When it's cold outside, nothing is better for dinner than a hearty, delicious casserole! Make your own at home by using our simple six category DIY (do it yourself) casserole recipe with what's already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

1. Rice or Pasta
   • Measure 1 cup your choice dry rice or pasta
   • Cook using instructions on the package
   • Makes 2-3 cups
   • Chef's Tip: Use whole-wheat pasta or brown rice for more fiber and flavor!
2. Spices and Seasoning
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt,
   • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and
   • Pick one of the following: 1 Tablespoon dry minced onion, 1 clove chopped garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or 2 teaspoons dry oregano
3. Vegetables
   • Pick one of the following:
     • 1 can (14-15 ounces) green beans, corn, peas, lima beans, or carrots (drained and rinsed), or
     • 1/2 bag (12-16 ounces) frozen broccoli, mixed vegetables, corn, peas, green beans, or carrots (cooked)
4. Protein
   • Pick one of the following:
     • 2 cans (5-6 ounces) tuna, drained,
     • 1 can (about 12 ounces) canned chicken, drained,
     • 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained, or
     • 1 can (14-15 ounces) beans, drained (we suggest black beans or kidney beans)
5. Sauce
   • Pick one of the following:
     • 1 can (about 10 ounces) condensed soup, such as tomato, cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of chicken + 1/4 cup milk, or
     • 1/2 jar (28 ounces) pasta sauce
6. Crunch!
   • Pick one of the following to sprinkle on top of casserole: cracker crumbs, bread crumbs, or unsweetened cereal (such as corn flakes or bran flakes)

Instructions

There are two ways you could cook your casserole at home.

1. To cook on the top of the stove:
   • Stir ingredients 1-5 into a large pot or saucepan. Heat over medium heat until hot throughout (165 degrees F with a food thermometer). Add more milk to pot or pan if food starts to dry out during cooking. Pour into a large serving dish and top with crunch ingredient before serving.
2. To bake in the oven:
   • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
   • Add spices/seasonings and sauce to protein.
   • Spray a 3-quart (13x9x2-inch) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
   • Add rice or pasta, vegetables, and then meat to the dish. Top with crunch ingredient.
   • Bake until heated through to 165 degrees F, about 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy! Let us know on Facebook what foods you added to make your own casserole at home.