Church Supper Hot Dish: A Nostalgic Comfort Food Classic
Are you craving a comforting and hearty dish that reminds you of home-cooked meals shared with family and friends? Look no further than our Church Supper Hot Dish recipe! This beloved dish is a staple at potlucks, church suppers, and gatherings, cherished for its simplicity and delicious flavors. Made with ground beef, vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with crispy chow mein noodles and melted cheese, this hot dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we dive into how to make this nostalgic comfort food classic and elevate your dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s address some common questions about Church Supper Hot Dish:
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later? A: Absolutely! This hot dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this hot dish? A: Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until heated through.
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and prepare to make this comforting Church Supper Hot Dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups sliced peeled potatoes
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 cup water
- 2 10.75-ounce cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 5-ounce can chow mein noodles, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, green bell peppers, and onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Top with the cooked ground beef and sautéed vegetables.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of water. Stir until smooth. Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
6. Bake the Hot Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7. Add the Toppings:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle half of the chow mein noodles over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the noodles are crispy and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the hot dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining chow mein noodles and shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a flavor boost, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. You can add peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra variety.
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce mixture.
Keto Version:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, omit the potatoes and chow mein noodles. Replace the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a homemade keto-friendly version or a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version substitutions mentioned above, and consider using cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes for a low-carb option.
In conclusion, Church Supper Hot Dish is a timeless classic that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. With its savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is sure to please both young and old alike. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to enjoy the comforting flavors of Church Supper Hot Dish with your loved ones!