Chinese Mystery Casserole

Chinese Mystery Casserole

2 tablespoons oil (optional)
1 lb hamburger
1 onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14 ounce) can chop suey vegetables, drained
1 (5 ounce) can chow mein noodles

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Brown ground beef and onion in oil.
Combine all ingredients in a huge bowl, and transfer to a 9x13 pan.
Bake covered for 30 minutes.
Bake UNcovered for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the chow mein noodles on top of casserole, and bake for 15 minutes more.