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To make Husband Saver Casserole, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Here’s a list to gather: - 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup breadcrumbs Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The cooked macaroni serves as the base, giving you a hearty feel. Diced tomatoes add a zesty kick, while cheddar cheese makes it creamy and rich. Shredded chicken adds protein, making this dish filling. The mixed vegetables bring color and nutrients. Sour cream ties everything together, creating a smooth texture. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika elevate the flavor. Finally, breadcrumbs add a crunchy topping, making every bite satisfying. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a meal that pleases everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step helps keep the casserole from sticking. 2. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 cup sour cream Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. This helps the flavors blend together. 3. Once mixed, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it is flat and even. This helps it cook properly. 1. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. About 1 tablespoon will do. This makes the topping crisp and tasty. 2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix over the top of the casserole. This adds a nice crunch. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for the top to become golden and crispy, and the casserole should be bubbly. 4. When done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps with cutting and serving. Enjoy the meal! - Best practices for boiling pasta: Start with a large pot of water. Add salt to the water before it boils. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and stir right away. Cook it until it's al dente. Drain it well and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it firm. - Ensuring even cooking of vegetables: Use frozen mixed veggies for this recipe. They cook fast and stay bright. Add them straight from the freezer to the mix. This helps keep their color and flavor. If using fresh veggies, chop them into small pieces. Cook them lightly before adding to the casserole. - Recommended spices and herbs: Use garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a tasty kick. These spices add depth to the dish. You can also add a pinch of oregano or thyme for extra flavor. Fresh herbs can really brighten the casserole. - Suggestions for cheese variations: Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can switch it up. Try mozzarella for a more gooey texture. Pepper jack adds a nice heat. If you want a sharper taste, use gouda or a mixture of different cheeses. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand for quick preparation. Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorite veggies or whatever you have in your fridge for a personal touch. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor and creaminess. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Ground beef or turkey makes a great swap. Just cook it first, and then mix it in. If you want a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils. They add great protein and flavor. You can also use tofu for a plant-based twist. Both options keep the meal filling and satisfying. Mixing up the veggies can add fun flavors. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for a colorful twist. You can also stir in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness. If you want extra flavor, add sauces. A bit of hot sauce adds heat, while barbecue sauce gives a sweet touch. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make this casserole your own! To store leftover Husband Saver Casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in one-minute bursts. To freeze the casserole, make sure it is completely cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to cook it from frozen, take it out the night before. Place it in the fridge to thaw slowly. If you forget, you can bake it straight from frozen. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and add about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure it is heated all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes weeknight dinners easy and fast. You can use Greek yogurt as a great substitute for sour cream. It gives a similar tangy taste. Another option is cream cheese, but thin it with a bit of milk. Both options keep the dish creamy and delicious. Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken. You can add more mixed vegetables or use beans for protein. Chickpeas or black beans work well. This way, you keep the meal hearty and filling. This casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Yes, you can use different pasta types. Shells, rotini, or penne are great choices. Just make sure to cook them until al dente. This way, the pasta won’t get mushy while baking. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta! This blog post shared a simple, tasty casserole recipe that uses common ingredients. You learned how to prepare, bake, and serve a delicious dish everyone will enjoy. I also included tips for cooking, flavor ideas, and ways to store this meal. Remember, you can swap in different proteins and veggies to match your taste. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy each bite of your creation!

Husband Saver Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), shredded cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and sour cream.
  • Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) to help them crisp up in the oven. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, pasta