Make Your Own: Casserole
Not sure what to make? Try this flavorful and customizable casserole! Made with ingredients you might already have at home, you'll need a grain, protein, vegetables, seasonings, and your favorite topping.Grain + Protein + Vegetable + Seasoning + ToppingUse our “Make My Recipe” form to customize and print or share your recipe (or receive a copy via email).
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola, olive, vegetable)
Grain – Select One
- 3 cups cooked pasta (white or whole-grain)
- 3 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
Protein – Select One
- 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium beans (black, cannellini, chickpeas, great northern white, kidney)
- 2 cups cooked lean ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 cups ¾-inch diced cooked chicken, ham, lean beef, lean pork, or turkey
- 2 cups canned or cooked seafood
Vegetables – Both are Required
- 2 cups ½-inch sliced fresh zucchini or summer squash
- 1 (14.5-ounce) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
Seasoning – Select One or More
- ½ cup ¼-inch diced celery
- ¼ cup ¼-inch diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings – Select One or More
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss)
- ¼ cup whole-grain bread or cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Select food(s) from each category above.
- Clean the kitchen area and wash hands with soap and water.
- Gently rinse fresh produce under cold running water. Packaged produce labeled pre-washed shouldn't be washed again. If using fresh herbs, gently rinse under cold running water and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Do not rinse raw poultry, meat, or seafood. Wash cutting board, counter, utensils, and hands after touching raw meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Add grains, protein, vegetables, and seasonings in a large bowl, and mix until combined. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them before adding.
- Add oil to a 2 ½ quart casserole dish and coat the bottom.
- Add the combined foods to the casserole dish.
- Add the selected toppings and cover the top of the combined foods.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes to 1 hour or microwave using 50% power for about 15 to 30 minutes, rotating or stirring as necessary.
Storage
- For safety, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container as soon as possible, or within 2 hours. Use leftovers within 4 days and reheat to 165°F before consuming.
Notes
- Dry beans can be substituted for canned beans. Be sure to soak and cook dry beans before using.
- For more information about food and beverage storage, go to the FoodKeeper Website or App (FoodSafety.gov).
The Nutrition Facts Label does not include optional ingredients.
