** What Is Your Favorite Mainstream Casserole? **

[AGBF]

I Need Help! What Is Your Favorite Mainstream Casserole?


OK...I need to make a casserole tomorrow. It has to be "mainstream". It has to be something that young people and people of Hispanic as well as "plain" American backgrounds will eat. I want something that has ground beef (or turkey) or just cheese as protein, nothing like tuna fish, in it! I think pasta of some sort is a good bet as a carbohydrate, although I will not refuse to consider potatoes or rice or something else. Yesterday I looked on-line for a recipe I have in Connecticut that my mother gave me years ago, but I couldn't find the exact one. Hers has a spiral pasta; canned black olives; browned ground beef; and some kind of tomato or spaghetti sauce. I cannot recall what else.

Does anyone else have a real crowd pleaser, something that is always eaten up and that young people will eat? I am trying to feed a pregnant friend of my daughter and her boyfriend while the friend is under the weather (contractions). There may be other people in the apartment as well. The casserole will be coming from my daughter .


Deborah

 

[Skippy123]

How about a lasagna? Every time I make lasagna there are no leftovers. You could have a nice salad and french bread to go with it.

no bake noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 Italian sausage 3/4 beef mixture (cooked), onions finely chopped (super easy)

 

[pjean]

Do you have a slow cooker? I made this a couple of weeks ago, and it''s about as mainstream as you can get. My FI says it''s comfort food. If you don''t have a slow cooker, I imagine this would take about an hour in a conventional oven at ~350°, and you could probably put the topping on right away and cook the whole thing covered, except for 10 minutes or so at the end.

Beef Noodle Casserole

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb ground beef
2 onions, finely chopped
4 stocks celery, thinly sliced [I omitted this, due to a minor grocery shopping error]
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cracked black peppercorns [I substituted ground black pepper, to taste]
1 cup beef stock
1 cup tomato sauce or drained canned tomatoes
4 oz cream cheese
8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained (I substituted elbow macaroni)

1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add beef and cook, stirring and breaking up with the back of a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon , and set aside. Drain off liquid in pan.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to pan. Add onions and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, salt and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add stock, tomato sauce and cream cheese and cook, stirring, until cheese is melted.

Spoon 1/2 cup tomato mixture into bottom of greased slow cooker stoneware. Cover with half of the meat, then half of the noodles. Repeat layers of meat and noodles. Finish with a layer of sauce. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until mixture is hot and bubbly.

In a bowl, combine bread crumbs and butter. Add cheese and stir well. Spread over casserole and cook on High 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is bubbly.

 

[JulieN]

Lasagne alla Bolognese al Forno:

consists of pasta dough, ragu bolognese, bechemel, and parmigiano-regianno, a *little* spinich if you want. this is pretty much what you wanted: ground beef and tomatoes. (no olives, though. I'm not really into olives and beef...)

 

[laine]

I'm a fan of baked ziti. The recipe is on the ziti box, the red and blue one, the brand is San something. Its basically noodles, cheese and sauce, and you could add ground beef/turkey. Its a lot like lasagna, but I like it better!

The recipe says to make it in a 9x13 pan, but I use two of the square disposable aluminum pans, eat one and freeze one.

Chicken Divan is another family favorite: chicken and broccoli covered in a cream sauce (mostly made of cream of anything soup) ad topped with cheddar cheese. My mom doesn't use a recipe, but I'm sure you could find one online.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:18:28 PM
Author: Skippy123
How about a lasagna? Every time I make lasagna there are no leftovers. You could have a nice salad and french bread to go with it.

no bake noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 Italian sausage 3/4 beef mixture (cooked), onions finely chopped (super easy)

The kids will love this Deb.

 

[oobiecoo]

One of my favorites is brocolli, rice, and cheese casserole. You can always throw in some shredded chicken as well.

