A few weeks ago I mentioned looking forward to hardy winter recipes. For many that conjures visions of steaming, golden casseroles, for others casseroles are considered old-fashioned. The current preference is for quickly made, lighter meals and the sauté pan is the utensil of choice.

The main objection seems to be that casseroles take time to assemble and prepare but wait a minute. Let’s look at the flip side of that coin. They can be made and held, chilled, oven ready in their serving dish, way in advance of cooking. Some can even be frozen for long periods and cooked without thawing. When the time comes to cook, casseroles are simply baked, unattended-no basting no turning. They usually need only about 30-45 min.to cook and meanwhile people are free to do other things. Serving’s a cinch with no plating and they only need a simple side salad. Clean-up’s easy too-only the serving dish and plates. “What’s not to like?”

Nor do casseroles have to be starchy, dependent on rich sauces and fattening. They can be lighter, made of ingredients more geared to current tastes and still be comfort food. And they’ve always been great to serve at parties. Personally, with the temperature dropping and my winter addiction to warming things increasing, I’m welcoming them back into my menus.

So I’m dedicating this blog to casseroles. Some I’ve posted before, others are new, and they range from minimal effort to more involved. A few are elegant enough for entertaining, most are simply welcome, satisfying meals but all are delicious and worth trying. If cooking frozen, always increase time 5-8 min.

RECIPES

Hot Chicken (or Turkey) Salad:

Serves 6—This recipe was given me by a caterer years ago. He said it was his most requested dish and I believe it. It’s a great family favorite and has starred at many buffets, but never have I served it without being asked for the recipe. Great to freeze covered but add the croutons before cooking.
3 cups cubed cooked meat-chicken or turkey-leftovers are great

1 ½ cups thin sliced celery

1 small to medium onion diced

(1) 4oz. can stems and pieces mushrooms

¼ cup toasted almond slivers

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

Salt to taste

2 Tbs. sharp cheese

3 Tbs. butter- melted

½ cup toasted croutons –  I like rye bread

Mix first 8 ingredients and put in a greased casserole. Toss croutons with butter and top. Sprinkle with cheese and bake in a preheated 450 degree oven until brown–@ 30 min.

Doubled or tripled, this is an excellent party dish, but it also freezes well, before the toppings are added. So, save time and make extra to have ahead. It’s a five star with my family!

Chicken Divan:

Serves 4-This is a very old dish, but a delicious, easy one when using frozen broccoli. To make it even simpler, (1) 14 oz. can of cream of chicken, or mushroom soup can replace the white sauce. Simply dilute the soup with ½ cup of milk or broth. Can be made 1-2 days ahead, and kept chilled but do not freeze.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(1) 14 oz. can chicken broth
(1) lb. bag frozen broccoli cuts-thawed and drained
4 Tbs. butter
4 Tbs. flour
½  cup whole milk or half and half-more if needed
½ cup grated mild cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan  cheese
Salt to taste if needed
Paprika to garnish
Poach chicken in broth. Cool and slice breasts in half lengthwise. Measure remaining broth and add enough milk to equal 2 cups. Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in flour to make a paste. Quickly add liquid and stir to break up lumps. Return pot to heat, stirring constantly to remove lumps, bring to a simmer and continue stirring until sauce thickens to desired consistency. Add cheddar cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan, stir until it melts. Add salt if needed.  Lightly grease a 2 qt. casserole. Place a layer of broccoli in the bottom, arrange the chicken over it and cover with half the sauce. Top with the rest of the broccoli, the rest of the sauce and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan over it. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color. Bake at 375 deg. for 40-50 min. until golden and bubbly. Serve at once.

Sherried Ham Casserole:

Serves 4

This is a long, long time family favorite, because in one form it makes a party dish of leftover ham, but can also be a quick way to make a week day seem special. Smoked turkey may be substituted for the ham. Can be frozen, but the fresh tomatoes lend a special note that is lost in freezing.

2 cups cooked rice – suggest packaged pre-cooked product, Uncle Ben’s or Zataran’s

2 cups cooked ham in ½ inch dice. About ¾ lb. 3 thick slices from the Deli work fine.

2 eggs beaten

2 plum or small tomatoes in large dice

1/3 cup green bell pepper diced

¼ cup diced onion

1 ½ tsp. Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard

1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

½ cup cream sherry

½ cup light cream

½ cup bread crumbs

2 Tbs. melted butter

Paprika and parsley to garnish

The pre-cooked rice packets only take a couple of minutes in the microwave-if you are using leftover rice, or making your own, do not use the minute type.

