I love old time favorites when it comes to recipes. This one's been in the family for 60+ years.
Mock Chop Suey
1 1/2 pound ground beef (I use venison)
2 onions, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup water
4 T. chop suey sauce (soy sauce)
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 cup uncooked regular rice
salt and pepper
1 bag chow mein noodles
Brown meat, onions and celery in bacon grease (or lard). Place in large casserole. Add remaining ingredients except noodles; mix well. Bake, covered, at 325 degrees for 1 hour, 20 minutes. Remove cover; top with chow mein noodles. Bake for 10 minutes longer until noodles have crisped.
I like to save on dishes by browning the meat and baking the casserole in the same pot. I use Lodge Enameled Cast Iron all the time.
I have the YouTube version of this recipe available, too.
Share your favorite frugal family casserole in the comments below. I'd love to try out a new recipe or two.