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Comfort Casserole

This simple, warm recipe for Comfort Casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It's easily customizable, freezes well, and feeds a small crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey You can use either ground beef or turkey.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped A medium onion, finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Minced garlic for flavor.
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix You can substitute with fresh vegetables if desired.
  • 2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes Can use either rice or mashed potatoes.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping.
  • 1 can cream soup (mushroom or chicken) or plain yogurt + flour Choose between cream soup or a yogurt/flour mix.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.
  • 1 tbsp oil for cooking Use any cooking oil.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional) For topping, optional.
  • herbs like parsley or thyme (optional) Add herbs for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground meat and cook until no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2 minutes. If using raw vegetables, cook longer until soft.
Assembly
  1. Mix the cream soup (or yogurt + flour) with the cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Stir in the cooked meat and vegetable mix.
  2. Spoon the mix into a baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
Baking
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and the dish is hot inside.
  2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a fun party twist, try flavors that remind you of other comfort foods like bacon cheeseburger tater-tot cones and add small pieces of bacon and pickles. Serve warm with a green salad or steamed vegetables and condiments like pickles, ketchup, or sour cream. Make a double batch and freeze one for fast meals later.