How to Use a Casserole Dish

A casserole dish serves as both the cooking vessel and the serving dish. Usually made of ovenproof glass or earthenware, casserole dishes are generally round or oblong and may have a fitted cover that allows food to be cooked in the oven without drying out. A combination of meat, vegetables and rice, pasta or potatoes cooked in a sauce is customarily baked in a casserole dish. There are many recipes available for you to choose from, but you can easily adapt a basic casserole recipe to incorporate the meats, vegetables and starch you prefer.

Things You'll Need

• Pasta, rice or potatoes Meat Vegetables Sauce

Instructions

1. Choose a starch for the base. About 8 oz. of uncooked pasta (spaghetti and macaroni products), 12 oz. of egg noodles, 2 cups of sliced or diced potatoes, or 1 cup of rice is sufficient for the base. Prepare according to directions and place in the casserole dish.

2. Add about 2 cups of cooked and chopped meat. Chicken, beef, tuna or hamburger work well, but you can use any type you prefer.

3. Select one or two cooked vegetables to add to the casserole. Onions, peppers, carrots, green beans and peas blend well with meats. Many prefer more substantial vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. A cup or two of vegetables adds flavor and texture to your casserole. Choose those that your family prefers.

4. Choose a sauce that complements the meat and vegetables you have chosen. Alfredo works well with pasta, chicken and broccoli, and a tomato sauce works well with beef. Consider creamed soups to add flavor and create a creamy base. Mix all ingredients. One can of undiluted condensed soup or 1 1/2 cups of sauce is generally sufficient to create a creamy base for the casserole.

5. Add cheese if you prefer. Cheese can be mixed into the casserole or used as topping. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips to create a crunchy topping.

6. Cover and bake in a 350-degree oven until bubbly. Remove the cover and allow the top to brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Serve in the casserole dish.

Resources

• Casserole recipes