Noodle Hot Dish
A hearty, comforting casserole blending tender noodles with savory ground beef and creamy mushroom, chicken, and tomato soups. The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper and can be topped with cheese for extra richness. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chopped onion, chopped celery, and ground beef in margarine.
- Stir in salt, pepper, cooked noodles, and the soups (cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and tomato).
- Put the mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
- Optional: sprinkle cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery until they are caramelized before adding the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use gluten-free noodles if preferred. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the savory notes. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth in place of the soups.
Serving Suggestions
This Noodle Hot Dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It also complements well with crusty bread or garlic bread, making it a hearty family dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodle Hot Dish contains roughly 300 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% 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 in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What other soups can I use in this recipe?
In addition to cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and tomato soup, you can experiment with other creamy soups like cream of celery or even a cheese soup for added richness. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the desired consistency.
Can I freeze the Noodle Hot Dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through, or bake from frozen, extending the baking time.
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).