Another thing that isn''t really mainstream but still super yummy is Chilaquiles. I''ve never made them personally but I''ve had them a couple of times. Here''s a simple recipe I found: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/saras-secrets/ten-minute-chilaquiles-recipe/index.html

 

[Gypsy]

I totally agree with Lasagna. Either meat or cheese. It works well with ground turkey, ground chicken, beef, bison, italian sausage thrown in, peperoni thrown in. Whatever. John makes a great bolognese and makes a ton. Whenever he does... we freeze it. Then when we have weird mixes of people or fussy eaters, defrost... add noodles, ricota or a bechamel (not both so much), cheese and spinach or mushrooms (nix these for fussy eaters) and instant hit. A great salad (bruscetta or caprese if you are feeling adventurous, or a nice green salad with balsamic if you aren't), some garlic bread or crusty bread with olive oil and vinegar, and a nice tiramisu (frozen section of costco) and everyone thinks you've gone through a great deal of trouble when really... it's the easiest thing to do.

John's sauce.

Ideally ground something (pick turkey, chicken or beef)
Some mild and hot italian sausage raw-- out of casing.
onions chopped.
Red wine
Oregano
basil
garlic
Salt and Pepper
Toasted Fennel (just toasted in a pan quickly then crushed up in the palm of your hand a bit to release flavor)
Red Pepper

Sautee onions and then add sausage, then the other meat and brown.
Add large can tomato sauce and one can (16 ounces) of chopped San Marz... whatever tomatoes.
Cook for a while. Add in red wine (healthy amount 1/4 bottle). Season with a ton of garlic, oregano and basil (garlic and basil from trader Joes frozen section in cubes are the best. About 10- 12 cubes of each when he makes a large batch)
Simmer. Add some toasted fennel seeds and red pepper. And if you are feeling really healthy chop up some chucks of good peperoni, or if you have sliced.. chiffon it and throw it in it just melts in there. Simmer... 45 minutes.

Alternately, encihiladas are also easy and fun. Add nice salad (lemon juice dressing), some guac and chips and salsa, and something sweet with cinammon.

 

[Erin]

Another vote for Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

2 c. minute rice
1 (8 oz.) jar Cheese Whiz
1 stick butter
3/4 c. onions
2 pkgs. frozen broccoli, chopped
2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Cook rice and mix with Cheese Whiz. Saute onions. Cook and drain broccoli. Combine all ingredients and spread in large rectangular casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Serves 10.

 

[mrssalvo]

my neighbor brought me a chicken pot pie right after I had my youngest baby. I''m not usually a big pot pie fan and it was amazing. I''ve made it several times and everyone loves it, pot pies and non-pot pie lovers alike. It''s very simple to make and the ingredients are pretty straight forward. Carrots, celery, onion, potato''s, chicken. They also brought a salad and a small jar of salad dressing. You could also bake some brownies and it would be a great meal. Let me know if you''re interested and I''ll post the recipe.

i do like Italian casserole''s too but so many very sweet people brought them that the pot pie was a nice change.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:18:28 PM
Author: Skippy123

How about a lasagna? Every time I make lasagna there are no leftovers.

Thank you, Skippy. I did think of this. My usual lasagna recipe is not a quickie, but you are right that I could simplify it. I do not have to make meatballs or sauce from scratch every time I make lasagna! Thank you so much for the great idea!!!

Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:28:03 PM
Author: pjean

Do you have a slow cooker? I made this a couple of weeks ago, and it''s about as mainstream as you can get. My FI says it''s comfort food.

I do, indeed, pjean and it was Pricescope that inspired me to buy one years after I had put away an ancient crockpot that I had ceased to use! This recipe looks fabulous and I will be saving it regardless of whether I need it today. Thank you so much for posting it!


Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:29:00 PM
Author: JulieN


Lasagne alla Bolognese al Forno:

consists of pasta dough, ragu bolognese, bechemel, and parmigiano-regianno, a *little* spinich if you want. this is pretty much what you wanted: ground beef and tomatoes. (no olives, though. I'm not really into olives and beef...)

Julie, this is what I want! As is what Skippy posted. I also found some similar recipes on the 'net. Why do Americans all love Italian food?


Deb

 

[asscherisme]

I vote for baked ziti

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:34:38 PM
Author: laine

I''m a fan of baked ziti. The recipe is on the ziti box, the red and blue one, the brand is San something. Its basically noodles, cheese and sauce, and you could add ground beef/turkey. Its a lot like lasagna, but I like it better!

laine, I need to know what brand ziti that is! I will buy a box just for the recipe! I love pasta casseroles made with pastas other than lasagna and elbow macaroni! If I do not make lasagna today, I am going to make a fusilli casserole. I really think that the shape of the pasta used makes a lot of difference in how a dish tastes and I love to try pasta shapes made from old, Italian molds!


