Ground Beef Chinese Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than Ground Beef Chinese Casserole! This recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef with the sweet and tangy flavors of classic Chinese cuisine, all baked into a comforting and satisfying casserole. It’s a fantastic way to use ground beef and introduce a fun twist to your regular dinner rotation. This recipe is easily customizable, too, so you can adapt it to suit your family’s tastes. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** This casserole comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
* **Family-Friendly:** The sweet and savory flavors are appealing to both kids and adults.
* **Customizable:** You can easily add or substitute vegetables to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be frozen for a quick and easy meal later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this Ground Beef Chinese Casserole. Here’s a comprehensive list:
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) is recommended to reduce excess grease. However, you can use regular ground beef (80/20) if preferred; just be sure to drain off the excess fat after browning.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best for its mild flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Regular soy sauce will also work, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the soy sauce. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Ketchup:** 2 tablespoons. Ketchup provides a tangy sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Rice vinegar adds a mild acidity that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup. You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor that is characteristic of Chinese cuisine. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon. Ground ginger adds warmth and spice to the sauce. You can substitute fresh ginger, grated (about 1 teaspoon), for a more intense flavor.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. You’ll need to mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce.
* **Cold Water:** 2 tablespoons (for the cornstarch slurry).
* **Vegetables (Optional):** 1-2 cups, chopped. Some popular choices include:
* Broccoli florets
* Carrots, diced
* Bell peppers (any color), diced
* Peas (fresh or frozen)
* Water chestnuts, sliced
* Mushrooms, sliced
* Celery, diced
* **Cooked Rice:** 4 cups. You can use any type of cooked rice, such as white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. Day-old rice works particularly well.
* **Green Onions (Scallions):** 2-3, thinly sliced, for garnish.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** For garnish.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the recipe! Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious Ground Beef Chinese Casserole:
**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly.
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Place the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* If using regular ground beef (80/20), drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This helps to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
**Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
* Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Step 4: Make the Sauce**
* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This will help to thicken the sauce.
* Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef and onion mixture in the skillet.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
* Add the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
**Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)**
* If using vegetables, add them to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce.
* Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetables you use.
**Step 6: Combine with Cooked Rice**
* Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the ground beef, sauce, and vegetables (if using).
* Stir well to combine, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. This is an important step to ensure that the casserole is flavorful throughout.
**Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish**
* Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Spread it evenly in the dish. This will help the casserole bake evenly.
**Step 8: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The casserole should be slightly browned on top.
**Step 9: Garnish and Serve**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with thinly sliced green onions (scallions) and sesame seeds (optional).
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this Ground Beef Chinese Casserole to your liking:
* **Use Different Ground Meat:** You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy, such as snap peas, bok choy, or bean sprouts.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Pineapple:** For a sweet and tangy twist, add some canned pineapple chunks to the casserole.
* **Use Different Rice:** Try using quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
* **Top with Crispy Noodles:** For added crunch, top the casserole with crispy chow mein noodles before baking.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the casserole gluten-free.
* **Add Water Chestnuts:** For a nice crunch and authentic Chinese flavor, add sliced water chestnuts.
* **Use a Wok:** While a skillet works perfectly fine, you can also use a wok to stir-fry the ground beef, vegetables, and sauce.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup for a creamier casserole (though this will alter the flavor profile significantly).
* **Add Cashews or Almonds:** Sprinkle toasted cashews or almonds on top for added crunch and flavor.
* **Use Different Vinegar:** Experiment with different vinegars, such as black vinegar or sherry vinegar, for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Chinese Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complement it:
* **Egg Rolls:** Serve with crispy egg rolls for a classic Chinese-American meal.
* **Wonton Soup:** A bowl of warm wonton soup makes a comforting starter.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Steamed Broccoli:** A side of steamed broccoli adds extra vegetables and nutrients.
* **Fortune Cookies:** Don’t forget the fortune cookies for a fun and traditional ending to the meal!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
**Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
**Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
**Freezing:** To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams
Conclusion
Ground Beef Chinese Casserole is a delicious, easy, and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its savory ground beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and optional vegetables, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy this comforting and flavorful casserole! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!