Herb Crouton Hot Dish
A hearty casserole featuring seasoned croutons, savory hamburger, and creamy soups, topped with crispy French onions. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer hamburger and then croutons in a casserole or 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix the cream of celery, cream of chicken, and cream of mushroom soups with milk.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Spread French onions on top.
- Bake for 1 hour at 325°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the hamburger with garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs before layering. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for hamburger. You could also swap the cream soups for homemade versions using stock and flour to thicken. Experiment with different crouton flavors to customize the dish, such as garlic or cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty hot dish alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Oven Fried Chicken Pieces, enhancing the comfort food experience. For a fun twist, top with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, warming at 325°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Crouton Hot Dish contains roughly 1379 calories, with 33g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of croutons?
If you don't have croutons on hand, you can use stale bread cut into cubes, seasoned and toasted in the oven. Alternatively, crushed crackers or even tortilla chips can work as a crunchy topping, adding a different flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked vegetables like peas, corn, or diced bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked before layering to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
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).