For years, I lovingly referred to my mother-in-law’s classic dish as “Chow Mein Casserole.” Little did I know, this beloved recipe actually falls under the category of a Chow Mein Hotdish, also known as Minnesota Hotdish or Mock Chow Mein. This distinction makes perfect sense, considering our geographical roots. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, a Canadian province situated directly north of Minnesota and North Dakota, it’s no surprise that a recipe for this iconic Midwestern comfort food found a permanent home in her culinary collection.

My mother-in-law passed away when my children were quite young, so they unfortunately missed out on the joy of experiencing her incredible cooking firsthand. I, however, was incredibly fortunate to not only enjoy her delicious meals but also inherit many of her treasured recipes. This particular Chow Mein Hotdish holds a special place in my husband’s heart – it’s one of his absolute favorites and a true taste of home. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner, bringing warmth and flavor to any table.

🍒Reader Review

“It’s a hit with my family!!! Super easy. I made it with ground turkey, added a couple cloves of garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes!!!!”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Hotdish

Hotdish, often considered the unofficial state cuisine of Minnesota, is a beloved comfort food staple deeply rooted in households across not just Minnesota, but the entire Upper Midwest United States. More than just a simple casserole, a hotdish is characterized by its thrifty ingredients and a “dump and stir” preparation method, making it incredibly accessible and budget-friendly. Its origins as an economical meal are why it’s sometimes affectionately referred to as poor man’s chow mein. For those interested in delving deeper into its cultural significance and history, you can explore more about the hotdish HERE.

Understanding the fundamental components of a traditional hotdish helps appreciate the genius behind this Chow Mein Hotdish. Typically, a hotdish follows a predictable, yet versatile, structure:

• Protein: This forms the hearty base. Common choices include economical options like ground beef (often called hamburger in the Midwest), shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders), or even canned tuna for a quick seafood twist.
• Vegetables: Adding color and nutrients, canned vegetables are a hotdish hallmark due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Canned corn and canned green beans are perhaps the most popular choices, providing familiar flavors and textures.
• Starch: The binder and bulk of the dish. Rice (white or brown), macaroni, or mashed potatoes (often a creamy layer on top) are frequently used, soaking up the savory sauces.
• Sauce: The creamy soul of the hotdish, typically derived from a canned “cream of anything” soup. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even cheddar cheese soup are common, providing a rich, savory gravy.
• Crispy Topping: A crucial textural element that adds a satisfying crunch. Tater Tots are iconic for their crispy potato goodness, but French’s French Fried Onions, crunchy chow mein noodles, or even crushed potato chips are popular alternatives.

What makes this particular Minnesota Hotdish stand out is its choice of fresh celery and onion instead of the more typical canned vegetables. This gives it a slightly brighter, more aromatic flavor profile. While I typically serve this casserole with mixed vegetables on the side to round out the meal, you could easily incorporate frozen or canned vegetables directly into the dish during preparation for an all-in-one approach.

📖 Versatile Variations & Easy Substitutions

One of the best things about a hotdish or casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to customize this Chow Mein Hotdish to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand:

• Add-ins: To enhance the “chow mein” flavor profile and add extra texture, consider incorporating other Asian-inspired ingredients. Water chestnuts can provide a delightful crunch, bamboo shoots add a unique flavor, and bean sprouts bring freshness. Sautéed fresh mushrooms would also be a fantastic addition, deepening the umami flavor.
• Hamburger (Protein): While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with other ground meats. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives if you’re looking to lighten up the dish or prefer poultry. They absorb the savory flavors beautifully.
• Rice: The starch component is flexible. Instead of instant brown rice, feel free to use white rice, aromatic jasmine rice, or even hearty wild rice for a different texture and flavor. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can be used, though it might require a slight adjustment in cooking time and liquid content.
• Soup Base: The creamy soup is key! If cream of mushroom isn’t your favorite or isn’t available, cream of chicken soup is a popular and delicious substitute. For those who prefer to avoid canned cream soups, or simply don’t have any on hand, you can easily make a homemade “cream-of-anything” soup substitute using a roux base. Check out my post on useful kitchen hacks (jump to #17) for a simple recipe!

🔪 How to Make This Easy Chow Mein Casserole

This Chow Mein Casserole comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting meal:

Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray the inside of a large 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Cook Celery: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped celery with ½ cup of water. Cover the bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until the celery is tender-crisp. Carefully drain any remaining water from the celery. This pre-cooking step ensures the celery is perfectly cooked within the casserole’s baking time.

Brown Beef & Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. Once the beef is mostly browned, add the chopped onion and continue to cook until the onion is softened and translucent, and the beef is fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Combine Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked celery, condensed cream of tomato soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, the browned ground beef and onion mixture, and half of the dry chow mein noodles. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
*While it’s easier to mix in a separate large bowl, you can technically mix everything directly in the casserole dish if you prefer to minimize dirty dishes. Just ensure there’s enough room to stir thoroughly.

Transfer to Dish: Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared 3-quart casserole dish or a 13×9 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to settle the mixture.

Add Soy Sauce: Evenly sprinkle the soy sauce over the top of the casserole mixture. This adds a crucial layer of savory, umami flavor that defines the “chow mein” aspect of the dish.
*You can add additional soy sauce now for a more integrated flavor, or after the dish is cooked, allowing individuals to customize their serving.

Bake: Place the uncovered casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The casserole should be heated through and bubbling around the edges, and the chow mein noodles mixed in will soften slightly, creating a unique texture. Serve warm directly from the oven for the best experience.

Garnish:

For a final flourish and added crunch, garnish your baked Chow Mein Hotdish with additional crispy chow mein noodles, a drizzle of extra soy sauce (if desired), and finely chopped green onions. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, savory casserole.

Recipe Tips for the Perfect Hotdish

• Texture is Key: Incorporating chow mein noodles both into the casserole mixture before baking and as a fresh garnish after cooking is a brilliant trick. This method provides a wonderful textural contrast – you’ll get some noodles that are softly integrated into the dish, and others that remain satisfyingly crunchy on top. This blend of soft and crisp makes every bite exciting!
• Soy Sauce Control: While some soy sauce is mixed into the casserole, I highly recommend offering additional soy sauce on the side once the dish is cooked. This allows everyone at the table to customize the saltiness and umami depth to their individual preference. A small decorative dish of soy sauce can be a great addition to your serving setup.
• Don’t Overcook: Hotdishes, especially those with cream soups and noodles, can dry out if overbaked. Stick to the recommended baking time of 20 minutes. The goal is to heat it through and allow the flavors to meld, not to crisp up the entire dish (that’s what the fresh noodles are for!).

👪 Adjusting the Serving Size

This Chow Mein Noodle Casserole recipe is designed to generously serve 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. However, its versatility means you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs. If you’re feeding a smaller group, you can halve the recipe. For larger families or potlucks, feel free to double or even triple the quantities! Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings; the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust for you. Just remember to use a larger (or additional) casserole dish if you’re increasing the batch size.

🌡️ Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Chow Mein Hotdish is excellent for meal prepping and makes for delicious leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures its freshness and prevents it from drying out.

For longer storage, this hotdish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe, sealed container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil and then plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. You might want to add a fresh sprinkle of crispy chow mein noodles before serving after reheating!

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

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