Deborah

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:34:38 PM
Author: laine

Chicken Divan is another family favorite: chicken and broccoli covered in a cream sauce (mostly made of cream of anything soup) ad topped with cheddar cheese. My mom doesn''t use a recipe, but I''m sure you could find one online.

laine, I have to confess that I have never tasted Chicken Divan, but it does sound delicious. I will look for a recipe, just to have one on hand! Thank you for the idea!



Deborah

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 10:34:38 PM
Author: laine

Chicken Divan is another family favorite: chicken and broccoli covered in a cream sauce (mostly made of cream of anything soup) ad topped with cheddar cheese. My mom doesn''t use a recipe, but I''m sure you could find one online.

laine, as I said, I would definitely need a recipe since I never tasted Chicken Divan! I found one on a recipe site with a cook''s recommended adaptations and made a copy for myself. I thought I''d post it here for anyone else who might be interested since I had it done for myself anyway! Thank you for the idea!

Deborah

Chicken Divan


"This is a recipe to serve your mother-in-law; we call it a ''bride basic''. It differs from some divan recipes because of the curry. Men love this. Wonderful! The ingredients can be ''assembled'' and frozen, then baked when you''re ready. Serve with rice and a fruit salad if desired."


INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 2 1/2 cups cooked chopped broccoli
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken meat
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained (optional)
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or more!)
• 3 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Also (for topping): butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Arrange cooked broccoli in a lightly greased 3 quart casserole dish. Arrange chicken over broccoli. Add water chestnuts (if desired).
3. In a medium bowl combine the soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder and butter/margarine. Mix together with sour cream and pour mixture over chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Top with buttered breadcrumbs, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/12/2009 11:15:17 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 1/12/2009 10:18:28 PM
Author: Skippy123
How about a lasagna? Every time I make lasagna there are no leftovers. You could have a nice salad and french bread to go with it.

no bake noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 Italian sausage 3/4 beef mixture (cooked), onions finely chopped (super easy)

The kids will love this Deb.

Thanks for responding, Kaleigh. The voice of experience is always welcome .


Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 2:24:43 AM
Author: oobiecoo
One of my favorites is brocolli, rice, and cheese casserole. You can always throw in some shredded chicken as well.

Another thing that isn't really mainstream but still super yummy is Chilaquiles. I've never made them personally but I've had them a couple of times. Here's a simple recipe I found: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/saras-secrets/ten-minute-chilaquiles-recipe/index.html

oobiecoo, I have never heard of Chilaquiles, although the recipe you posted looks enticing. Starset Princess posted the ultimate recipe for a broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole. I have to thank her for it! Thank you for the idea!


Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 2:45:05 AM
Author: Gypsy

A great salad (bruscetta or caprese if you are feeling adventurous, or a nice green salad with balsamic if you aren't), some garlic bread or crusty bread with olive oil and vinegar, and a nice tiramisu (frozen section of costco) and everyone thinks you've gone through a great deal of trouble when really... it's the easiest thing to do.

Add large can tomato sauce and one can (16 ounces) of chopped San Marz... whatever tomatoes.
Cook for a while. Add in red wine (healthy amount 1/4 bottle). Season with a ton of garlic, oregano and basil (garlic and basil from trader Joes frozen section in cubes are the best. About 10- 12 cubes of each when he makes a large batch)
Simmer. Add some toasted fennel seeds and red pepper. And if you are feeling really healthy chop up some chucks of good peperoni, or if you have sliced.. chiffon it and throw it in it just melts in there. Simmer... 45 minutes.

Bruschetta? Caprese? Toasted fennel? Have you lost your.... Excuse me, Gypsy. That is no way to speak to someone who has just volunteered her time and energy to help me . But, Gypsy, dear...these are teenagers. Well...some of them are. I have to admit that the Boyfriend is, apparently, 23.

I cannot help but think that the food may disappear before it has been tasted, though. Therefore, my goal is that it not taste bad to teenagers and-uh-young people. I mean, I don't want it to taste like fish or anything.

It doesn't have to have roasted fennel inside it, however.

The goal is that the food taste good enough to eat, not that it taste like something adults would enjoy. I am sorry if I did not make that clear .

