Best 4 Early California Casserole Recipes

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**Early California Casserole: A Culinary Journey Through Time**

In the heart of California's culinary heritage lies a timeless treasure—the Early California Casserole. Embracing the bounty of the region's natural produce, this versatile dish has captured the hearts of generations with its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal. From traditional to contemporary renditions, each recipe in this article offers a unique take on this classic casserole, promising a delectable experience that celebrates the Golden State's rich agricultural legacy.

**1. Classic Early California Casserole: A Taste of Tradition**

This recipe stays true to the original, featuring juicy ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce, layered between tender corn tortillas, and topped with a golden blanket of melted cheese. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors creates a comforting dish that evokes the essence of California's culinary heritage.

**2. Vegetarian Early California Casserole: A Plant-Based Delight**

For those seeking a meatless variation, this recipe reimagines the classic casserole with a vibrant array of vegetables. Succulent bell peppers, zucchini, and corn join forces in a flavorful tomato sauce, nestled between layers of corn tortillas and melted cheese. The result is a delectable symphony of flavors that showcases the bounty of California's fresh produce.

**3. Spicy Early California Casserole: A Kick of Heat**

This recipe adds a zesty twist to the classic casserole, incorporating fiery chili peppers and a blend of aromatic spices. The ground beef is infused with a tantalizing heat that dances on the palate, while the corn tortillas and cheese provide a creamy balance. This dish is sure to ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.

**4. Gluten-Free Early California Casserole: A Culinary Symphony for All**

Crafted with a keen attention to dietary needs, this gluten-free rendition of the Early California Casserole offers a symphony of flavors that cater to those with gluten sensitivities. Quinoa and almond flour take the place of wheat flour, creating a delectable crust that complements the savory ground beef and vegetable filling. Melted cheese adds a final touch of indulgence, ensuring that this dish delights every palate.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CALIFORNIA CASSEROLE



California Casserole image

This colorful casserole is named after the West Coast, but it always brings appreciative oohs and aahs when I serve it to fellow Texans. It's compatible with a variety of side dishes.-Hope LaShier, Amarillo, Texas.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (10 ounces) tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) whole mushrooms, drained
1 jar (4 ounces) chopped pimientos, drained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in the next 11 ingredients. Add noodles. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake 50 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 658mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

CALIFORNIA CASSEROLE



California Casserole image

This casserole has always been one of my favorites with its combination of tender braised meat in a soup-based gravy, seasoned biscuit topping and toasted, buttery bread crumbs is mouthwatering. The one ingredient that gives this casserole its unique taste is the addition of poultry seasoning to the biscuit topping, but don't let it scare you into thinking it's a mistake in the recipe or that it will taste strange, because neither is true. I'm certain this is one of those casseroles that will become a comfort food at your house, just as it has at ours. My mother made this quite often when we were little and I know she got the recipe from a magazine many, many years ago, but I couldn't tell you which one. It doesn't have anything fancy in it, but it is good enough that company would really enjoy it. Most likely if you have some sort of creamed soup (any flavor will work well) in your cupboard and some sort of stew meat, a small round steak, or a sirloin steak in your fridge of freezer, you will have the rest of the ingredients. There are a few steps and a little involved in making this but there's nothing tricky about the preparation.

Provided by Casinonut

Categories     Meat

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb beef round steak, cut into cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
1 cup biscuit mix
2/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 slices bread, cubed (or crumbs made in a food processor or blender)
1/4 cup of melted margarine

Steps:

  • Salt and pepper the cubed meat.
  • Dredge the meat in the flour and shake off excess.
  • Heat the oil over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet.
  • Saute the chopped onion in the oil until translucent. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
  • Saute the floured meat in the remaining oil in the skillet until brown, stirring to ensure all sides have browned evenly.
  • Add the sautéed onions and the water to the meat and scrape the bottom of the skillet to get up all the browned bits of meat and flour.
  • Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes until the meat is tender. Adding water as necessary to keep the meat from cooking dry and scorching.
  • Add the soup to the meat mixture, adding more water if necessary to achieve a soup consistency, combining well, and heat until boiling.
  • Transfer the meat/soup mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Mix the biscuit mix, the poultry seasoning and the milk together. It should be a thinner consistency than biscuit dough but thicker than pancake batter. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the right consistency.
  • Transfer the biscuit batter to the top of the meat mixture in the casserole dish.
  • Prepare the bread cubes (or crumbs) by combining with the melted butter and mix well so that the cubes are completely coated.
  • Top the biscuit mixture with the the bread crumbs.
  • Bake in a 375°F oven for 30-40 minutes or until the biscuit dough is baked throughout and browned well.

CALIFORNIA CASSEROLE



California Casserole image

This is an old recipe from my grandmothers collection that I've updated for myself with lower fat options.

Provided by Miz Lily

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 1 13 x 9" pan, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb ground turkey (I use 93% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, minced (or garlic powder)
3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
1 cup light sour cream
2 1/2 ounces black olives, drained (sliced)
3/4 cup green onion, sliced
8 ounces egg noodles (or lasagna noodles)
1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • In a large skillet combine turkey, salt, sugar, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Bring to a boil stirring to break up the meat. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  • Combine cream cheese, sour cream, olives and green onions in a bowl, set aside.
  • Coat a 13 x 9" baking dish with cooking spray. Place 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the dish. Layer noodles, sauce, and cream cheese mixture. (I've only ever made this with egg noodles, which only makes one layer of each item. If you use lasagna noodles, repeat layering until noodles are gone.) Top entire casserole with shredded cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
  • Makes 12, 3x4 inch servings.

CALIFORNIA CASSEROLE



California Casserole image

My friend Cathy brought this to a get together and it tastes so good. Something different from the usual fare we have. Everyone enjoyed it, and I bummed the recipe to share with you all.

Provided by yamma

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup butter
1 cup onion, chopped
4 cups cooked rice
2 cups sour cream
1 cup creamy cottage cheese
1 large bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 (4 ounce) cans green chilies, drained
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Saute onion in butter, remove from heat.
  • Stir in rice, sour cream, cottage cheese, Bay leaf, salt and pepper.
  • Spray or lightly butter a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Layer half the rice mixture, half the chillies and sprinkle with half the cheese.
  • Repeat layer.
  • Bake uncovered 35 minutes at 375 degrees.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the casserole will taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make a California casserole, so feel free to get creative and try new things.
  • Cook the casserole thoroughly: This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is safe to eat.
  • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving: This will help to prevent the casserole from falling apart.
  • Serve the casserole with your favorite sides: Some popular options include mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

California casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it can also be made with other types of meat or vegetables. With so many different ways to make it, there is sure to be a California casserole recipe that everyone will love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give California casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

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