Delicious Mock Chop Suey Recipe – Quick & Easy
If you love hosting parties at home but are tired of serving the same old dishes, then boy, do I have a recipe for you! Introducing my Mock Chop Suey Recipe – a hearty and flavorful casserole dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Now, before you turn your nose up at the name, hear me out. This is not your average chop suey recipe. No, sir. Unlike traditional chop suey that requires a long list of exotic ingredients and complex prep work, my mock chop suey is made using simple and affordable pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. The combination of ground beef, onion, celery and a blend of cream of mushroom and chicken soups creates a rich and savory base that’s downright addictive. And with the addition of soy sauce and chow mein noodles, this casserole packs a ton of umami flavor in every bite.
So why not switch things up at your next party and serve up some mock chop suey? Everyone will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of Asian-inspired dishes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then get ready to add a new favorite dish to your menu: the Mock Chop Suey Recipe. This simple-to-make meal is perfect for anyone who loves savory flavors and comfort food. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, using only a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Ground beef, onions, celery, cream soup, and soy sauce come together to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole. This means that you can whip up dinner in no time, without sacrificing taste or quality.
Secondly, this recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute ingredients like cream mushroom soup for cream chicken soup depending on your preference. If you want to make it healthier, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, and increase the amount of vegetables like bean sprouts or stir-fry vegetables. Customize it to suit your taste and dietary restrictions.
Another reason why you will adore this recipe is that it makes great leftovers. You can easily store leftover portions in the fridge or freezer for later consumption when you need a quick meal option during busy weekdays.
Finally, the Mock Chop Suey Recipe serves as a perfect introductory Asian-inspired dish if you’re not familiar with complex spices or hard-to-find ingredients. It may not be an authentic chop suey recipe but it sure tastes good like one. You can pair it with chow mein noodles or rice for an additional boost of flavor.
In conclusion, this recipe offers a host of benefits such as simplicity, versatility and even saving up your precious time while still delivering authentic Asian-inspired flavor. Whether you are looking for comfort food or flavorful meals on a budget, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need for making this flavorful Mock Chop Suey Recipe. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples and can be easily found in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 ounces canned mushrooms, drained
- 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups water
Rice
- 2 cups rice
Substitutions and Variations*
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with beans or tofu.
- If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup.
- For additional flavors, try mixing in sliced carrots or bean sprouts.
*Note: See Substitutions and Variations section for more ideas.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, let us dive into the recipe how-to. Follow these simple steps and you will have your Mock Chop Suey ready in no time.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: In a frying pan or skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 small onion (chopped).
Step 3: Stir in 1 cup of diced celery and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add 1 can each of cream of mushroom soup, cream chicken soup, and soy sauce (1/4 cup) to the beef/celery/onion mixture.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of water and 2 cups of rice.
Step 6: In a casserole dish (9×13-inch), layer the rice mixture and the beef/soup mixture. Do this twice, making sure to end with the rice mixture on top.
Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
Step 8: During the last five minutes of baking, take off the aluminum foil and give everything a good stir. This will help with moisture distribution.
And voila! Your Mock Chop Suey Casserole is now ready to be served. Fun fact – this dish can stay good in the fridge for up to four days, so feel free to enjoy any leftovers for lunch or go ahead and reheat it for a quick dinner.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about home cooking is that you can modify recipes according to your personal preferences. With mock chop suey, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try to make this dish even more enjoyable for you and your guests.
If you want to make a vegetarian version of mock chop suey, simply skip the ground beef component and use diced tofu or mushrooms instead. You can also add some bean sprouts or other vegetables like bell pepper or bok choy for added texture and flavor.
For those who prefer a creamier version of mock chop suey, using cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup is another option. You may also replace the meat with canned tuna if desired.
Another twist on this recipe is to turn it into a casserole by mixing in some cooked rice or chow mein noodles before baking it in the oven. This will give it an entirely different texture and make it a one-dish meal. You can also try adding water chestnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and spices to give the dish some kick. Cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, and sriracha sauce are just a few options that could add some extra zing to your mock chop suey.
