Casseroles scream American hospitality! This nutritious, economical dish is making a huge comeback thanks to social media. Learn how to add it to your winter menu!
What’s in a casserole?
There are so many ways to make a casserole: with meat or legumes, potatoes or rice… One thing they all have in common? Casseroles are one-in-all dishes cooked in the oven, in a glass, ceramic, or cast-iron recipient. All the ingredients cook together in the same dish, which goes from oven to table. The timeless Southern-cuisine classic aims to bring people together around a comforting, simple, and economical meal.
Major benefits!
The best part of a casserole? The cost to make it! There’s no need to get expensive ingredients! Opt for Compliments products such as legumes, canned tuna, rice, potatoes, or frozen veggies to save on cost without compromising on quality.
And the savings aren’t just monetary! This type of dish also saves you time. Because it’s cooked in the oven, you gain precious minutes you can spend washing the rest of your dishes, for example.
Plus, you can make a casserole using last night’s leftovers! In just a few minutes, you can turn your leftover ham or chicken into a balanced meal. And you’ll be limiting food waste!
Diverse ingredients
Although the ingredients vary greatly from one recipe to the next, most use the following ingredients as a base:
- Legumes: Black or red beans, lentils, or chickpeas, casseroles made with legumes are often inspired by Tex-Mex or Indian cuisine. In addition to being deliciously versatile, legumes allow you to create a delicious meal at a low cost.
- Pasta and rice: If making rice leaves you feeling uninspired, consider making our rice and tuna casserole. It’s a dish the whole family is sure to love!
- Chicken: This is a definite casserole must. From chicken tetrazzini to chicken and mushroom or broccoli casserole, and so on, the possibilities are endless!
- Beef: For those who love red meat, a beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The Provençale braised beef casserole is a definite winter classic, even though it can be made a number of ways.
- Ham: Tired of making the same old sandwich with your leftovers? Why not use them to make our potato and ham casserole instead? It’s so good, everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Veggies: Casseroles are also a great option for vegetarians and vegans. To save both time and money, feel free to use frozen vegetables in your recipe.
Some favourites
Some casserole recipes have been filling homes—and bellies—for ages. Here are a few popular favourites!
Broccoli casserole
This casserole is a great way to add some greens to your menu. Broccoli, cream, cheese, and Panko breadcrumbs: that’s all you need to turn plain veggies into a mouth-watering side.
Ground beef casserole
Seeking some heat after tackling the cold winter breeze? This casserole, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking, has everything to help you recharge. Ground beef, tomato sauce, egg noodles, and cream cheese come together to create a divine blend of comforting flavours.
Chicken enchiladas
Stuffed with chicken, a dash of hot sauce, and cheddar cheese, enchiladas are a Tex-Mex cuisine staple. Top with salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro for a true fiesta!
Casseroles are not only hearty and delicious, they’re also economical and easy to make—perfect for those hectic weeknights. Try it; you won’t regret it!
