Clean out the Fridge Casserole

CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE AND CUPBOARDS CASSEROLE

(Makes 6 servings)

Make your own casserole from what’s on-hand using these basic ingredients. Select food(s) from each category or use your own favorites.
Starch — select ONE:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (macaroni, penne, spiral, bow tie), COOKED
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice, COOKED
• 4 cups uncooked noodles, COOKED

Protein — select ONE:

• 2 cups cooked ground beef 
•  2 cups cooked and diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef or pork 
• 2 cups chopped hard-cooked egg 
• 2 cans (6–8 ounce) fish or seafood, flaked 
• 2 cups cooked or canned dry beans (kidney, etc.) 

Vegetable — select ONE:

• 1 package (10 ounce) thawed and drained frozen spinach, broccoli, green beans, green peas 
• 1 can (16 ounce) green beans, peas, carrots, corn, drained 
• 2 cups sliced fresh zucchini 

Sauce — select ONE:

• 2 cups white sauce or 1 can sauce-type soup (mushroom, celery, cheese, tomato, etc.) mixed with milk to make 2 cups 
• 1 can (16 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice 

Flavor — select ONE or MORE:

• 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup sliced black olives 
• 1–2 teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon) 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Topping — select ONE or MORE (if desired after heating, place on top):

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss, Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup buttered bread crumbs
• 1/4–1/2 cup canned fried onion rings 

Directions:

1. Combine in a buttered 2 to 2-1/2 quart casserole dish. 
2. Cover and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes to 1 hour or microwave using 50% power for about 15–30 minutes, rotating or stirring as necessary. 
3. Heat until steaming hot (165°F) throughout. 
4. Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes or to microwave for about 2 minutes.