9x13 Casserole Base Any Flavor with Cheese
Transform weeknight dinners with this versatile 9x13 Casserole Base Any Flavor with Cheese, a customizable comfort food masterpiece that checks every box. Perfect for families or meal prep, this easy casserole combines your choice of cooked protein, fresh vegetables, and hearty grains with a rich cream-based sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese. The addition of a seasoning blend lets you tailor the dish to any flavor profile—Italian, Tex-Mex, or even Cajun! With only 15 minutes of prep and simple oven-baking, this dish is as practical as it is delicious. Whether you top it with extra cheese or crispy breadcrumbs, it comes out bubbling and golden every time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or creating leftovers, this one-dish wonder is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked protein of choice (e.g., shredded chicken, ground beef, tofu, or beans)
- 2 cups vegetables of choice (e.g., diced bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta, rice, or grains of choice
- 2 cups cream-based soup or sauce (e.g., cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or Alfredo)
- 2 cups shredded cheese of choice (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 cups liquid (e.g., chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water)
- 2 teaspoons seasoning blend of choice (e.g., Italian seasoning, taco spice, or Cajun seasoning)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for greasing the pan
- 0.5 cups optional topping: breadcrumbs or additional shredded cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or oil and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked protein, vegetables, uncooked pasta or grains, cream-based soup or sauce, shredded cheese, and seasoning blend.
Slowly stir in the liquid (broth or water) until everything is evenly coated and mixed well.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and stir the casserole to ensure the pasta or grains are cooking evenly.
Sprinkle the optional topping (breadcrumbs or additional cheese) over the top, if desired.
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the grains or pasta are fully cooked.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
440 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.3 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 758 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 39.8 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 291 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 527 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
