Re: Food, Food, Glorious Food - what you having for dinner?
Reply #30 - July 18, 2009, 07:28 AM
This is brilliant for dinner on a budget!!
Try this recipe and turn leftovers into favorite family foods!
"Make-Your-Own" Casserole
General Directions:
Select food(s) from each category or use your own favorites. Combine in a buttered 2- to 2 1/2- quart casserole dish. Cover and bake at 180 C/350 F for about 50 minutes to 1 hour or microwave using 50% power for about 15 to 30 minutes, rotating or stirring as necessary. Heat until steaming hot (165 F) throughout.
Starch - select ONE:
* 2 cups uncooked pasta (macaroni, penne, spiral, bow tie), COOKED
* 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice, COOKED
* 4 cups uncooked noodles, COOKED
Protein - select ONE:
* 2 cups cooked ground beef
* 2 cups cooked and diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef, or pork
* 2 cups chopped hard-cooked egg
* 2 (6 to 8-oz.) cans fish or seafood, flaked
* 2 cups cooked or canned dry beans (kidney, etc.)
Vegetable - select ONE:
* 1 (10-oz.) pkg. thawed and drained frozen spinach, broccoli, green beans, green peas
* 1 (16-oz.) can green beans, peas, carrots, corn, drained
* 2 cups sliced fresh zucchini
Sauce - select ONE:
* 2 cups white sauce or 1 can sauce-type soup (mushroom, celery, cheese, tomato, etc.) mixed with milk to make 2 cups
* 1 (16-oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice
Flavor - select ONE or MORE:
* 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup sliced black olives
* 1 - 2 teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon)
* Salt and pepper to taste
Topping- select ONE or MORE:
If desired after heating, place on top:
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded Swiss, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup buttered bread crumbs
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup canned fried onion rings
Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes or to microwave for about 2 minutes.