Best 2 Bare Cupboard Casserole Recipes
In times of need, a bare cupboard casserole is a lifesaver. These simple, yet hearty and satisfying dishes are made with pantry staples and common ingredients, making them a great option for busy weeknights or when faced with an empty fridge. From the classic tuna casserole to a comforting chicken and rice casserole, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to suit every palate. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these casseroles are easy to prepare and can be tailored to your liking. So, gather your pantry essentials and get ready to whip up a delicious and budget-friendly meal that will warm your heart and fill your stomach.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BARE CUPBOARDS DINNER PARTY CASSEROLES
This makes two hearty Italian style pasta casseroles with beef and spinach for very little money and makes good use of ingredients you might have lying around your house. This comes from my Aunt's recipe collection, updated a bit for my tastes. She had originally clipped this from an article in Family Circle in 1973. I wanted to share the story behind this recipe as well as the recipe itself. Basically, a mom of six children had, on the spur of the moment, decided to invite guests over for supper on a Sunday. Apparently, no stores were open on Sundays, so she was unable to buy any ingredients and was faced with only using her meager household staples, and relied on her Italian family background for inspiration. This was what she created. This makes two big casseroles, one you can eat now, and one you may freeze and reheat later if you are not having a bunch of guests over. I think if you don't have any spinach, you could substitute another veggie like roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms...really whatever you have handy is the point here. Also, when you make this...you might say "this could use some more cheese"...go ahead and use extra cheese if you want, melting some on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Provided by HeatherFeather
Categories Vegetable
Time 2h30m
Yield 16-20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Brown meat in enough oil to keep meat from sticking, about 5 minutes; drain fat.
- Add onions, celery, carrots, and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomatoes, salt, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder (all seasonings to taste).
- Bring sauce to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta,timing it so that it is ready when the sauce has finished simmering.
- Mix pasta, sauce and spinach all together, then pour into 2 greased 9x13" casseroles.
- Sprinkle each casserole with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly (uncovered).
BARE CUPBOARD CASSEROLE
This is a dish I created when the cupboard was getting pretty bare. It tastes great and is very easy to make, so it's a great week-night dish when your back's to the wall with no time and everyone is hungry. Even though the recipe calls for Lawry's taco seasoning, other brands (or homemade) would work equally well. I made this with macaroni, but other small pasta would be just as good. If you use regular tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes, add in a good squirt of ketchup or tomato sauce or paste to make up for the lack of tomato pulp.
Provided by Cook In Northwest
Categories Meat
Time 45m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Boil the pasta per package directions. When done, drain off the water.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large pot. (A frypan isn't big enough after adding the pasta.) Add the chopped onions and saute with the beef until the onions are translucent. Add the taco seasoning, water, chopped tomatoes, and cooked macaroni. Simmer about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes start to fall apart. Add 1 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir until it is melted. Serve with a sprinkle of the reserved unmelted cheese on each bowl.
Tips:
- Use what you have: The beauty of a bare cupboard casserole is that you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different flavors and textures.
- Start with a base: A good base for a bare cupboard casserole is a combination of starch, protein, and vegetables. This could be anything from rice and beans to pasta and chicken to potatoes and sausage.
- Add some flavor: Once you have your base, you can start adding some flavor. This could be done with spices, herbs, sauces, or even cheese.
- Don't overcook it: Bare cupboard casseroles are best when they are cooked just until the ingredients are heated through. Overcooking can make the dish dry and tough.
- Serve with your favorite sides: Bare cupboard casseroles are a great main course, but they can also be served with sides such as salad, bread, or rice.
Conclusion:
Bare cupboard casseroles are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying meal. With a little creativity, you can make a bare cupboard casserole that is both tasty and nutritious. So next time you're faced with a bare cupboard, don't despair. Just get creative and see what you can come up with. You might just be surprised at how delicious your bare cupboard casserole turns out!
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