Luncheon Meat-Hot Dish
A hearty and comforting hot dish featuring diced luncheon meat, crunchy chow mein noodles, and tender celery, all baked to perfection. This versatile casserole offers rich flavors with a creamy mushroom and chicken base, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It freezes well for easy leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir in chow mein noodles into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a covered dish and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Cube bread slices and fry them in butter until golden.
- About 15 minutes before the end of baking, top the casserole with the fried bread cubes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the luncheon meat with diced ham or turkey. You can also use low-fat cream soups and milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess. If you want a crunchier topping, sprinkle some grated cheese over the fried bread cubes before the final baking phase. This dish is a great way to use up leftover cooked celery from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Luncheon Meat-Hot Dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad For 50 People if you're serving a crowd. You can also offer some pickles or sliced tomatoes on the side to add freshness to the meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
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 to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a unique lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luncheon Meat-Hot Dish contains roughly 607 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% 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 and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the fried bread topping until you're ready to bake it. This allows the bread to maintain its crispiness during baking.
What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can substitute with crispy fried onions or even crushed potato chips for a different texture. Just remember to add them towards the end of baking for maximum crunch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the luncheon meat with diced tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. Additionally, ensure that the cream soups you use are vegetarian-friendly, and consider adding more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
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).