Easy Spinach Pesto Lasagna

Ingredients
Lasagna noodles, prepared
Jar spaghetti sauce
7 oz prepared pesto
2 10 oz boxes frozen spinach
3 c ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 c Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Combine cheeses and egg in one bowl; set aside.  Combine pesto and spinach in a separate bowl. 
Spread 1 cup tomato sauce on bottom of baking dish.  Layer noodles, ricotta mix, spinach mix, sauce; repeat a few times. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with grated fontina. Bake another 15 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes.

Submitted by @mommytown via Twitter

Tex Mex Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

5 cups rice, cooked
2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 4-oz cans green chillies, chopped or diced
1 onion, chopped

Directions:

Spray skillet with no-stick cooking spray and saute onion for five minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Transfer to 2-qt casserole and freeze.

On cooking day: Remove from freezer for defrosting. Preheat oven to 350F and bake 30-40 minutes or until cooked throughout.

Submitted by Shelli

From Mom's Budget (www.momsbudget.com)

Chicken Divan

Ingredients:

4 pkgs frozen broccoli (cooked according to pkg instructions)
4 cups cooked chicken, sliced
3/4 cup butter/margarine
3/4 cup flour
6 cups milk
1 cup cream
2 cups grated Parmesan
3 tbsp mustard
4 tbsp minced onion
1 tsp Worcester sauce
salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions:

In one large or two smaller casseroles, place cooked broccoli and top with chicken. In a saucepan melt butter then gradually add flour. Once thickened, add milk, stirring until combined. Once smooth, add remaining ingredients, stirring until heated through and cheese is melted. Pour over chicken and broccoli, cool then freeze.

On cooking day:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated 400F oven for 45 minutes. Serve.

Submitted by Shelli

From Mom's Budget (www.momsbudget.com)

Ham and Cheese Ziti

Ingredients:

2 16 oz packages ziti noodles
1 cup butter/margarine
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup flour
2 tsp salt
8 cups milk
2 tsp Dijon mustard
8 cups Colby cheese, shredded
16oz cooked ham (deli style), cut into thin strips
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

This recipe makes 2 13x9 casseroles.

Cook and drain pasta according to instructions (you may need to do it in two batches if your larges pot isn't large enough.

In large saucepan or deep skillet, melt butter on low heat. Add garlic and saute for about 30-40 seconds, stirring the entire time. Next add flour and salt, using a whisk to ensure no lumps remain. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring the entire time, until there are no lumps and the mixture begins to bubble.

Slowly add milk, stirring the whole time, while you bring it to a boil. Once boiling, allow to continue to boil for 1 minute, then add mustard and Colby cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted. Add ham and pasta, stirring well. Pour into 2 13x9 casserole dishes. Cool and freeze.

On cooking day:
Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole dish (uncovered) into oven and bake 30-45 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Serve.

Submitted by Shelli

From Mom's Budget (www.momsbudget.com)

Cabbage Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 med red onion
1 small head cabbage, chopped
1 can tomato soup, undiluted

Directions

Brown ground beef and onion together. Place cabbage in large casserole. Spread beef and onions over the cabbage. Spread tomato soup over the beef. Cover and bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Note: 1/2 cup quick cooking rice can be added to the beef mixture but if you do this dilute the soup with 1 can of water.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
• 1 egg
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
3. Layer macaroni, season lightly, add cheese, then repeat steps until macaroni is finished and end by topping with cheese.
   
4. Mix milk, egg and butter. Pour over the macaroni and cheese.
5. Cover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing cover final ten minutes or until the top is brown.

From Allrecipes.com
Submitted by Shelli

Mexican Style Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 10-3/4-ounce cans reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 3/4 cup chopped green sweet pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 6- or 7-inch corn tortillas, cut into thin, bite-size strips
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken*
• 1 8-ounce package (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Directions

1. Combine soup, tomatoes with chiles, sweet pepper, onion, chili powder, and black pepper; set aside.

2. To assemble, sprinkle about one-third of the tortilla strips over the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish or 3-quart rectangular casserole. Layer half of the chicken over tortilla strips; spoon half of soup mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the cheese and another one-third of the tortilla strips over the soup mixture. Layer with remaining chicken, soup mixture, and tortilla strips.

3. Bake, uncovered, in 350 degree F oven about 45 minutes or until bubbly around edges and center is hot. Remove from oven; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with sliced tomatoes and green onions. Makes 8 servings.

ToTote: Cover tightly after sprinkling with cheese. Transport in an insulated carrier. If desired, trasnport tomatoes and green onions in an insulated cooler with ice packs.

