Transform your kitchen scraps into a hearty, comforting meal with this simple yet flavorful Leftover Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines 3 cups of cooked leftovers—think proteins, roasted veggies, or even last night's stir-fry—with your choice of rice, pasta, or potatoes, all bound together in a creamy blend of cream of mushroom soup and milk. A golden, cheesy topping, complemented by crispy, buttery breadcrumbs, adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes and customizable with pantry staples like garlic powder and shredded cheese, this casserole is not only a great budget-friendly option but also a delicious way to reduce food waste. Serve it straight from the oven and watch as your leftovers become the star of the table!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked leftovers, cooked rice/pasta/potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, pressing gently to create an even layer.
In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Top with the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheese for a golden, melted topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your transformed leftovers!
Calories |
2801 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.8 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.8 g | 304% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 5900 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 277.9 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.5 g | ||
| Protein | 124.6 g | 249% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.2 mcg | 41% | |
| Calcium | 1845 mg | 142% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2092 mg | 45% | |
*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.