Finding time to feed a hungry family isn’t difficult when casseroles can be made in under an hour. Using ingredients that are healthy, filling and most likely already in your kitchen pantry makes the job that much simpler. And if neighbors or friends drop in, the more the merrier!
Casseroles are loved by kids in particular because the cheese helps make the veggies more palatable. Great for when the temperature starts to drop, casseroles are the quintessential comfort food with ingredients that are interchangeable for easy preparation.
Shrimp and Pasta Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 jar (16 oz) mild, chunky salsa
- 1 package (9 oz) fresh angel hair pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 bag (1 cup) of fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 12 x 8 baking dish.
Spread half of pasta in bottom of baking dish. Cover with salsa. Add half of the shrimp. Cover with remaining pasta.
Drizzle olive oil in small pan and add spinach leaves to wilt for a minute or two on low heat.
Combine eggs, half & half, yogurt, Swiss cheese, feta cheese, prepared spinach, basil, parsley and oregano in medium bowl; mix well.
Spread egg and cheese mixture over pasta and top with remaining shrimp.
Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6.
Broccoli and Tuna Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 head of fresh broccoli, washed
- 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained and chunked
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 slices bread, cubed to make bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- salt
- olive oil
- 1-2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
After washing broccoli, break apart and lightly steam for several minutes before placing on bottom of 2-quart baking dish. Top with tuna* chunks.
Preheat oven to 375°. Place bread cubes on baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Shake salt and Parmesan cheese over all cubes. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Place baked bread cubes in baking dish with tuna and broccoli.
In medium bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese and pepper. Spread mixture evenly over tuna mixture. Bake in 400° oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Makes 4-6 servings.
*Crab can be used instead of tuna and the cheeses can also be exchanged for family favorites.
There’s nothing easier to please the whole family than a one-dish meal made in under an hour with yummy ingredients. Not to mention the easy cleanup and fabulous leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any leftovers).
