Church Supper Hot Dish

Church Supper Hot Dish 🥔🥩🧀

This Church Supper Hot Dish is a quintessential Midwestern casserole that embodies the heart and soul of comfort food. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and a satisfyingly crunchy chow mein noodle topping, this dish is hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re attending a potluck, hosting a family dinner, or simply craving a taste of Midwest nostalgia, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and nostalgic dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food : A warm, hearty casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
2. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
3. Customizable : Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
4. Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for potlucks, church suppers, or family gatherings.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups potatoes , sliced (peeled or unpeeled )
• 2 cups celery , finely chopped
• ½ cup carrots , finely chopped
• ¼ cup green bell peppers , finely chopped
• ¼ cup onions , finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 cup water
• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted )
• 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked through.
2. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced potatoes, chopped celery, carrots, green bell peppers, and onions. Sauté for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables

1. Pour 1 cup of water over the sautéed vegetables.
2. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables simmer for 10 minutes , or until the potatoes are slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables (including the liquid), and the two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

1. Spread half of the can of chow mein noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake Covered

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes .

Step 8: Add Toppings and Bake Uncovered

1. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the cover from the baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
3. Top with the remaining half of the can of chow mein noodles.
4. Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chow mein noodles are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Let the hot dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy this comforting and classic casserole as-is or with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Veggies : Freshly chopped vegetables provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
2. Add Extra Veggies : Stir in peas, corn, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
3. Boost Flavor : Add garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra depth.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

This Church Supper Hot Dish pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread : Warm, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad : A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Hot Sauce : Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for those who like extra spice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~18g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Church Supper Hot Dish is a true Midwestern classic that combines hearty ingredients and comforting flavors into one unforgettable casserole. The creamy mushroom base, tender vegetables, and crunchy chow mein noodle topping create a dish that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, enjoying it with family, or simply craving a taste of Midwest tradition, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your ground beef, chop those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.