Church Supper Hot Dish

This hearty Church Supper Hot Dish brings the authentic flavors of Midwestern potlucks right to your family table. A comforting combination of ground beef, vegetables, and crispy chow mein noodles creates that classic casserole everyone gravitates toward at community gatherings.

I first served this at our neighborhood block party and came home with an empty dish and six recipe requests. Now it's my goto contribution whenever someone needs a meal during difficult times.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides hearty protein and rich flavor look for 80/20 for best flavor balance
• Sliced potatoes: add satisfying substance and absorb the savory flavors throughout cooking
• Celery: brings a subtle crunch and aromatic base note to the dish
• Carrots: add natural sweetness and bright color to balance the savory elements
• Green bell peppers: contribute a mild garden freshness choose firm peppers with glossy skin
• Chopped onions: form an essential flavor foundation for this classic casserole
• Butter: enhances vegetable flavor during sautéing use real butter for best results
• Cream of mushroom soup: creates the creamy binding sauce that brings everything together
• Chow mein noodles: provide the signature crunch that makes this dish memorable
• Shredded cheddar cheese: forms a golden melty topping sharp cheddar offers best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon until no pink remains about 8 minutes. Remove beef to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess fat while keeping all the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Add butter to the same skillet with beef drippings and heat until melted. Add potatoes celery carrots bell peppers and onions to the pan sautéing for a full 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking without browning.

Simmer for Tenderness:

Pour water over the vegetable mixture and cover the skillet partially with a lid. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are just fork tender but not mushy. The vegetables should maintain some firmness as they will continue cooking in the oven.

Combine the Elements:

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with vegetables. Add both cans of undiluted cream of mushroom soup and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. The mixture should have a thick consistency that holds together without being soupy.

Layer and Bake:

Spread half the chow mein noodles across the bottom of your greased baking dish creating a crunchy base layer. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the noodles pressing down slightly to compact. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling around the edges.

Add Final Touches:

Remove casserole from oven uncover and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Scatter remaining chow mein noodles over the cheese and return to oven uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese melts completely and noodles turn golden brown.

My grandmother insisted the secret to this dish was using the same pan for beef and vegetables to capture all the flavors. She would bring this to every church function for over forty years and somehow it was always the first empty dish at the buffet table.

Make Ahead Magic

This casserole actually improves when made ahead of time. Prepare everything up through assembling in the baking dish but hold back the final chow mein noodles and cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve add an extra 10 minutes to the initial covered baking time then proceed with adding cheese and remaining noodles as directed.

Simple Substitutions

The beauty of church supper hot dish lies in its adaptability. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup works beautifully in place of mushroom. Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option. For a modern twist add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the final mix. You can even substitute French fried onions for the chow mein noodles for a different but equally delicious crunch factor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls or buttered bread complete the classic Midwestern supper experience. For potluck gatherings place the hot dish on a trivet surrounded by small bowls of additional toppings like extra cheese sliced green onions or sour cream.

Midwestern Heritage

Church supper hot dish originated during the mid twentieth century when community gatherings centered around shared meals. Midwestern homemakers created these practical casseroles as economical ways to feed large groups using accessible ingredients. The dish exemplifies the practical ingenuity of heartland cooking where nothing fancy was needed just wholesome nutritious food that brought people together. This particular recipe has been passed through generations as a reliable crowd pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this dish. It will slightly alter the flavor, but it works well with the other ingredients.

→ What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?

If chow mein noodles aren't available, try using crushed potato chips, crispy fried onions, or even crackers for a crunchy topping.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Just allow extra time for baking if it's chilled.

→ How can I make it more vegetarian-friendly?

Omit the ground beef and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

→ Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom for a slightly different flavor profile.