Chinese Hot Dish
A hearty and comforting Chinese-inspired casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, and rice, topped with noodles for added texture. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a savory blend of flavors with a satisfying, warm finish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, small chopped onion, and celery in a skillet.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, soy sauce, and uncooked rice in a casserole dish.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture to the casserole dish and stir well.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- During the last 15 minutes of baking, place Chinese noodles on top of the casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the hamburger mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste; low-sodium soy sauce can be a healthier option. If you want more texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the mix, which would complement the dish well.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a main course and pairs well with steamed vegetables like Green Beans And Mushrooms for a well-rounded meal. You could also serve it alongside a simple salad or some sweet and sour sauce for an extra layer of flavor. It also goes nicely with a side of Chinese noodles for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the casserole to prevent it from drying out. Cover it with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Hot Dish contains roughly 413 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2194mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of uncooked white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Pre-cook the brown rice until partially tender before adding it to the casserole to ensure everything is cooked properly by the end of the baking time.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a mixture of sour cream and diced mushrooms or use a homemade cream sauce. There are also various alternatives in stores, including cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, which would work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven or microwave until heated thoroughly. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy nights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).