Church Supper Hot Dish

Discover the beloved tradition of Church Supper Hot Dish—a treasured recipe passed down from generation to generation. This delectable dish, featured in both Norma Turner’s mother’s church cookbook and her own, has earned its place in the hearts and taste buds of many. Ideal for potlucks and gatherings, this hot dish boasts a delightful medley of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup, crowned with crunchy chow mein noodles and gooey melted cheddar cheese.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups sliced peeled potatoes
• 2 cups finely chopped celery
• ¾ cup finely chopped carrots
• ¼ cup finely chopped green pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 cans (10¾ ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 can (5 ounces) chow mein noodles, divided
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced potatoes, chopped celery, finely chopped carrots, green pepper, and onion in butter for 5 minutes. Add water, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and the cooked ground beef until well-blended.
3. Sprinkle half of the chow mein noodles into a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture over the noodles. Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Top the hot dish with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining chow mein noodles. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until heated through.

YIELD: 8 servings

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes (preparation) + 30 minutes (baking)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or add spices to suit your taste preferences.

TIPS:

• Serve this delightful hot dish at potlucks or family gatherings for a heartwarming and comforting meal that is sure to please everyone.

Church Supper Hot Dish, a time-honored tradition passed down from one church cookbook to another, showcases the essence of comfort food at its finest. Norma Turner’s treasured recipe features a harmonious blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy chow mein noodles, crowned with a layer of gooey melted cheddar cheese. This wholesome and hearty dish has stood the test of time and remains a beloved staple for potlucks and family gatherings.

The ease of preparation makes this hot dish a practical option for busy days when a wholesome and crowd-pleasing meal is needed. With its heartwarming flavors and delightful textures, Church Supper Hot Dish is sure to satisfy taste buds and evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.

The versatility of this dish allows for personalization—consider incorporating your favorite vegetables or adding spices to elevate the flavors to your liking. The combination of tender vegetables, well-seasoned ground beef, and the creamy goodness of condensed cream of mushroom soup create a delightful medley of tastes that will leave everyone craving for more.

Whether you’re carrying on the cherished tradition of Church Supper Hot Dish or introducing it to new generations, this recipe holds a special place in the hearts of those who have enjoyed its comforting embrace. From its origins in a church cookbook to becoming a cherished family favorite, this hot dish continues to bring people together through the joy of sharing a delicious and heartwarming meal.