Make-Your-Own Casserole

Info
Cook Time:

Serves: 6

Ingredients

 * 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.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

3.Select an ingredient (s) from each category.

4.Heat until 165 degrees F or steaming hot.

5.Notes: 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.