Christmas Eve Hot Dish
A hearty and cheesy Christmas Eve hot dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy chow mein noodles. Its comforting flavors and easy assembly make it perfect for holiday family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of savory, crunchy, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground round with chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat and add cubed American cheese, cooked egg noodles, chopped black olives, and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a covered casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk and pour over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes with the casserole covered.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle chow mein noodles and cashews over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mixture of half-and-half instead of milk when combining with the cream of mushroom soup. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or substituting the ground round with ground turkey for a lighter option. This dish is similar to American recipes like Calico Casserole, making it a comforting choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw. It's an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Eve Hot Dish contains roughly 577 calories, with 33g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1704mg per serving (74% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step a day ahead. Assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground round with a plant-based meat substitute or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Make sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese and cream of mushroom soup to keep the dish entirely meat-free, appealing to those who prefer vegetarian recipes.
What can I serve with Christmas Eve Hot Dish?
This hearty casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a festive touch, a cranberry sauce can enhance the flavors while adding a pop of color to your holiday table.
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).