Although I grew up in the Midwest, I didn’t hear the phrase “hot dish” until I moved to Northern Wisconsin. This Upper Midwest staple is commonly served at potlucks and church gatherings, where the usual instructions are “bring a hot dish to share.” This church supper hot dish recipe is a classic combination of ground beef, starchy potatoes, chopped vegetables and canned cream of mushroom soup. Crispy chow mein noodles ensure each bite has a toothsome crunch.

What is a church supper hot dish?

Midwesterners love a hot dish, but what’s not to love? It’s a classic budget-friendly potluck recipe that combines meat, potatoes, vegetables and canned soup. The casserole has endless variations: Some contain beef or chicken, the vegetables can be anything (green beans and peas are popular), and the topping is often Tater Tots.

Hot dishes have been around for generations—the first published recipe was in a 1930s-era cookbook—and today these recipes are still a great way to use up leftovers, inexpensive cuts of meat, frozen vegetables and pantry staples like condensed soup. Regardless of what’s on the inside or on top, hearty and filling hot dish recipes are always a popular sight at potluck gatherings.

Church Supper Hot Dish Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for this recipe; 80/20 or 90/10 blends are ideal for this hot dish.
• Vegetables: This hot dish combines peeled and sliced potatoes with finely chopped celery, carrots, green peppers and onions.
• Butter: Sauteing the veggies in butter adds a rich and buttery flavor to the hot dish.
• Water: The veggies are simmered in water to help them soften.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple at the base of many casseroles and other comfort food recipes.
• Chow mein noodles: Chow mein noodles are used as the base of the casserole and provide a crunchy topping. For this recipe, use the chow mein noodles in a can.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adding cheese is always a good idea. For the best flavor and meltability, shred the cheese yourself. However, packaged shredded cheddar will totally work.

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