Make-Your-Own Casserole

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== Description ==
From: University of Nebraska Lancaster County Extension. I've used this recipe many times. It is a lifesaver for quick and thrifty cooking. Some favorite combinations include cooked chicken, mushroom soup, noodles, peas and carrots OR tuna, rice, mushroom soup, green peas.
* Serves: 6
== Ingredients ==
=== Starch - select 1 ===
* 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 1 ===
* 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 1 ===
* 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 1 ===
* 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 1 or more ===
* ½ cup chopped celery
* ¼ cup chopped onion
* ¼ cup sliced black olives
* 1 - 2 teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon)
* salt and pepper to taste
=== Topping- select 1 or more ===
If desired after heating, place on top:
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup shredded Swiss, cheddar, or Monterey jack cheese
* ¼ cup buttered bread crumbs
* ¼ to ½ cup canned fried onion rings
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven to 350 °F.
# Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
# Select an ingredient (s) from each category.
# Heat until 165 °F or steaming hot.
# Add toppings.
# Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes or to microwave for about 2 minutes.
Category:Quick and Easy Main Dishes
Category:Budget Friendly Main Dish Recipes
Category:Casserole Recipes