This is my signature dish for church suppers, and my friends at church absolutely rave about it

Here’s what you’ll need:

#### **Main Ingredients**:
– **Protein**: Ground beef or chicken, depending on your preference (both are crowd favorites!)
– **Casserole base**: A creamy combination of cream of mushroom soup and cheese that brings the richness and warmth that everyone loves.
– **Veggies**: I use a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables, like peas, corn, and carrots, to add color, flavor, and nutrients.
– **Starch**: A hearty base like pasta, rice, or even tater tots gives the dish structure and makes it filling.
– **Seasoning**: Simple seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are all you need to enhance the dish’s natural flavors.

#### **Optional Additions**:
– **Cheese**: Top it with shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work best) to give it that melty, gooey finish that everyone loves.
– **Breadcrumb topping**: A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top gives it an extra crunch that balances out the creamy textures.
– **Herbs**: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor and make it feel more homemade.

### **How to Make My Signature Dish**

Now that you have the key components, let’s walk through how to prepare this dish for your church supper.

#### **Step 1: Brown the Protein**
Start by browning the ground beef or chicken in a skillet. If you’re using beef, drain any excess fat once it’s fully cooked. Season with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to bring out the flavors.

#### **Step 2: Create the Creamy Base**
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with a little milk or chicken broth to make a creamy sauce. Stir in a generous amount of shredded cheese and mix well. This will form the comforting, cheesy base of your dish.

#### **Step 3: Add the Vegetables**
Add your choice of veggies to the meat mixture. If you’re using frozen vegetables, make sure they’re thawed before adding them. Stir everything together to combine.

#### **Step 4: Layer the Dish**
In a large casserole dish, layer the meat and veggie mixture evenly. Then, pour the creamy sauce over the top and spread it out. If you’re using a starch like pasta or rice, add that in as the first layer to help absorb the flavors and keep the casserole hearty.

#### **Step 5: Bake to Perfection**
Top the casserole with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs, if desired, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out to your fellow churchgoers, and watch the compliments roll in!

### **Why It’s a Hit at Church Suppers**

One of the things that makes this dish so special for church suppers is how much everyone enjoys it. It’s the type of meal that feels like home—comforting, familiar, and full of warmth. People are always excited to dig into it, and the combination of flavors is perfect for feeding a crowd.

– **Comforting, yet elevated**: This isn’t just your average casserole. It’s packed with flavor and has that extra something special that makes people keep coming back for seconds.
– **Perfect for large groups**: The recipe is easily scalable, so you can make enough to serve a large group of people, making it perfect for church events or family gatherings.
– **Crowd-pleasing**: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or those who love bold flavors, this dish is sure to win everyone over.

### **Final Thoughts**

If you’re looking for the perfect dish to bring to your next church supper or potluck, my signature casserole is the answer. It’s easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for the recipe. So, why not try it out and see what all the fuss is about? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite at any gathering.

Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure—this dish will be the star of the church supper, and your friends will absolutely rave about it!