what is a casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best what is a casserole recipe

A casserole is a type of dish that is made by layering ingredients in a large, shallow container. It’s a popular choice for home cooks because it’s easy to make and can be customized with a wide variety of ingredients.

The dish originated in France, where it was known as a ‘casse,’ which means ‘broken’ or ‘shattered.’ This refers to the fact that the ingredients are broken down and mixed together to create a cohesive whole.

Casseroles are often made with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and starch, such as potatoes or rice. They can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop.

One of the things I love about casseroles is that they’re so versatile – you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand and customize them to suit your tastes. My family loves casseroles because they’re easy to make and always satisfying.

We often have them for special occasions like holidays and parties, but they’re also great for everyday meals. In addition to being delicious, casseroles are also relatively healthy – you can load them up with vegetables and lean protein sources like chicken or beans.

Plus, they’re easy to reheat and serve again later, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Classic Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

4.6 from 853 votes

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn

For the Sauce

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
4Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5Add the chicken pieces to the saucepan.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
7Stir in the frozen peas and corn.
8Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
9In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary until smooth.
10Pour the sauce mixture into the saucepan with the chicken and vegetables.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
13Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
14Spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
15In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and garlic powder.
16Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
17Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
18Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it more colorful. For a healthier option, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.

Casseroles are always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family after school, or just need something easy to make on a weeknight.

They’re perfect for meal prep because you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

One of my favorite things about casseroles is how versatile they are – you can customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand and adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

Q1: What is the difference between a casserole and a lasagna?

A casserole is typically made with a mixture of ingredients that are broken down and mixed together, whereas a lasagna is layered with separate components like pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Q2: Can I make a casserole in advance?

Yes, many casseroles can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or special occasions when you need to feed a crowd.

Q3: What are some common ingredients used in casseroles?

Some popular ingredients include ground beef or turkey, vegetables like carrots and peas, and starches like potatoes or rice. You can also add cheese, herbs, or spices to give your casserole some extra flavor.

Q4: Can I make a casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely – simply substitute in some plant-based protein sources like beans or tofu for the meat. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

Q5: How do I know if my casserole is done baking?

Check the internal temperature of the casserole with a meat thermometer – it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for most types of meat.

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