Thanksgiving Hot Dish
A hearty Thanksgiving hot dish combining tender hamburger, savory soups, and crunchy croutons, perfect for cozy family dinners and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put raw hamburger in a 9 x 13-inch pan and pat down slightly.
- Boil water, celery stalks, and onion until tender.
- Pour this mixture over the croutons in the pan.
- Add cream of celery soup and two cans of cream of chicken soup.
- Pour all the mixture over the hamburger.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Let stand for 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the hamburger with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a cup of sour cream to the mixture. If you don't have croutons, stale bread or breadcrumbs can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving Hot Dish is perfect as a hearty main course. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. It pairs beautifully with homemade cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with biscuits or cornbread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hot dish in an oven set to 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Hot Dish contains roughly 771 calories, with 20g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2047mg per serving (89% 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 this dish a day in advance. Assemble it in the pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade alternative, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can also be used for a different flavor profile while still maintaining creaminess.
Is it possible to freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven 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).