Combine all ingredients, except last three, in a lightly greased 2 qt. casserole. Stir to mix well. Combine butter and bread crumbs, sprinkle over top. Decorate with parsley and paprika. Bake 350 degrees for 45 min or until nicely browned and bubbly.

Hot Dog, Potato and 2 Bean Casserole:

Serves 4- Do not freeze, and it’s so quickly assembled, there’s no point.
8 hot dogs cut in 6 pieces each—2 cups cubed ham is an option
(1) 15 oz. can kidney beans
(1) 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes – drained, juice reserved
(1) 10 oz. bag frozen cut green beans
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 Tbs. oil
Salt & pepper
4 large white potatoes
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onions until softening and add hot dog pieces. Continue until onions are soft and hot dogs begin to puff at ends. Add kidney beans, tomato juice and green beans; cook 3 min. add tomatoes, stir to incorporate, taste for salt and pepper and remove from heat.  Put the mixture into a lightly greased 2 qt. casserole or 4 individual oven-proof dishes. Pierce the potatoes and microwave 1 – 1 ½ min. until still firm but no longer raw. When cool thinly slice and arrange over the top of the casserole(s). Can be refrigerated for up to a day at this time. Bake in a 400 deg. oven until potatoes are golden-about 45-50 min.

Baked Beans and Knockwurst (Kielbasa or Hot Dogs):

Serves 4-5-My grandmother used to make baked beans from scratch. The dish was a treat but time consuming. Now with all the verities of baked beans, it’s an easy option anytime. Traditionally the meat is hot dogs and I’ve used the 3 above but I think any type of sausage works. Do not freeze. *See NOTE for leftover suggestion.
(2) 25 oz. cans baked beans
4-5 thin slices of onion

2 Tbs. Pick 2-all optional- ketchup and/or molasses and/or maple syrup and/or mustard and/or horseradish
8-10 Sausage links-at least 2 per person depending on appetite
Empty the beans in a lightly oiled casserole dish and mix with optional seasonings. Separate the onion slices into rings and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 deg. about 20-25min. Pierce the sausage casings with a fork, and arrange links around edges of dish, over lapping and double rowing if necessary. Bake for additional 30-40 min. until meat browns and onions are almost burnt.
*NOTE: For handy canapés: Mash leftover beans, mix to taste with the above seasoning choices and spread between slices of crust less, thin sliced bread. Cut into triangles or fingers and freeze in layers. To serve- oven toast on both sides.

 

Sirloin Tip Casserole:

Serves 4- A ‘company’ casserole. Don’t try to freeze. The advantage here is that it can be assembled hours in advance and cook while you entertain.
2 lbs. Sirloin Tips well -trimmed and cubed – cubes of round-top or bottom- may be used as well
8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms OR (1) 4 oz. can whole buttons cut in half
2 medium onions in 8ths
2 Tbs. dried parsley
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2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried rosemary
2 tsp. dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ cup tomato paste
1 cup Red wine – divided ¼ cup reserved
1 Tbs. cornstarch
3 Tbs. oil
1 tsp. Kitchen Bouquet if deemed necessary.
In a large skillet or saucepan, brown meat in 2 Tbs. oil, when nearly finished add more oil if needed and the onions, mushrooms, garlic and herbs. Cook 3 min. Add the tomato paste and the ¾ cup of wine. Cover and simmer about 25 min or until meat is tender. Add the cornstarch mixed with the ¼ cup wine and stir until gravy thickens. Add Kitchen Bouquet for color if needed. Pour mixture into a greased casserole, top with potatoes as made below. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Potatoes

1 box Instant mashed potatoes – 3 cups
Milk
Water
1 egg
1 envelope beef bouillon granules
2 Tbs. butter
½ cup grated Parmesan
Paprika
Make potatoes according to directions but use half milk and half water. When fluffy, add 2 Tbs. butter, 1 egg, and the bouillon.  Arrange the potatoes in a ring around the edge of the casserole. Sprinkle with the cheese Garnish with the Paprika. Bake for 20 min or until browned

NOTE: This can be frozen if done so before the potatoes are added, and thawed to room temperature before adding them as well. Then proceed with the baking as directed.

Shepard’s Pie:

Serves 4

It’s claimed the colonial settlers brought this dish with them. Long regarded as a way to use leftover roast lamb, its popularity with children has surely also contributed to its endurance. In my modernized form it’s an easy casserole to make-without leftovers. Can be frozen.