Remember that cooking is all about creativity and exploration, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find out which combinations work best for you.
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about Mock Chop Suey is its versatility when it comes to serving and pairing. The recipe is hearty enough to be served as a main course with rice, or as a side dish alongside chicken or beef. It also pairs well with many different vegetables, making it a great option for a vegetable chop suey.
For a satisfying meal, simply serve the mock chop suey hot, over a bed of fluffy rice. The dish is filling enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking for some added crunch, try tossing in some bean sprouts or roasted peanuts.
If you’re serving mock chop suey as a side dish, consider pairing it with meatier entrees such as chicken or beef. Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep things vegetarian or vegan, the dish can also be paired with tofu or another protein-rich ingredient.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables when it comes to crafting the perfect mock chop suey. While celery and onion are the traditional staples of this dish, other vegetables like mushrooms or bamboo shoots can add depth and texture to the recipe. Whatever your choice of ingredients may be, one thing’s for sure – your guests won’t leave your event hungry after trying this classic mock chop suey recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Mock Chop Suey recipe is an easy-to-make dish that can be made ahead of time to help ease your meal prep process. It also stores well for future meals, making it an ideal addition to your meal planning.
If you plan on making the chop suey ahead of time, make sure to let it cool completely after cooking before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop in a pan with a splash of water and heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, transfer the chop suey into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it following the same instructions as above.
One important tip to keep in mind when reheating or storing any type of rice-based dish, including this mock chop suey recipe, is to ensure that it is reheated thoroughly and piping hot before consuming to avoid any risk of food-borne illnesses.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking Mock Chop Suey may sound easy, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure your dish is perfect. Here are some tips for making the best mock chop suey casserole:
1. Brown the ground beef well: Make sure to brown the ground beef well before adding other ingredients. This will give the dish a delicious, caramelized flavor.
2. Use good quality soy sauce: Soy sauce is a crucial ingredient in mock chop suey recipe, and using a high-quality one can make a big difference in the taste of your dish. Look for soy sauce that is naturally brewed, without any additives or artificial flavors.
3. Adjust seasoning to your taste: Adjust seasoning to your personal taste. Some people like their chop suey to be salty; others prefer it to be less so. Taste the dish as you go along and make adjustments as needed.
4. Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup works best for the base of the sauce instead of regular milk because it gives the casserole a richer and more delicious flavor.
5. Let it rest: Mock chop suey casseroles usually taste better when they’ve had some time to rest after being baked because this allows all the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious taste.
6. Pair with rice or chow mein noodles: The best way to eat mock chop suey is with rice or chow mein noodles, both available from almost every supermarket today. Make sure not to overcook rice so that it stays fluffy and perfect.
By following these tips, you’ll have a foolproof way to make tasty mock chop suey every time you feel like throwing dinner parties without breaking much sweat!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this mock chop suey recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you and your guests will love! With its simple ingredient list, it’s a budget-friendly option that can be whipped up in no time. The combination of ground beef, onions, and celery mixed with cream of mushroom and soy sauce creates a rich savory flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
Not only is this dish flavorful, but it’s also versatile and adaptable to suit your preferences. You can easily substitute the ground beef for chicken or pork, or swap out the mushrooms soup for cream of chicken soup. Additionally, you can add in other vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts to add more crunch and texture.
This mock chop suey recipe paired with rice makes for a filling and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at a party or even just cooking for your family on a weekday night. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Trust us, once you take a bite of this delicious dish, you’ll be wanting more!
Mock Chop Suey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup rice, uncooked
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- salt & pepper
- 1 can chinese noodles
Instructions
- Brown hamburger with onion in a skillet.
- Add all other ingredients except noodles and mix well.
- Place in a greased 3 qt casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 1 hour.
- Stir 3/4 of noodles into casserole and place the rest on top.
- Bake an additional 15 minutes.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!