Meal planning can be made easier during the winter months in New Hampshire, by preparing a casserole for dinner. Casserole is a French word for "saucepan," and like the French cassoulet, it refers to any recipe baked in the dish of which it shares its name. In a casserole, a variety of starches, meats and vegetables can be combined and baked together to create a healthy and satisfying family meal. Casseroles are a great way to combine leftover ingredients into a single dish or stretch a small amount of protein into a full meal.
Starch - choose 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 - choose 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, such as kidney beans
Vegetable - choose ONE:
- 1 (10-oz.) pkg. thawed and drained frozen spinach, broccoli, green beans or green peas
- 1 (16-oz.) can green beans, peas, carrots or corn, drained
- 2 cups sliced fresh zucchini
Sauce - choose 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 - choose ONE or MORE:
- 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped onion or 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 - 2 teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (such as basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping- choose ONE or MORE (optional):
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 breadcrumbs
Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes more or to microwave for about 2 minutes more.
