Potluck Favorite
A comforting casserole combining savory hamburger, vegetables, rice, and creamy soups, topped with cracker crumbs; perfect for potlucks and family dinners needing hearty, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger, chopped celery, chopped onions, and green bell pepper in a skillet.
- Add mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, and salt; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meat while browning. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger meat for a lighter option. If you don't have Minute rice, regular rice can work, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken from a dish like the 10 Minute Chicken-Mushroom Dinner instead of hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside Garlicky Potato Salad for a comforting side. You can also top it with shredded cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potluck Favorite contains roughly 355 calories, with 11g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg 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 casserole a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use a similar amount of a cream-based soup, like cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. This will keep the dish creamy while altering the flavor slightly.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake 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).