Blanche's Comforting Mixed Vegetable Hot Dish 🥩🥕🥫

This hearty Mixed Vegetable Hot Dish is a classic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish combines savory ground beef and a medley of vegetables with creamy soups for a rich, satisfying meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the hot dish

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 - 10½ oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 - 10½ oz can chicken with rice soup
• 1 - 1 lb can mixed vegetables, undrained
• 2 cups chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 - 4 oz can mushrooms, undrained

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and diced celery over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

   🍳 Tip: Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces for even cooking and to enhance the overall texture of the dish.

2. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with the cream of mushroom soup, chicken with rice soup, mixed vegetables (with the liquid), chow mein noodles, soy sauce, and the canned mushrooms.

3. Bake: Pour the combined mixture into a casserole dish and spread it evenly. Place it in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

   ⏰ Keep an eye on it as it bakes! If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

4. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm and is even better the next day!

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.
• Extra Veggies: Add in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach work wonderfully!
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before baking.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers: Store any leftover hot dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a great meal prep option for busy weeknights!
• Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover with plastic wrap and foil to ensure freshness. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

This Mixed Vegetable Hot Dish is sure to become a staple recipe that will warm your heart and fill your belly! Enjoy! 😋