Church Supper Hot Dish: A Hearty and Comforting Casserole

Name: Church Supper Hot Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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 onions, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons butter or margarine; 1 cup water; 2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted; 1 (5 oz) can chow mein noodles, divided; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can rival the appeal of a good casserole. The Church Supper Hot Dish is a beloved recipe that has stood the test of time, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. This dish is a celebration of simplicity, combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, chow mein noodles, and cheddar cheese into a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

What is Church Supper Hot Dish?

The Church Supper Hot Dish is a classic American casserole that hails from the Midwest, where it is a staple at potlucks, church suppers, and community gatherings. The dish is known for its hearty and comforting qualities, making it a popular choice for feeding a crowd. It typically consists of ground beef, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, chow mein noodles, and cheddar cheese, all baked together to create a savory, cheesy, and crunchy delight.

The Ingredients

One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and many of them might already be in your pantry. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make Church Supper Hot Dish:

Ground Beef: The foundation of the dish, ground beef provides a rich and savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter version, but any variety will work.
Potatoes: Sliced and peeled, potatoes add substance and a comforting texture to the dish. They absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, making each bite delicious.
Vegetables: Celery, carrots, green bell peppers, and onions bring freshness and a bit of crunch to the casserole. These vegetables are sautéed before baking, which enhances their flavor and tenderness.

Butter or Margarine: Used for sautéing the vegetables, butter adds a touch of richness to the dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret ingredient that binds everything together. The soup adds creaminess and a deep, savory flavor that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.
Chow Mein Noodles: These crispy noodles add a delightful crunch to the casserole. They’re used in both the filling and the topping, providing texture and contrast.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese forms a gooey, bubbly topping that makes the dish irresistible. It also adds a sharp flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Church Supper Hot Dish is straightforward and doesn’t require much time in the kitchen. Here’s how to put everything together:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 2-quart baking dish ensures that your casserole won’t stick to the sides, making it easier to serve and clean up afterward.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. This step not only cooks the meat but also helps to develop a rich flavor. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter or margarine, and sauté the sliced potatoes, celery, carrots, green bell peppers, and onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables in the same pan used for the beef allows them to soak up the residual flavors.
Simmer Until Tender: Pour in the cup of water, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables simmer for 10 minutes. This helps soften them and ensures they cook evenly in the oven.

4. Combine Ingredients

Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and undiluted cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

5. Layer the Dish

First Layer of Noodles: Spread half of the chow mein noodles in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These noodles will absorb some of the moisture during baking, creating a delicious base for the casserole.
Add the Beef and Vegetable Mixture: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture on top of the chow mein noodles, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake

Initial Baking: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through without the noodles on top becoming too crunchy too soon.
Add the Toppings: After 20 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining chow mein noodles over the top of the casserole.
Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This final step creates a crispy, cheesy top layer that is the hallmark of this dish.

7. Serve

Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Versatile and Customizable: One of the best things about Church Supper Hot Dish is how versatile it is. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t have ground beef? Try ground turkey or chicken. Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms, corn, or green beans.

Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and it’s sure to be a hit at any potluck or family dinner. Plus, it reheats well, so you can make it ahead of time if needed.

Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that just hits the spot. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, and it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips for Making the Best Church Supper Hot Dish

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the vegetables before baking helps to develop their flavors and ensures they’re tender by the time the casserole is done. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Use Fresh Potatoes: While you can use frozen or canned potatoes in a pinch, fresh potatoes will give you the best texture and flavor.

Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey finish, or use pepper jack for a bit of spice.

Serving Suggestions

Church Supper Hot Dish is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a few sides to round out the dinner table:

Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the casserole.

Bread: Serve with warm, buttered rolls or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Dessert: Finish the meal with something light and refreshing, like a fruit salad or sorbet, to balance the heaviness of the dish.

Storing and Reheating

This dish is great for leftovers! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until hot.

Nutritional Information

For those watching their intake, here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving:

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg

Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g

Protein: 19g

FAQ

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Q: Can I freeze Church Supper Hot Dish?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the dish as directed but stop before baking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.

Q: What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?
A: If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can use crushed potato chips or even crispy fried onions for a similar texture and flavor.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use lentils for a hearty, meat-free version.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: To lighten the dish, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup. You can also add more vegetables to increase the fiber content.

With its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and incredible flavor, Church Supper Hot Dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy!