Linda'S Big Hot Dish
Linda's Big Hot Dish is a hearty, comforting casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and savory sauce flavors, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Drain off all fat and use less onions if desired.
- Place the cooked mixture in a large roaster.
- Add peas and their juice, corn and its juice, chopped celery (including leaves), and all other ingredients except the macaroni.
- Cook the mixture according to the macaroni's directions.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture, stir well.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with garlic or adding spices like paprika or cumin. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use quinoa instead of macaroni for a gluten-free dish. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in for extra nutrition. This dish can be customized similarly to American recipes like Chili In Bread Boats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty hot dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh coleslaw. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside other classic beef recipes, like Iowa Burgers, to create a satisfying dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions covered to retain moisture. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Big Hot Dish contains roughly 547 calories, with 22g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (337% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% 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 dish a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils. You can also add additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for more texture and flavor. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for cooking the macaroni.
Can I freeze Linda's Big Hot Dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).