*Note: About 1 pound boneless chicken breasts will yield 3 cups cubed cooked chicken; 1/2 pound yields about 1-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken

For 4 Servings: Prepare using method above, except assemble in an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven about 35 minutes or until bubbly around edges and center is hot.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chili peppers
• 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream or light dairy sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 6-inch corn tortillas
• 1 10-ounce can enchilada sauce or one 101/2-ounce can tomato puree
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Directions

1. In a large skillet cook the ground beef, onion, chili powder, and cumin until onion is tender and meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir pinto beans and undrained chili peppers into meat mixture; set aside.

2. In a small mixing bowl stir together sour cream, flour, and garlic powder until combined; set aside.

3. Place half of the tortillas in the bottom of a lightly greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish, cutting to fit if necessary. Top with half of the meat mixture, half of the sour cream mixture, and half of the enchilada sauce. Repeat layers. Cover dish with plastic wrap; chill in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

4. To serve: Preheat oven to 350F. Remove plastic wrap; cover dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese and bake 5 minutes more. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Nacho Turkey Casserole

Ingredients

• 5 cups slightly crushed tortilla chips
• 4 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
• 2 16-ounce jars salsa
• 1 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn
• 1/2 cup dairy sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers or mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or 3-quart rectangular casserole. Place 3 cups of the tortilla chips in bottom of dish. In a large bowl combine turkey, salsa, corn, sour cream, and flour; spoon over tortilla chips.

2. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups tortilla chips and the cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Makes 8 servings.

To Tote: Cover tightly. Transport in an insulated carrier.

For 4 Servings: Prepare using method above, except assemble in a 2-quart square baking dish.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound fresh Italian sausage links
• 2 10-ounce packages fresh spinach, cooked and well drained, or two 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 19- or 15-ounce can white kidney beans (cannellini) or great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup evaporated skim milk
• 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons margarine or butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large skillet cook sausage over medium heat about 8 minutes or until no pink remains, turning often. Drain on paper towels. Slice into bite-size pieces.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine cooked sausage, spinach, beans, onion, milk, 1/4 cup of the Romano or Parmesan cheese, lemon peel, lemon juice, nutmeg, and pepper. Transfer mixture to a greased 2-quart oval or square baking dish.

3. For topping, in a small mixing bowl combine bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup of the Romano or Parmesan cheese, garlic, and melted margarine or butter; sprinkle atop casserole. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degrees F oven for 35 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Chicken Alfredo and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 10-oz. container refrigerated light Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2-1/2 cups cooked white rice or wild rice
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/3 cup chopped bottled roasted red sweet peppers
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl combine pasta sauce and milk. Stir in rice, chicken, peas, sweet peppers, nuts, and basil. Transfer to 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

2. Bake, covered, 30 minutes. Uncover and stir. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle atop. Bake, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes more or until heated through and crumbs are golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Creamy Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
• 1-3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 of an 8-oz. pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), cut up
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (4 oz.)
• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives or green onions
• 1-1/2 lb. Yukon gold or round red potatoes, cut in thin wedges
• 8 oz. sliced cooked Black Forest ham or country ham, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed bagel chips
• Thyme and/or Italian parsley leaves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside.

2. For sauce, in medium saucepan cook onion in hot butter over medium heat 5 minutes or until tender; stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and mustard. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Neufchatel cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the Gruyere cheese until cheese is melted. Stir in chives.

3. In bowl combine potatoes, ham, and sauce; toss gently to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

4. Bake, covered, 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Uncover; stir carefully. Sprinkle with crushed chips and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand, 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with herbs. Serves 6.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

• 3 cups medium noodles (4 oz.)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
• 2-1/4 cups milk
• 1 12-oz. can chunk tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, chopped
• Potato chips, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In large saucepan cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; return noodles to pan.

2. For sauce, in medium saucepan cook celery and onion in hot butter until tender. Stir in flour, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add milk all at once; cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly, whisking to remove any lumps.

3. Gently fold sauce, tuna, and peppers into noodles. Transfer to lightly greased 1-1/2-quart baking dish. Top with chips. Bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes. Serves 4.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Monterey Tortilla Casseroles

Ingredients

• Nonstick spray coating
• 6 6-inch corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 cup loose-pack frozen whole kernel corn
• 1 16-ounce jar salsa verde
• 3 tablespoons light dairy sour cream
• 3 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup crumbled Mexican Chihuahua® cheese or crumbled farmer cheese (4 ounces)
• Light dairy sour cream (optional)
• Snipped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Chopped tomato (optional)
• Jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

1. Spray four 10- to 12-ounce baking dishes with nonstick coating. Place 5 tortilla wedges in the bottom of each dish. Place remaining tortilla pieces on a baking sheet; bake in a 350 degree F oven about 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Meanwhile, combine chicken, corn, salsa, the 3 tablespoons sour cream, cilantro, and flour. Divide mixture among dishes.

2. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Arrange baked tortilla pieces atop casseroles. Top with cheese; bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. If desired, garnish with additional sour cream, jalapeno slices, cilantro, and tomato. Makes 4 servings.

3. To bake frozen casseroles: Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake about 20 minutes more or until heated through. Top with tortilla pieces and cheese; bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Garnish as above.

4. To micro-cook frozen casseroles: Cover microwave-safe casseroles with waxed paper; micro-cook on 30% power, allowing 4 minutes for 1 casserole and 5 minutes for 2 casseroles. Continue cooking, covered, on 100% power until heated through, allowing 2 to 4 minutes for 1 casserole or 3 to 6 minutes for 2 casseroles, rotating the dishes once. Top with baked tortilla pieces and cheese; micro-cook, uncovered, about 30 seconds more or until cheese is melted. Garnish as above.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble casseroles as directed above, except do not top with baked tortilla pieces; place baked pieces in a moisture- and vapor-proof plastic bag. Freeze casseroles and tortilla pieces up to 1 month.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Potato Ham Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, sliced
• 1 8-oz. tub light cream cheese spread with chive and onion
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh tarragon or 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
• 8 oz. cooked boneless ham, cut in bite-sized slices
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut in 2 to 3-inch pieces
• Fresh tarragon sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In medium saucepan cook potatoes, covered, in small amount of lightly salted boiling water 5 to 7 minutes, just until tender. Drain; transfer to bowl and set aside.

2. For sauce, in same saucepan combine cream cheese, milk, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat and whisk until smooth and cheese is melted. Remove from heat; stir in tarragon.

3. Layer potatoes, ham, asparagus, and sauce in 1-1/2-quart baking dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle remaining Parmesan. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with tarragon and freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 6.9-ounce package chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix
• 1 14-ounce can chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes (2 medium)
• 3 tablespoons canned diced green chile peppers, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan cook onion in hot oil over medium heat until tender. Stir in rice and vermicelli mix (including seasoning package); cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in broth and water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (liquid will not be fully absorbed).

2. Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, chile peppers, basil, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole.

3. Bake, covered, in a 425 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Make Ahead Directions: Prepare as above through step 1. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Bake, covered, in a 425 degree F oven about 40 minutes or until heated through. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Hamburger Pie

Ingredients

• 1 recipe Mashed Potatoes or one 24-ounce package refrigerated mashed potatoes
• 1-1/4 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Dash black pepper
• 2-1/2 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
• 1 10.75-ounce can condensed tomato soup
• 1/2 cup shredded processed American cheese (2 ounces)

Directions

1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes*, if using; set aside. In a large skillet cook meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in thawed beans and soup; pour into a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish or casserole.

2. Spoon Mashed Potatoes in mounds on bean mixture (or, if desired, pipe potatoes using a pastry bag and a large star tip). Sprinkle cheese over the potatoes. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese begins to brown.

3. Makes 6 servings

*Three Mashed Potato Options:
1. Use four servings refrigerated mashed potatoes
2. Prepare 4 servings instant mashed potatoes according to package directions, except reserve the mil. Add egg and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add enough reserved milk so potatoes are stiff enough to hold their shape.
3. Make mashed potatoes using 5 medium potatoes.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 ounces dried medium noodles
• 2-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Paprika
  

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well.

2. In a 2-quart casserole stir together noodles, chicken or turkey, broccoli, and green onions.

3. In a medium mixing bowl stir together soup, milk, cheese, basil, and pepper. Stir into noodle mixture.

4. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes 6 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare casserole; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Bake as above.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Pork and Green Chiles Casserole

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds boneless pork
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 4-1/2-ounce cans chopped green chili peppers
• 1 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 to 3 tablespoons salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

Directions

1. Trim fat from pork. Cut pork into 1/2-inch cubes. In a large skillet, brown pork, half at a time, in hot oil. Drain off fat. Return pork to the skillet.

2. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, condensed soup, chili peppers, brown rice, water, and salsa. Bring mixture to boiling. Carefully pour into a 2-quart square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Smoky Chicken and Cheesy Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup
• 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
• 6 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
• 1 28-ounce package frozen loose-pack diced hash brown potatoes with onion and peppers, thawed
• 3 cups chopped smoked or roasted chicken or turkey
• Crushed croutons (optional)

Directions

1. Lightly coat the inside of a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In the cooker combine soup, sour cream, cheese, frozen potatoes, and chicken.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. If desired, top each serving with crushed croutons. Makes 6 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli