Ok, so this dish may not look very appetizing, but it is very special to me. My Mom was the queen of the “Hot Dish” and we grew up on them. This particular hot dish was written out for me by my Mom. Another cherished recipe because it is in her handwriting. Her handwriting is very unique. Wouldn’t you agree?
My Mom adapted this recipe from a cookbook that was probably a fundraiser for my grade school, McKinley. The school is long gone, but before it was knocked down, three generations of my family went to school there. It is a fascinating book to page through. I especially get a kick out of the ads. Here are pictures of a couple ads and a recipe:
The recipes are very “old school”. They are all filled with saturated fat and salt. Not exactly what I call a healthy recipe, but that is what I grew up on! I have adapted the recipe somewhat to cut down on the fat and calories. It is a comfort food for me that I indulge once in a while.
Hamburger Rice Hot Dish
Serves 8?
1 to 1.5 lbs. of ground beef- extra lean (hamburger)
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 can sliced mushrooms or fresh work too just add a little less water
1 c. white rice- brown rice or wild rice mix is nice too
1 small onion, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup, Heathy Request
6 T. low sodium soy sauce
3 c. boiling water
In a large pan (I use an old roaster from my Mom. It can be put together on top of the stove and then baked in the same pan) brown ground beef with onion and celery. Once brown and the onion is tender, add the rice, soy sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Mix. Add the boiling water and let the hot dish come to a boil. Put contents in a casserole dish and cover tightly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the rice cooked. We always have this hot dish with cranberry sauce. I prefer the whole cranberry sauce, but my husband always has it with the jellied cranberry sauce. I salad or vegetable would be a lot healthier, but either way it is a great comfort food for the winter!
Stay tuned for another hot dish from this cookbook.
Minnesota Food Lover 