Much love,
Your friend,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 8:53:49 AM
Author: Starset Princess

Another vote for Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

2 c. minute rice
1 (8 oz.) jar Cheese Whiz
1 stick butter
3/4 c. onions
2 pkgs. frozen broccoli, chopped
2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Cook rice and mix with Cheese Whiz. Saute onions. Cook and drain broccoli. Combine all ingredients and spread in large rectangular casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Serves 10.

Now, this is my idea of cooking! Yes!!! I won''t be making it today, but this looks like a major winner! Thank you, Starset!



Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 9:14:24 AM
Author: mrssalvo


my neighbor brought me a chicken pot pie right after I had my youngest baby. I''m not usually a big pot pie fan and it was amazing. I''ve made it several times and everyone loves it, pot pies and non-pot pie lovers alike. It''s very simple to make and the ingredients are pretty straight forward. Carrots, celery, onion, potato''s, chicken. They also brought a salad and a small jar of salad dressing. You could also bake some brownies and it would be a great meal. Let me know if you''re interested and I''ll post the recipe.


i do like Italian casserole''s too but so many very sweet people brought them that the pot pie was a nice change.

mrssalvo, I would absolutely love having that recipe! Please, do, post it! Thank you!



Deborah

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 11:05:55 AM
Author: asscherisme

I vote for baked ziti

I think you are close, asscherisme. I think I am going to go with baked fusilli, but I still haven''t made it to the grocery store!



Deborah

 

[crown1]

since you want to please the younger generation they may enjoy that hamburger/tater tot casserole?

 

[tlh]

I make a really awesome no-peak stew. it kicks booty! I just throw it in the crockpot and let it do its thing.
1-2 packages Stew Beef Meat
1-2 packages of Lipton Onion Mix (dry) ---depends on how onion-y you want it... hubby likes it REALLY onion-y.
1 can cream of celery
1 can creme of muchroom

(Serves 4-6 people a big bowl full)
Throw in slow cooker on low/medium for 12 hours (not the simmer setting) or high for 4.
Then take a package of egg noodles, boil those... throw in the slow cooker, and keep on simmer.

If for an office party I throw stuff in crock pot before I go to bed... Boil the water for the noodles, cook those up according to the directions, throw them in the crock pot, and take the whole thing to work. Put the entire pot on simmer all day until lunch... it is pretty yummy, and only get complaints from the vegetarians (I usually make sure a seperate dish is being brought in to accomodate for them.)

The whole thing is about $10 if you can get the meat on sale!

 

[mrssalvo]

Deb, here ya go

4 cups chicken (cut in bite size pieces and boiled)
1 cup potato
1 cup onion
1 cup celery
1 cup carrot
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half & half
garlic salt
pepper
2 pie crusts (I use the pillsbury that come in the box b/c they are much easier than trying to get a crust out of the pie pan)

-Saute veggies in the butter for about 10 minutes
-Add flour to saute mixture stirring constantly
-combine broth and half & half
-gradually stir into the veg. mixture
-cook over med. heat stirring until thick and bubbly
-stir in garlic salt, pepper and chicken
-pour into pie crust lined pie dish, top with the other and cut slits.

Bake at 400 for 40-50 minutes..

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 1:45:11 PM
Author: crown1

since you want to please the younger generation they may enjoy that hamburger/tater tot casserole?

That appears to have all the main food groups, crown1. Where is this awesome recipe?


Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 2:18:16 PM
Author: mrssalvo


Deb, here ya go

Thank you so much, mrssalvo! Maybe we will make this together (my daughter and I) after the baby is born as your neighbor did for you!


Deborah

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/13/2009 2:10:02 PM
Author: tlh


If for an office party I throw stuff in crock pot before I go to bed...

Thanks, tlh, I knew that buying another slow cooker was a good idea, even though I didn''t use the crock pot much the first time around! There seem to be so many more recipes out there nowadays! This one looks great!


Deb

 

[EricaR]

My mom''s version of a Tater Tot Casserole goes as follows:

1. Place about 1lb ground beef in the bottom of a casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover meat with 1 can of corn, 1 can of peas, and 1 can of green beans
3. Cover veggies with a can of cream of mushroom soup
4. Top with frozen tater tots

Pop it in the oven at 350 for 50 minutes to an hour and serve.