Church Cookbook Beef Oriental

Discover the comfort and nostalgia of "Church Cookbook Beef Oriental," a hearty and flavorful dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying. This vintage-inspired recipe, straight from the pages of timeless church cookbooks, features tender ground beef simmered with finely chopped onions and crisp celery in a rich, savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, and ginger. Its quick 15-minute prep time and 20-minute cook time make it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Thickened with a simple cornstarch slurry and elevated by the optional addition of crunchy water chestnuts, this dish is served over fluffy white rice for a complete and comforting meal. Whether you're revisiting a beloved classic or trying it for the first time, this beef oriental recipe will transport you to cherished potluck memories with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cups water
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.25 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup instant white rice

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and diced celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in 2 cups of water, soy sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

If using water chestnuts, drain and add them to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 7

While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the instant white rice according to the package instructions.

Step 8

Serve the beef mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with additional soy sauce, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1728.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1715.7

Total Fat 81.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 3907.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.1g
Protein 92.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 211.0mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 3121.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.1%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 36.8%