Casseroles have turned over a new leaf. They are no longer just creamy condensed soups, cracker crumbs and leftover chicken but a dish that you actually want to eat. Instead, home cooks are creating casseroles using fresh vegetables and herbs, homemade cream sauce and whole grains. These wondrous one dish meals are sure to please the whole family with their variety and unique flavor combinations. Whether you're in the mood for something light, vegetarian, or total comfort - there's a casserole to match.
Cajun Shrimp Casserole
Photo Credit: Stu_Spivack
Cajun shrimp casserole hearty meal has everything you crave in a good Southern dish - the trinity (onions, bell pepper, and onion), shrimp, okra, rice, and tons of flavor. You can prepare this casserole a day in advance before it's baked or freeze the entire meal (unbaked) for up to three months so long as it's tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. If you decide to do this, omit the parmesan and cracker topping until you're ready to cook the casserole.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Photo Credit: Meal Makeover Moms
Chicken and wild rice casserole couldn't be any easier. A combination of wild rice and brown rice and mixed together with vegetables and chicken before being topped with cheese and baked. You can make this dish a hundred different ways depending on what's available in your fridge and pantry.
Pierogi Casserole
Photo Credit: Kim from Mommy Knows
The pierogi is a Polish dumpling that's usually filled with potatoes, onions, and cheese before being boiled. Sometimes they are pan fried in a brown butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. This pierogi casserole attempt to replicate those same flavors in an easier, more family friendly way. Lasagna noodles are layered with mashed potatoes, cheese and chopped ham. This indulgent meal is definitely something you'd serve every once in awhile but definitely worth the splurge.
Gluten-Free and Butternut Squash Casserole
Photo Credit: Sara Jane
Gluten-free butternut squash casserole is inspired by the season's flavors. The hearty fall squash is paired with celery, mushroom, and onion before being mixed with a homemade cream sauce. While this dish is vegetarian, you could certainly add meat to it if you would like. Cubed crispy bits of bacon or pancetta would be especially delicious mixed in.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Recipe from Mom On Timeout
The beauty of a casserole is that you can craft a whole meal out of just a handful of ingredients. This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole has less than 10 ingredients and comes together in a flash. Leftover rotisserie chicken is mixed with broccoli florets and rice in a creamy sauce. It's topped with buttered corn cereal crumbs which creates an unbelievably crunchy crust. To pump up the whole grains in the recipe, use brown rice instead of white rice.
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