Budget Beef & Mushroom Casserole

This casserole has an oriental flavor and kids love it! If you wish to make this a do ahead recipe just leave the noodles off until just before you pop it into the oven. Serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 2  large onions, sliced
• 3  garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
• 1 3⁄4 cups celery, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces
• 8  ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 8  ounces  canned sliced water chestnuts
• 12  ounces fresh bean sprouts
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 2  tablespoons soy sauce
• 2  cups  crisp chow mein noodles

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350F degrees.
2. Cook beef until brown & crumbly.
3. Turn the cooked beef into a 2 1/2 quart casserole.
4. Pour off any grease from skillet.
5. Add onions, garlic, celery and mushrooms to the skillet; sauté until cooked but still crisp.
6. Add veggies to the meat in the casserole then fold in the bean sprouts, water chestnuts and tomatoes with the juice.
7. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch with the soy sauce and stir into the mixture.
8. Top with chow mein noodles.
9. Bake uncovered 45 minutes to 1 hour.
10. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.