Casserole – Dish or Dish?

It could be confusing for new cooks when deciding upon a casserole – is it the name of the mixture of vegetables, meats, grains, or other combinations that are actually baked in a dish, or is it the baking dish itself? I recently read that a casserole (from the French for “stew pan”) is a large, deep pot or dish used both in the oven and as a serving dish. In the mid-20th century, the word also came to be used for the food cooked and served in such a dish. So, now that we have all the confusion worked out – let’s make casseroles, in the casserole dishes, of course!

Beef and Macaroni Casserole

8 oz. macaroni, cooked and drained
1 cup chopped onion
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 Tbsp. oil
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. chili powder
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup buttered bread crumbs


Heat oven to 350. In a heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat; brown ground beef and onion. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper and chili powder. Reduce heat; simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. In a lightly greased baking dish, combine meat mixture with cooked macaroni. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Top with 1 cup buttered bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 35-45 minutes, or until hot and top is lightly browned.

Baked Potato Casserole

large baking potatoes, cooked and diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
1 pint sour cream
2 bunches green onions (or 1 med. yellow onion) chopped and sauteed in bacon grease
Salt and pepper to taste


Mix all ingredients together.. Pour into casserole dish and bake 30 minutes at 325.

Spinach Casserole

1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
4 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp. onion flakes
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. salt
3/4 lb. sharp cheese, grated
2 C. cooked rice
1/4 C. melted butter


Combine ingredients in a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350° F. for 45-50 minutes.

Reuben Casserole

1/2 to 1 lb. corned beef, cooked, chopped
1/4 cup thousand island salad dressing
1 can sauerkraut (16 oz), drained & rinsed
1/2 lb. shredded Swiss cheese
6 slices rye bread, crumbled
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted


Place corned beef in a lightly greased 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Dot with the dressing. Spread sauerkraut over top; sprinkle with cheese. Toss breadcrumbs with the butter; sprinkle over cheese. Bake at 350° F. for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.

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