I am so thrilled to share with you one of my go-to recipes that never fails to impress – the Easy Hot Dish. This is not just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for those frantic weeknights when you’re torn between wanting to serve a hearty, home-cooked meal to your family and the ticking clock. The Easy Hot Dish, as the name suggests, is incredibly simple to whip up, but the end result is nothing short of spectacular. What I love about this recipe is its humble, no-nonsense approach to comfort food. With standard pantry staples like canned spaghetti, mixed vegetables, hamburger, and cream of chicken soup, you’re able to create a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and utterly satisfying. This recipe has a nostalgic feel to it, reminiscent of those cozy family dinners around the kitchen table. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings together the flavors of tender hamburger, crisp vegetables, and creamy soup in a symphony of taste and texture. It’s versatile too – feel free to add in your favorite veggies or swap the hamburger with turkey or chicken for a different spin. So, let’s get cooking and turn your dinner time into a delicious feast with this Easy Hot Dish!
Ingredients
- 1 can Franco-American spaghetti
- onion and celery, chopped
- 1 can Veg-All mixed vegetables
- 1 lb. hamburger
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (not diluted)
Cooking Method
- Brown hamburger with onion and celery.
- Mix with remaining ingredients.
- Put in oven dish and bake, uncovered, until thoroughly heated.
- Or keep it warm in frying pan on top of stove.
Calorie: 450
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Naming Is Half the Battle: The Easy Hot Dish Tale
Welcome to my kitchen, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’ll be your guide on a culinary journey. No, we’re not scaling Mt. Everest or crossing the Sahara. We’re venturing into the world of the Easy Hot Dish. It’s not as ominous as it sounds, I promise. This is a recipe handed down from my great aunt Gertrude, who was as notorious for her quirky cooking as she was for her flamboyant hats.
The Gathering of the Ingredients
This quest begins like any other, with a gathering of the ingredients. What do we need? Well, let’s see. We have our trusty can of Franco-American spaghetti, an onion and celery duo ready for their chopping block, a can of Veg-All mixed vegetables (because why chop when you can open a can?), a pound of honest-to-goodness hamburger, and a solitary can of cream of chicken soup (not diluted, mind you).
Let the Browning Commence
Now we’re cooking! Literally. This is the part where we have to brown the hamburger with our onion and celery. It’s like a meaty spa treatment. The onion and celery are like the aromatherapy candles that set the mood. The hamburger sizzles and sweats, releasing its flavorful essence. This is the part where you feel like a real chef, even if you’re just standing there stirring occasionally and trying not to burn anything.
Mixing Madness
Once our hamburger is sufficiently browned and aromatic, it’s time for the next step. We mix it with the remaining ingredients. This is the part where our dish truly earns its name. It’s like a culinary mosh pit. The spaghetti, Veg-All, and cream of chicken soup all dive into the mix, creating a colorful and fragrant concoction that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the nostrils.
The Bake-Off
Now, we’re moving on to the next stage. We put our beautifully mixed dish into an oven dish and bake it, uncovered, until it’s thoroughly heated. This is the part where you have to show some restraint. Resist the urge to open the oven door every two minutes to check on your creation. Trust in the process, my friends!
The Frying Pan Alternative
If you’re one of those people who like to live dangerously (or just don’t have an oven), fear not! You can keep your dish warm in a frying pan on top of the stove. Just remember to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking. It’s like the lazy man’s version of baking… a method I’ve used more than once, if I’m being honest.
The Grand Finale
And there you have it, folks! The Easy Hot Dish in all its glory. A dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s like a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and effortless. And remember, no matter how your dish turns out, it’s the journey that counts.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Don’t forget to share your Easy Hot Dish stories. I know Aunt Gertrude would have loved to hear them.
