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Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Casseroles

Chow Mein Hotdish (Minnesota Hotdish)

Published: Mar 9, 2019 by Terri Gilson · Modified: May 17, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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Chow Mein Minnesota Hotdish in large orange casserole dish
collage of 2 photos of Minnesota Hotdish (Chow Mein Casserole)
Chow Mein Hotdish casserole on a plate in front with casserole dish in background

All these years I had no idea that my mother-in-law's "Chow Mein Casserole" was actually a Chow Mein Hotdish (aka Minnesota Hotdish). But it makes perfect sense, given where we're from. Being that we're from Winnipeg, which happens to be in the Canadian province of Manitoba, which lies directly above the states of Minnesota and North Dakota, it now makes perfect sense that she'd have a recipe for Minnesota Hotdish in her arsenal.

Chow Mein Hotdish casserole on a plate in front with casserole dish in background

My mother-in-law passed away when my kids were pretty young, so they never really had the pleasure of enjoying her cooking. I, on the other hand, did and was fortunate enough to get many of her recipes. This recipe is one of my husband's faves and a total comfort food to him.

Jump to:
  • 💭What is Chow Mein Hotdish (Minnesota Hotdish)?!
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 📖Variations & Substitutions
  • 🍲The Difference between a Casserole and a HotDish
  • 🥗 Side Dishes
  • 👪 Serving Size
  • 🍽Equipment
  • 🌡️STORAGE
  • ⭐ Reviews
  • 📋Chow Mein Hotdish Recipe
  • 📋More Casserole Recipes!

One of the main reasons I started this blog was so that my kids and future generations would have my recipes. I wasn't so lucky. And although it pains me that I don't have any of my Baba's recipes, I'm eternally grateful that I have many of my Mom's, Grandma's,  Great Grandma's and even one of my Great Great Grandmother's recipes for Date Nut Loaf ! And fortunately, I was able to get several of Grandma Jean's recipes; this being one of them. I am grateful that my kids get to enjoy at least some of her cooking through me.

When I was growing up in Winnipeg there were a lot hockey tournaments in Minnesota and we regularly billeted Minnesota hockey players in Winnipeg. I'd say we were pretty good buddies with the state of Minnesota. And being that it was a hop skip and a jump from Winnipeg, it's really no surprise this little gem found its way across the border!

Chow Mein Minnesota Hotdish in large orange casserole dish

💭What is Chow Mein Hotdish (Minnesota Hotdish)?!

Hotdish, the unofficial state cuisine of Minnesota, is a comfort food staple found in households, not just in Minnesota, but across the Upper Midwest United States. Hotdish is a type of casserole that incorporates a mixture of simple, thrifty ingredients and dump and stir method. Being thrifty is the reason it's also referred to as poor man's chow mein. You can read more about the hotdish HERE.

🥘 Ingredients

The Anatomy of a Hot Dish:

  • Protein: Ground beef (hamburger), shredded chicken, canned tuna
  • Vegetable: Canned corn, canned green beans
  • Starch: rice, macaroni, mashed potatoes
  • Sauce: Canned cream of anything soup: cream of mushroom, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, cheddar
  • Crispy Topping: Tater Tots, French’s French Fried Onions, chow mein noodles, crushed potato chips

The only difference is that this Minnesota hot dish calls for celery and onion instead of the canned veggies. I usually serve it with mixed vegetables on the side, but you could easily add them to the dish!

📖Variations & Substitutions

  • Add-ins - water chestnuts, bamboo shoots or bean sprouts
  • Hamburger - You could also substitute ground turkey or chicken (this will lighten it up as well)
  • Rice - You could use white rice, wild rice, brown rice, jasmine rice or cauliflower rice (to lighten it)
  • Soup- if you don't have any canned cream soup on hand, check out my post on how to make a cream of anything soup substitute
Chow Mein Hotdish casserole on a plate in front with casserole dish in background

🍲The Difference between a Casserole and a HotDish

Although all hotdishes are casseroles, the reverse is not true. Hotdish is a general term that has been used since the early 18th century and applies to South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Hot dishes use more condensed soup varieties like cream of mushroom, while casseroles often use stock, vegetable juices and wine. Both casseroles and hot dishes have become all-in-one staple meals in North America that can be found at the majority of social functions including banquets, family dinners, thanksgiving, funerals and potlucks.

