Nothing Says "I Care," Like a Casserole

The occasion often occurs when you want to bring a meal to a friend. It might be someone who's just had a baby or a family death or even just a stressed out friend. How many times has the intention crossed your mind, but been quickly dismissed? Maybe it's because you don't know what to bring or you are simply too busy. Whatever the excuse is, I have the solution. These tips will turn your good intentions into a reality.

The first thing you should consider is a meal that either makes enough to feed two families or one that easily doubles. Since you are already cooking for your own family, this will not add any extra time. You are simply stretching your efforts.

Meat Casseroles

The second thing you should consider is something they can cook or bake at their convenience. That is why I like casseroles so much. They also make a lot and double. I recommend always keeping disposable pans on hand so you don't have to worry about getting dishes back.

Because you are feeding other people, you want something impressive, yet simple. You want something that re-heats well in the event others are bringing them meals and they will be having left-overs. And last you want something quick that is not going to take you all day.

Two of my favorite dishes for bringing a friend are King Ranch Chicken Casserole and Baked Ziti. There's a good chance that if others are bringing dinner, they will be getting plenty of pasta. However, that's not always the case and this ziti recipe is sure to please anyone.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

5 tablespoons butter

1/2 onion - finely chopped

1/2 green bell pepper - finely chopped

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup water - reserve from boiled chicken

1 10-ounce can tomatoes with chilies - I prefer the Rotel tomatoes (mild)

4 flour tortillas

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Boil chicken and cut into bite size pieces. Reserve 1/2 cup of chicken water.

3) In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and bell pepper. Once vegetables are clear; whisk in flour. Slowly whisk in chicken water and tomatoes (with juice.) Mix cubed chicken back into mixture.

4) In an 8 x 11 inch dish, layer as follows: 2 tortillas, 1/2 chicken mixture, 1 cup of cheese and repeat.

5) Cook for 30 minutes in preheated oven.

Baked Ziti

16-ounce box penne pasta noodles

1 lb package ground beef

3 cloves garlic - minced

2 jars spaghetti sauce

4 slices provolone cheese

1 cup sour cream

4 slices mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Boil and drain pasta according to direction on box.

3) In a large skillet, brown and drain ground beef. Add garlic and spaghetti sauce to ground beef.

4) In a large baking or casserole dish, layer as follows: ½ of cooked pasta, provolone cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, ½ of meat mixture, remaining pasta, mozzarella cheese, and remaining meat mixture. Top with 2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

5) Bake for 30 minutes.

Let's not forget dessert. Banana pudding is the way to go. Just put it in another disposable pan and 1 batch will be plenty for your family and theirs.

Banana Pudding

30 vanilla wafers

2 bananas - sliced thinly

1 large box instant vanilla pudding

1 8-ounce package block cream cheese

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups milk

1 container cool whip topping - divided

1) Line the bottom a 9 x 13" baking dish with vanilla wafer cookies. Add a layer of sliced bananas.

2) In a large mixing bowl, combine pudding, cream cheese, condensed milk, vanilla, milk & 1/2 container of cool whip. Pour over cookies & bananas. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

3) Top with remaining cool whip before serving.

Nothing Says "I Care," Like a Casserole

Dawn Billesbach
Creator and Founder of Menufortheweek.com.
Does the daily struggle of "What's for dinner?" make you want to hide your head like an ostrich? Visit my website for one FREE week's menu and grocery list. Treat yourself and leave the stress to me.

See Also : staub 9.5 inch saute pan