½ lb. ground beef

½ lb. ground lamb – or turkey if preferred

2 large onions in 8 pieces each

1 10 oz. box frozen peas thawed

¼ cup mint sauce – I make my own but Lea&Perrins and Hampshire House are good

2 envelopes beef bouillon

1 envelope chicken bouillon

2 cups water – divided

2 Tbs. cornstarch

Kitchen Bouquet – as needed @ 1 tsp.

Cooking spray

1 box instant mashed potatoes – enough for 2 cups

Milk – as per box directions

1 egg

1 Tbs. butter

Salt and pepper

¼ cup grated parmesan

Dried parsley and paprika to garnish

Spray a skillet with cooking oil, and over medium heat cook the meat until no longer pink, with the onions until soft. Add 1 ½ cups water, bouillons and mint sauce. Dissolve cornstarch in ½ cup water, mix in and stir until gravy thickens. Remove from heat and add enough Kitchen Bouquet to turn the gravy deep brown. Stir in peas, and pour the mixture into an oiled ovenproof casserole. Make mashed potatoes according to directions, remove from heat and stir in egg. Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture, covering completely. Top with parmesan, paprika and parsley. Bake 350 degrees for 30 min.

Mexican Tortilla Casserole:

Serves 4-This recipe is from The U.S. Personal Chef Ass. Members Cookbook. It freezes but should be thawed before cooking. It’s a great choice for a Super Bowl Party.
2 Tbs. butter
3 Tbs. flour
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup milk
½ tsp. EACH salt, garlic powder, sugar, oregano, cumin
¼ tsp. EACH pepper and paprika
(1) 8 oz. can tomato sauce
(1) 4 oz. can chilies chopped
1 tsp. chili powder
1 dash red pepper
½ lb. lean ground beef
1 large onion chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ lb. grated Cheddar Cheese
8 corn tortillas-cut into 6 pieces each
Melt the butter in a sauce pan and make a roux by adding the flour and stirring into a paste. Add the broth and milk and bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook 1 min. and add tomato sauce, chilies and all other seasonings. Cook 2 min. more and remove from heat. Brown meat, onion and mushrooms in a large skillet, drain; add sauce and mix well. Lightly grease an ovenproof dish and line the bottom with half the tortilla pieces. Pour in half the meat mix, top with half the cheese. Repeat layers, cool and cover with heavy duty foil. Freeze now, or bake at 375 deg. until hot throughout.

Double Punch Lasagna Roll-Ups:

Serves 4 If you need to plan ahead for an oven-ready dinner, this casserole does freeze as well as keep wonderfully well for 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator, and makes a good party dish, but the stuffed noodles have to be served as separate entities. Don’t randomly cut into the dish.

1 lb. ground turkey (Frozen rolls ex. Jenny-O,) work well here. The finer ground seems to compact more easily for stuffing. Be sure to thaw before cooking.)

1 medium onion chopped
(1) 4oz. can mushrooms-stems and pieces – drained
2 tsp. chopped garlic
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil
¾ cup ricotta cheese
1 Tbs. oil
4 Lasagna noodles broken in half
(2)  8oz. cans tomato sauce
7 oz. canned diced tomatoes = ½ a 14 oz. can- drained and juice reserved
2 ½ cups milk
5 T flour
5 Tbs. butter
4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese in small cubes
Salt to taste
Grated parmesan and paprika to garnish
Cook noodles in boiling water until very tender @ 10 min. Drain and keep in cool water so they don’t dry out. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté onion until soft @ 3 min. Add mushrooms for 2 min. then add garlic for one minute, then turkey, separating it between the fingers as it goes into the pan, and 1 teaspoon each of the oregano and basil. Cook, stirring, to keep meat separated until it browns @ 5 min. If mixture begins to seem dry or stick to the pan, add a bit of the reserved tomato juice. Stir in ricotta and remove from heat.
Lightly coat a casserole about 9x9x3, with cooking spray. Spread tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and second teaspoons of oregano and basil, in the bottom. Lay out the noodles, and put an equal portion of the meat mixture on each. Roll the noodle around the stuffing, until the ends meet, and carefully lay each, seam side down in the prepared casserole.
In a saucepan, over high heat, melt the butter until it foams. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour to make a smooth paste. This is called a Roux. Add the milk and stirring constantly to incorporate the roux, return the pan to the stove over medium heat. Continue stirring until sauce thickens, never allowing it to boil (lift the pan for a moment if it starts to) @ 3 min.
When it has thickened, stir in the cheese until it melts, add the nutmeg and salt. White Sauce often does need salt cf. Sauces and Gravies Link. Pour this sauce over the noodles, dust with grated parmesan cheese and paprika to garnish. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake until sauce bubbles and slightly browns @ 40 min.