Casseroles are king when it comes to easy comfort food. And if you talk to anyone from the upper midwestern United States (or Manitoba) they'll most certainly agree that this Chow Mein Hotdish epitomizes comfort food!

🥗 Side Dishes

I like to serve this Chow Mein Casserole with mixed veggies on the side, a salad or a vegetable side dish. Here are some ideas:

  • Quick Cucumber Kimchi (shown)
  • Spinach salad
kimchi pickle in white bowl on grey marble counter surface with glass vinegar container in background

👪 Serving Size

This Chow Mein Casserole recipe serves 8. However, you can half, or even double or triple the recipe if you're feeding a large family, simply by clicking on the blue serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. You'll just need a larger (or additional) casserole dishes.

🍽Equipment

For this mock chow mein, you'll need a skillet (frying pan), a large 3 quart casserole dish (9X13) (affiliate link).

🌡️STORAGE

Store this Chow Mein Hot dish in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. It can be frozen for up to 3 months in a sealed container.

If you love comfort food casseroles, you're probably going to love my Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole too!

Healthy Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole - Foodmeanderings.com

If you're looking for easy recipes, you'll love this one! And as far as comfort foods go, this Chow Mein Hotdish casserole is the ultimate.

⭐ Reviews

Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

What others are saying:

"It's a hit with my family!!! Super easy. I made it with ground turkey, added couple cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes!!!!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Chow Mein Minnesota Hotdish in large orange casserole dish
Food Meandering Logo

📋Chow Mein Hotdish Recipe

Chow Mein Hotdish, also known as Minnesota Hotdish or Chow Mein Casserole is classic midwestern casserole comfort! This ground beef and rice casserole with creamy soup and a crunchy chow mein noodle topping, is super easy to throw together or can be made ahead and frozen!
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: dinner, potluck
Cuisine: American
Keyword: casserole, chow mein, hotdish, Minnesota
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 336kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs ground beef * I use lean ground beef
  • 1.5 cups chopped celery
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 whole medium onions
  • 2 cups cooked rice * I used brown instant rice
  • 10 ounce - can of cream of tomato soup/condensed tomato soup
  • 10 ounce - can of cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ -14 oz pkg dry (crispy) chow mein noodles
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce

Garnish

  • dry (crispy) chow mein noodles
  • additional soya sauce
  • green onions, chopped (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/ 175 degrees C and spray the inside of a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Brown ground beef in large skillet with chopped onion over medium- high heat. 
  • Cook celery in ½ cup water in microwave (covered) for 4- 5 minutes until soft. Drain off remaining water.
  • Add celery, tomato soup, mushroom soup and rice to ground beef.
  • Combine ground beef mixture with chow mein noodles (dry) into prepared casserole dish and sprinkle on soya sauce.
  • Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Garnish:

  • Garnish with additional dry chow mein noodles, and soy sauce and green onions, if desired.

Notes

 
Nutrition Facts
📋Chow Mein Hotdish Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 336 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 107mg36%
Sodium 899mg39%
Potassium 871mg25%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 40g80%
Vitamin A 145IU3%
Vitamin C 4.7mg6%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 4.8mg27%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 40g (80%) | Fat: 9g (14%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Cholesterol: 107mg (36%) | Sodium: 899mg (39%) | Potassium: 871mg (25%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 145IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 4.7mg (6%) | Calcium: 27mg (3%) | Iron: 4.8mg (27%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

📋More Casserole Recipes!

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  • Potato, Spinach and Beef Casserole (Gluten-free)
  • Turnip and Apple Casserole
  • Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole (Gluten-free)
  • Potato, Spinach and Beef Casserole (Gluten-free)
  • Easy Tuna Casserole
  • Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lee Ann

    March 22, 2019 at 1:42 pm

    IS SOYA SAUCE AND SOY SAUCE THE SAME THING?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 22, 2019 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Lee Ann ,
      Yes it is ?For some reason we use the British term ‘soya’ instead of ‘soy’ in Canada! But they are interchangeable.

