Comfort Fest: Dinner Casseroles
Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Casseroles – those mom-approved childhood classics – take some knocks as retro, creamy side dishes. But a casserole can also be the star of dinner, thanks to hearty ingredients and hefty servings. Serve these dishes tonight, and dazzle your diners with their flavor and modern appeal.
Kelsey’s take on the classic comfort food dish skips the traditional canned soup base in favor of a homemade white sauce filled with sauteed onions and mushrooms. Quick-cooking frozen peas, button mushrooms and egg noodles fill the casserole dish. Top with grated cheddar and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbling and brown.
Rachael combines a sloppy joe with macaroni and turns it into a dinner casserole. Best of all? It can be made in advance. The unbaked casserole can be covered and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before baking.
Tara Donne
Hotdish (pronounced hoddish) is a one-dish dinner often served in Minnesota. Don’t let the humble appearance throw you off; the combination of cream of mushroom soup, corn, green beans, beef and a crispy potato topping makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Saucy tomatillos, poblanos and bright cilantro serve as the base for Rachael’s moist casserole. Layer the dish as you would a lasagna but with flour or corn tortillas. Dot the dish with shredded cheese, chicken and Mexican crema, which is a little subtler than sour cream (but either will taste great).
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