Casserole is a baked pasta dish made with cooked protein, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, and cheese. It is worth making because the creamy sauce brings everything together with very little work. As it bakes, the cheese melts and the edges turn hot and bubbly, while the breadcrumbs add a light crunchy topping. Make this dish when you need a simple dinner that uses ingredients you already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Simple ingredients: Cooked pasta, protein, vegetables, soup, and cheese create a complete casserole with basic kitchen staples.
- Flexible protein: Use cooked chicken, beef, or beans, depending on what you have available.
- Creamy texture: Cream of mushroom soup coats the pasta and vegetables in a smooth sauce.
- Easy weeknight meal: After mixing the ingredients, the oven does the cooking.
- Custom topping: Add breadcrumbs for a crisp top, or use only cheese for a softer finish.
How to Make This Casserole
Start by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. Mix the cooked pasta, cooked protein, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, and half of the cheese in a large bowl. Season the mixture, place it in the dish, and cover it with the remaining cheese. Add breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy top, then bake until hot and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Prep: | Cook: 25-30 minutes | Total: | Servings:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked pasta
- 1 cup of cooked protein (chicken, beef, or beans)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked protein, cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and half of the cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve This Casserole
Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. The creamy pasta also goes well with crisp vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers or carrots, for a fresh contrast.
For a casual dinner, serve it straight from the baking dish with a glass of iced tea, water, or your favorite drink. This dish also works well for a family-style meal because everyone can scoop out the amount they want.
If you add breadcrumbs, serve the casserole soon after it cools slightly so the topping stays crisp. For a softer topping, leave out the breadcrumbs and let the melted cheese be the main finish.
How to Store This Casserole
Place leftover casserole in a covered container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Divide it into smaller portions if you want to make reheating easier.
To reheat, warm a portion in the microwave until hot, stirring if needed. You can also reheat the casserole in an oven-safe dish until heated through. Covering the dish can help keep the pasta from drying out.
This casserole can be frozen, although the texture of the creamy sauce and vegetables may change after thawing. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat it until hot.
Tips for Making This Casserole
- Use fully cooked ingredients: The pasta and protein should already be cooked before you mix the casserole.
- Stir gently: Mix until the ingredients are combined so the pasta keeps its shape.
- Save half the cheese: Stir half into the filling and use the rest on top for a cheesy finish.
- Choose fresh or frozen vegetables: Either works in this recipe, so use the option you have available.
- Watch the breadcrumbs: They are optional, but they can add a crisp texture to the top.
- Let it rest: Cooling the casserole for a few minutes makes it easier to serve and helps the filling settle.
Variations
- Change the protein: Use cooked chicken, beef, or beans as the recipe allows. This is an option rather than a required change.
- Add an extra vegetable: You can add more mixed vegetables if you want a vegetable-heavy casserole, but this is not part of the main recipe.
- Try another cooking method: For an option outside the main recipe, warm the combined ingredients in a covered skillet until hot, then add the cheese on top. The oven method remains the recipe’s main cooking method.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Protein In This Casserole?
Yes. The recipe works with cooked chicken, beef, or beans. Choose one protein and use 1 cup of it so the mixture keeps the listed balance.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
You can mix the ingredients and place them in the baking dish ahead of baking. Keep the unbaked casserole covered in the refrigerator, then bake it when you are ready to serve, making sure it is hot and bubbly before eating.
Does This Casserole Freeze Well?
This casserole can be frozen, but the creamy sauce and vegetables may have a different texture after thawing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating, and warm it until hot throughout.
How Do I Know When The Casserole Is Done?
The casserole is ready when it is hot and bubbly throughout. The cheese on top should be melted, and the center should be heated before you let it cool for a few minutes.
Can I Double This Casserole?
You can double the ingredients if you have a baking dish large enough to hold the mixture. A deeper or fuller dish may need more time to heat through, so check that the center is hot and bubbly before serving.
Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, beef, or beans) Choose based on what you have available.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese Reserve half for topping.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) Either works well in this recipe.
- to taste Salt and pepper Add according to preference.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional) Use for a crunchy topping.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked protein, cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and half of the cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
Cooking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.