. Your advice on using instant (in all casseroles) was very helpful! Do you have a favorite brand?
Liz says
Honestly, I just use store brand or the least expensive!
Ellen Yule says
so delicious, just like my mom used to make. a favorite!
Liz says
So glad you enjoy the recipe!
Melinda says
I added water chestnuts and baby corn! Yum !! Have made it 3 times already
Liz says
Great additions! So glad you love the recipe!
Valerie says
So what kind of rice should I get? I’m at cub foods right now, I have always used instant rice in this but want to give yours a try because it looks amazing!
Liz says
Instant rice will be fine!
Jessica Formicola says
The crunch from the chow mein noodles is one of the best parts! This is so full of flavor and I can’t wait to make it again!
Erin Gierhart says
I grew up with a chicken chow mein recipe but had never had beef chow mein. So good!
Linda says
I made this & really enjoyed it. I will make it again.
Liz says
That’s wonderful and I’m so glad you came back to share that with me. 🙂 You made my day!
Ann says
When do you put the chow mien noodles on?
Liz says
Sprinkle the chow mein noodles on top in the last 5 minutes of baking. 🙂
Kay Holsclaw says
I remember my mother making Mock Chow Mein and I don’t have her recipe. I’m going to try yours, except I need to add water chestnuts. 🙂 My question is, do you cook the rice before you add it or do you add raw rice? Or instant rice?
Thank you
Liz says
It’s uncooked rice and I almost always use instant rice in casseroles to ensure soft, tender grains. Oh, and I love the addition of water chestnuts. Great idea!