Totally Cozy Casseroles

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By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

Casseroles are wonderful one-pot meals, and an easy way to feed your family a healthy dinner when you are short on time. Warm and comforting, they are a perfect dish for a chilly winter night. The great thing about casseroles is they usually contain all the major food groups, so no need for fussing with sides and extras. Casseroles are also a great way to use leftovers, especially large roasts of meats such as turkey, chicken, ham or beef. Leftover cooked rice and vegetables can also be added.

The best part is that casserole recipes are often pretty forgiving, so if you find a recipe you like, you can usually substitute ingredients for what you have as long as you stay within the same food group.

Casseroles also freeze well. So if you have some extra time make one or a few, freeze them and you’ll have them ready to go for those busy week nights down the road. You can freeze them either cooked or raw, and remember to always thaw in the refrigerator. Use this simple technique for freezing casseroles:

1. Line your baking dish with foil, leaving a good amount of excess hanging over the edges.
2. Make and freeze your casserole in the dish.
3. When it is frozen lift it out of the dish using the excess foil on the edges, then wrap your casserole with plastic wrap, seal air tight in a freezer bag and put back in the freezer for use down the road.
4. When you are ready to cook it, put it back in the original dish, thaw and cook.

You can stack several casseroles in the freezer this way, and it frees up your dish for other uses.

So, next time you are up for making a no-fuss delicious dinner, try one of Paula’s wonderful casserole recipes.

Shrimp and wild rice casserole: Cheesy and creamy this casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. The wild rice gives it a wonderful nutty flavor that soaks in all that yumminess from the shrimp and mushroom soup.

Chicken divan: This dish is certainly a one-pot dinner that can stand alone on the table. Packed with vegetables and meat this hearty casserole will fill everyone up. Curry powder and lemon juice give it an extra burst of flavor.

Baked spaghetti: Who doesn’t love a nice bowl of spaghetti? Change it up this time and try Paula’s baked spaghetti. Warm delicious noodles and sauce with a crunchy cheesy topping.

Farmers Pork chops: This is truly meat and potatoes all in one. Layers of potatoes and pork chops in a creamy white sauce. Toss together a green salad to go with it and you have dinner.

Chicken Florentine: This dish turns an old classic into a casserole. Packed with nutrients from the spinach this is a rich and decadent dish that everyone will love.

Shepherd’s pie: A delicious and versatile dish, this one is perfect for subbing in the ingredients you have. Add or change up the meats and vegetables in this casserole to fit what you have in your fridge. If you do freeze this one, make it without the biscuit topping and freeze. When it is thawed and ready to cook add the topping.

Mexican Chicken: Similar to enchiladas this casserole is so easy to make and full of flavor.

Broccoli casserole: A perfect dish to get your kids to eat their vegetables. It is so delicious they won’t even know the broccoli is there. Make this casserole as a side to go along with roast chicken or another meat dish. Or serve it up alone for a vegetarian meal.

Reader Comments:

I just have to share this with you: I have twin granddaughters, they will be 3 this coming April. They were watching television with their mommy and your show was on, Hayden got all excited and said, Mommy, Nenaw is on TB and hers cookin! Then 'Lil Bit' came running in and decided that was me on TB also and started screaming that Nenaw is on TB Cookin! Hi NENAW... then ran up to the 'tb' and was kissing the screen! My goodness, what a compliment to me! I love your show also, have watched you for years now, my own parents think we resemble one and other! What a great compliment! Blessings to a wonderful lady!

By Anonymous on January 23, 2013

Thanks for the receipes that are easy and fast. It makes for a nice dinner and kitchen clean up by 7:00pm. I enjoy you and your sons. You all have really make a diffidencein my kitchen and the lighter receipes are great.

By Judy Mayer on January 21, 2013

Paula your receipts are wonderful.. I'm trying to adjust everything for my husbands problems with high blood sugar. It's hard to teach an old cook new tricks. Help

By Mary Shirley-Roller on January 19, 2013

Dear Paula, I have all of your cookbooks and love to get them out and read in addition to using many of the delicious recipes. I rode the Sam Shortline Train to Plains with you and the boys back in 2003 ,I believe. I'm ashamed to say that I did not know you then. In a few months , I read in Southern Living magazine about the Lady and Sons Restaurant. I was really surprised. We enjoyed lunch there in June and supper at Uncle Bubba's . I am so proud of you. You've come a long way by your hard work and determination. God has been good to you. You look great. Keep up your good work and take care of yourself and your family. Keep the good recipes coming. I always look forward to hearing from you. Vicky

By Vicky W. Williamson on January 18, 2013

I tried your Gooey Butter Cake, I found it at Walmart once I tried it it was delicious. I tried to buy more when I went back they didn't have anymore. So I went to the Internet and found your recipe so I made it at home. It was even more delicious than I ever thought it could be. It was so easy to make and so good to eat. Made me wish my mother was still alive to give her a piece

By Eileen arredondo on January 18, 2013

Paula, I am a big fan of yours. I like all your recipes!!! I collect your cook books, magazines, etc. You look great, and you are such a beautiful lady!!! I enjoy your tv show.... Go girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!! Pam

By Pam Hanks on January 16, 2013

I just love Paula she makes me happy!!!

By Anonymous on January 16, 2013

HEY THIS IS GREAT LOVE YA SUSIE

By Carolyn Sue Agee on January 16, 2013

Great article! I am always looking for casseroles to freeze and use later. I love the idea of the pot pie recipe to freeze and use later!

By Ilana Williams on January 16, 2013

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Totally Cozy Casseroles

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