create a casserole

Create a tasty casserole from simple foods. Just choose an item from each category and follow the directions. Use your imagination! Each casserole serves four adults. 

Get a printable version of Create a Casserole. 

Step 1: Choose one starch
  • Brown Rice: 1 cup rice, 2 cups water: Combine rice and water. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
  • Whole grain pasta or noodles: 2 cups pasta or 3 cups noodles, 6 cups water: Heat water until it boils. Stir in pasta or noodles. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. Look on the package for specific instructions.
  • Potatoes: 3 cups diced potatoes, 6 cups water. Heat water until it boils. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Whole grain tortilla: Flour or corn.

Step 2: Choose one protein
  • 1 (15 oz.) can or 2 cups cooked dried beans or lentils (pinto, black, white, kidney, etc.)
  • ½ pound cooked ground beef
  • 1½ cups cooked and diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef, fish, or pork
  • 2 cups chopped hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 (6-8 oz.) can beef, chicken, tuna, salmon, or other fish
  • 1 (12-16 oz.) package extra firm tofu, drained

Step 3: Choose one to three vegetables (2 cups total)
  • Broccoli, carrots, corn, green beans, peas, squash, mixed veggies.
  • Fresh, frozen or canned

Step 4: Choose one sauce
  • 1(10 oz.) can soup (cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, tomato, cheese, etc.)
  • 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 cups gravy:
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch OR 4 tablespoons flour
    • ¼ cup COLD water
    • 2 cups HOT chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
    • Mix cornstarch or flour into cold water with fork. Make sure you have no lumps. Slowly add mixture to boiling stock, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and continue to cook and stir with whisk until thickened.

 

Step 5: Choose one or more flavors
  • ½ cup chopped onion, celery, green pepper, or salsa
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Cook onion, garlic, celery, and peppers in a small amount of water or broth
  • 1 - 2 teaspoons dried herbs (oregano, basil, cumin, chili powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, etc.)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 6: Choose One or More Toppings (optional)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Directions

Select a food from each category or use your own favorites. Combine all ingredients except toppings in a 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° F until bubbly (30-45 minutes). Add toppings and return to oven for about 10 minutes.

Create a Casserole Recipe Collection