Make-Your-Own Casserole

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

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

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
 * 2) Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
 * 3) Select an ingredient (s) from each category.
 * 4) Heat until 165°F or steaming hot.
 * 5) Add toppings.
 * 6) Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes or to microwave for about 2 minutes.