      Reply
  2. Lisa Cosgrove

    March 30, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    It's a hit with my family!!! Super easy. I made it with ground turkey, added couple cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes!!!!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 30, 2019 at 9:58 pm

      That’s great, Lisa! Glad you liked it.
      Sounds like a healthy version with a little bit of spice?

      Reply
  3. Bernice Hill

    April 24, 2019 at 9:38 am

    Really interesting! I have actually never heard of a Hot Dish and I grew up only one province over. We had these type of dishes but never used that name. I can imagine it's a great way to feed a large amount of people or one hungry hockey player on the cheap!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2019 at 9:28 am

      I know, Bernice. I hadn't heard of it referred to as "hot dish" in Canada either. It wasn't until I was researching my post that I realized that was it's OTHER NAME 🙂 Oh yeah, hungry hockey players are a great target audience!

      Reply
  4. Colleen

    April 24, 2019 at 10:12 am

    I've never heard of a hot dish, but it sure sounds like total comfort food, and a great way to feed a crowd.

    Reply
  5. Cynthia

    April 24, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    I also have never heard of a hot dish. Looks easy and budget friendly to make!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2019 at 9:27 am

      Yes, it's very budget friendly, Cynthia!

      Reply
  6. Jo Vanderwolf

    April 25, 2019 at 10:12 am

    My parents are going to love this. Thank you so much for sharing it. I can't wait to make this for them this weekend. It looks so comforting!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2019 at 9:26 am

      Thanks, Jo! Yes, it is very comforting and easy to make. Hope you all enjoy it!

      Reply
  7. Melanie @ Bon Appet' Eat

    April 26, 2019 at 8:50 am

    My kids, well everyone at home, would love this! I'm pinning it for later! Looks so good!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Hope you like it - it's such a comfort food for us!

      Reply
  8. Sabrina

    April 29, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    Yummy and delicious, definitely a family crowd pleaser!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 30, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks Sabrina!

      Reply
  9. Missy

    May 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    I’ve been to two different grocery stores and can’t find cream of tomato. Will condensed tomato soup work?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      May 16, 2019 at 4:17 pm

      Sorry you had that trouble, Missy! Yes it’s the same thing. I think maybe some brands call it cream of tomato ?

      Reply
  10. Rebecca Donahue

    October 25, 2019 at 11:21 pm

    Hello. While the recipe looks delicious and adaptable, I'm actually interested in the orange casserole dish with the high, angled handles--it looks just like one my uncle used to own, and which I have inherited. He said it is an enamel-covered dutch oven, but I'm not sure, and don't want to damage it by using it incorrectly. Please, can you telI me what it is? I would be very grateful for your help. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      October 26, 2019 at 4:20 am

      Hi Rebecca,
      That is a Rachel Ray casserole dish I won in a recipe contest last year! It can go in the oven but not on the stove top.
      If your uncle said it’s a Dutch oven you have then you can use it on the stove top AND in the oven!I also have a Dutch oven that’s similar in colour. I hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Donahue

        November 10, 2019 at 11:07 pm

        Thank you! Once I dug the dish/lid out of the packing box, I could see that it is ceramic instead of enameled metal. It is not a Dutch oven, but still versatile and in good condition. I look forward to using it, and holding onto that little bit of connection to him. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Terri Gilson

          November 11, 2019 at 8:25 am

          Hi Rebecca,
          Wonderful! Enjoy that casserole dish and the memories it brings 🙂

          Reply
  11. Carissa Mullenix

    July 27, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    I have made something similar to this but used cream of celery soup instead of the cream of mushroom since one of my kids hates mushrooms. Also if I use ground chicken instead of ground beef I use cream of chicken soup.

    Reply
  12. Kristine S

    November 06, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    Hi there! A few questions:
    Do I cook the casserole first before freezing?
    And do the chow mein noodles go on top before freezing if it is frozen uncooked?
    I am preparing a lot of dishes prior to surgery and this looks delicious!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      November 06, 2022 at 7:19 pm

      Hi Kristine,
      Yes, cook it prior to freezing! I would put the crunchy chow mein noodles on after it's warmed up, if you like them crunchy. But I have eaten them after they've been frozen too. If you are looking for more dishes I would recommend my Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole and my Lasagna, as well as my Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole.
      Good luck with your surgery!
      Terri

      Reply

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I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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