Create a Comforting Casserole

2 cups uncooked pasta (regular or whole grain macaroni, penne, spiral, bow tie, etc.), cooked 

1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice, cooked

4 cups uncooked noodles, cooked 

2 cups cooked ground beef (about 1 pound, cooked & drained) 

2 cups cooked & diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef, or pork

2 cups chopped hard-cooked egg

2 cans (6 to 8 oz. each) fish or seafood, flaked

2 cups cooked or canned dry beans (kidney, pinto, etc. – about 1 can drained) 

1 (10 oz.) package thawed and drained frozen spinach, broccoli, green beans, green peas, etc. 

1 (16 oz.) can green beans, peas, carrots, corn, drained 

2 cups sliced fresh zucchini 

2 cups cooked vegetables of your choice (use up those small containers of leftovers) 

1 can soup plus 1 can milk  (Cream of potato plus milk, cream of chicken plus milk, cream of celery plus milk, cream of mushroom plus milk) 

OR 1 cup cheese plus 2 cups milk 

OR tomato soup plus 1 can water; onion soup plus 1 can water. 

1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice 

2 cups white sauce (recipe below) 

½ cup chopped celery, ¼ cup chopped onion, ¼ cup sliced black olives 

½ teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon, etc.) 

Salt & pepper to taste 

For Mexican flavor, use cumin, oregano, chili powder, cilantro, and garlic

For Italian flavor, use basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic

For Asian flavor, use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chilies, and turmeric

For a savory/Thanksgiving flavor, use rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley 

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup shredded Swiss, Cheddar, Monterey Jack or other cheese

¼ cup buttered bread crumbs

¼ to ½ cup canned fried onion rings

About 2 tablespoons crushed chips or crackers