Mix-and-Match Casserole
I said I was going to post some recipes, so here's a major one to start off with. It's a casserole made with virtually infinite combinations of ingredients. I've tried many of the combinations here & never had a "miss." This was in the Detroit Free Press cooking section a few years ago (Tom Close is given as the compiler; must give credit where credit is due).
In making these casseroles, you pick from the categories as directed. "You can play it as conservatively or as wildly as you want," the accompanying article says. *These casseroles do include meat as an option as well.*
Protein
(1-2 c., cooked, drained & cubed if desired) Choose from:
chicken, turkey, ham, ground beef, sausage, lunchmeat, tuna, other fish, tofu, beans, cottage cheese.
Base Flavor
(pick 2 or more; cleaned, chopped, cooked or raw)
1 medium onion, 1 tsp. garlic, 1/2 c. celery, salt/pepper to taste, 1 tbsp. parsley, 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, 1 c. green pepper, hot sauce to taste, 1 tbsp. lemon juice or lime juice.
Starch
(2 c., cooked according to pkg. directions)
pasta, brown or white rice, barley, couscous, stuffing mix, lentils, stiff or thick mashed potatoes, hash browns, spaghetti squash, beans.
Vegetables
(1-2 c., cleaned, chopped, cooked or raw)
peas, corn, mushrooms, red or green peppers, crushed tomatoes, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, sauerkraut, spinach, artichokes.
Binders
(pick 1; 2 c.)
white sauce, cheese sauce, gravy, barbecue sauce, sour cream w/ 1 tbsp. horseradish and 2 tbsp. cornstarch, 10-3/4-oz. any cream soup plus 1/2 c. liquid, mayonnaise or salad dressing, spaghetti sauce, 1 c. dressing plus 1 c. yogurt or sour cream, cheese soup, tomato soup, broth w/ 2 tbsp. cornstarch, salsa.
Herb & Spice Combinations
(pick 1 set)
Italian: 1 tsp. basil, 1/4 tsp. oregano, 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese;
French: 1/2 tsp. thyme, 1/4 tsp. tarragon;
Cajun: 1 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. cumin, 1/2 tsp. paprika;
Oriental: 1 tsp. ginger, 2 tsp. sesame oil, 1 tbsp. soy sauce;
Indian: 1 tsp. curry powder, 1/2 tsp. cumin, 1/2 tsp. turmeric;
Mexican: 1 tsp. chili powder; 1/2 tsp. cumin; 1/4 tsp. basil;
Greek: 1/2 tsp. dill, 1/2 tsp. mint, 1/4 tsp. organo, 1/3 c. feta cheese;
German: 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds, 1 tsp. dry mustard, 1 tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. sugar;
Thai: 1/3 c. peanut butter, 1 tbsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. cumin, 1 tbsp. fish sauce;
Spanish: 1/2 tsp. saffron, 1/2 tsp. cumin, 1/2 tsp. thyme, 1/4 tsp. ground bay leaf.
Toppings
(pick 1; 1 c., mix to combine)
shredded cheese, crushed potato chips, chow mein noodles, french-fried onion rings, shredded cheese and bread crumbs; almonds, peanuts, cashews, pine nuts & walnuts; crushed cereal; pineapple slices.
Preheat oven to 350. In a 2- to 3-qt. casserole, combine items from each category except topping, which is mixed in a separate bowl. Bake 30 mins. Remove from oven & sprinkle w/ topping. Return to oven & bake 15 mins. Serves 4-6.
As I said, I've made countless variations of these for our family & for church fellowships & they're always a hit.
Blessings,
Margaret