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basic casserole recipe pasta cooked ham and broccoli parmesan
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5 from 3 votes

How to Make a Casserole Using a Formula (Not a Recipe)

Ever look at your pantry, freezer, and fridge and think, “I have no idea what to make, but I know I can do better than ordering takeout”? That’s where the magic of a casserole formula comes in! Instead of hunting for a specific recipe, you can combine what you’ve got on hand to create a delicious, no-fuss casserole. It’s like being a kitchen magician—no grocery run required, and no recipes needed!
Grab your whisk and get ready to create a casserole that’s all you—using only what’s in your kitchen! With this Fool-Proof 5-Step Formula, you can throw together a homemade meal that’s nutritious, flavorful, and completely customizable.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Cost: $12-$15

Equipment

  • 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish, lightly greased

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sour cream or the entire contents of an 8-oz container
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 item from Group A See options below—omit sour cream and milk when using tomatoes
  • 1 item from Groups B C, D, and E (See options below)
  • 1 or 2 items from Group F See options below

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, milk, water, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is nicely mixed together.
  • Stir in 1 item from Group A (omit sour cream and milk if you're using tomatoes).
  • Now, add 1 item from each of Groups B, C, D, and E (again, no sour cream and milk when using tomatoes).
  • Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the top with 1 or 2 items from Group F for that perfect finishing touch.
  • Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Notes

Group Ingredients:

Group A:
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 can cream of celery soup, undiluted
  • 1 can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
  • 2 cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
Group B:
  • 2 cans solid white tuna, drained and flaked
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 cups chopped cooked ham
  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
Group C:
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 4 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
  • 3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
Group D:
  • 1 package (about 10 oz) chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1 package frozen cut broccoli
  • 1 package frozen Italian green beans
  • 1 package frozen peas
  • 1 package frozen sliced yellow squash
  • 1 package frozen whole kernel corn
Group E:
  • 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small can chopped green chiles
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Group F:
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs

Example Combinations You'll Love:

  • Chicken Bake: Cream of chicken soup, broccoli, rice, chicken, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
  • Ham Casserole: Cream of celery soup, Italian green beans, wide egg noodles, ham, garlic, and Swiss cheese.
  • Turkey Bake: Italian-style diced tomatoes, spinach, medium pasta shells, turkey, onion, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs.
  • Vegetarian Casserole: Italian-style diced tomatoes, yellow squash, rice, olives, celery, bell pepper, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Now, It’s Your Turn!

I’d love to hear what combinations you come up with! Share your creative casserole formulas in the comments below—let’s swap ideas and make dinnertime even more fun!
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