Prairie Hot Dish
Prairie Hot Dish is a comforting, hearty casserole combining ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy tomato soup, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a savory flavor profile with cheesy and nostalgic notes, making it a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Mix in salt, pepper, cream-style corn, tomato soup, water, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture in a large cake pan.
- Top with chow mein noodles.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef or leftover meats from dishes like Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup can be used. Feel free to substitute cream-style corn with whole kernel corn for added texture. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using pre-seasoned ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Prairie Hot Dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream can add a nice tang. For a comforting meal, pair it with crusty bread or biscuits. This dish is perfect for potlucks and pairs beautifully with recipes like Busy Day Beef for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the Prairie Hot Dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid overcooking to keep the noodles from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prairie Hot Dish contains roughly 315 calories, with 6g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1452mg per serving (63% 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 Prairie Hot Dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble the ingredients in the cake pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or black beans. These options will still provide a hearty texture while complementing the flavors of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your taste. This will elevate the dish and give it a flavorful kick.
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).