Print

Company Casserole

Company Casserole

Company Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and versatile one-dish meal perfect for feeding a group. Combining cooked protein, vegetables, creamy soup base, cheese, and starch, this easy-to-make casserole is great for busy weeknights, family dinners, and gatherings. Customizable to dietary needs and preferences, it offers rich flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooked Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, beef, or turkey, diced or shredded

Vegetables

  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup carrots (fresh or frozen), chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

Creamy Soup Base

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk or broth (to thin sauce)

Cheese

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Starch

  • 2 cups cooked egg noodles, rice, or diced potatoes

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Pre-cook your chosen protein by sautéing diced chicken or browning ground beef. Chop any fresh vegetables to size or thaw frozen ones so they are ready to use.
  2. Cook the Starch Base: Boil egg noodles or cook rice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to avoid overcooking in the casserole.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the creamy soup base with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of milk or broth to thin it slightly. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a casserole dish, layer the cooked protein, vegetables, and starch. Pour the sauce evenly over the mixture, then gently stir just until everything is coated.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use leftovers for protein and vegetables to reduce waste and save time.
  • Do not overfill the casserole dish to allow bubbling and expansion during baking.
  • Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
  • Choose quality cheese to elevate flavor without additional effort.
  • Mix ingredients gently to maintain texture contrast and avoid breaking them down too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, chicken casserole, one-dish meal, family dinner, easy recipe, make-ahead, gluten free option