When faced with a bare cupboard and an empty wallet, it can be challenging to create a satisfying and wholesome meal. However, fret not, for the humble "bare cupboard casserole" comes to the rescue! This culinary creation is a testament to the power of resourcefulness and the pantry staples that often go unnoticed. With just a few basic ingredients and some clever culinary magic, you can transform your bare cupboard into a culinary haven.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BARE CUPBOARDS DINNER PARTY CASSEROLES
This makes two hearty Italian style pasta casseroles with beef and spinach for very little money and makes good use of ingredients you might have lying around your house. This comes from my Aunt's recipe collection, updated a bit for my tastes. She had originally clipped this from an article in Family Circle in 1973. I wanted to share the story behind this recipe as well as the recipe itself. Basically, a mom of six children had, on the spur of the moment, decided to invite guests over for supper on a Sunday. Apparently, no stores were open on Sundays, so she was unable to buy any ingredients and was faced with only using her meager household staples, and relied on her Italian family background for inspiration. This was what she created. This makes two big casseroles, one you can eat now, and one you may freeze and reheat later if you are not having a bunch of guests over. I think if you don't have any spinach, you could substitute another veggie like roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms...really whatever you have handy is the point here. Also, when you make this...you might say "this could use some more cheese"...go ahead and use extra cheese if you want, melting some on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Provided by HeatherFeather
Categories Vegetable
Time 2h30m
Yield 16-20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Brown meat in enough oil to keep meat from sticking, about 5 minutes; drain fat.
- Add onions, celery, carrots, and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomatoes, salt, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder (all seasonings to taste).
- Bring sauce to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta,timing it so that it is ready when the sauce has finished simmering.
- Mix pasta, sauce and spinach all together, then pour into 2 greased 9x13" casseroles.
- Sprinkle each casserole with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly (uncovered).
BARE CUPBOARD CASSEROLE
This is a dish I created when the cupboard was getting pretty bare. It tastes great and is very easy to make, so it's a great week-night dish when your back's to the wall with no time and everyone is hungry. Even though the recipe calls for Lawry's taco seasoning, other brands (or homemade) would work equally well. I made this with macaroni, but other small pasta would be just as good. If you use regular tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes, add in a good squirt of ketchup or tomato sauce or paste to make up for the lack of tomato pulp.
Provided by Cook In Northwest
Categories Meat
Time 45m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Boil the pasta per package directions. When done, drain off the water.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large pot. (A frypan isn't big enough after adding the pasta.) Add the chopped onions and saute with the beef until the onions are translucent. Add the taco seasoning, water, chopped tomatoes, and cooked macaroni. Simmer about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes start to fall apart. Add 1 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir until it is melted. Serve with a sprinkle of the reserved unmelted cheese on each bowl.
Tips:
- Use pantry staples: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, rice, and meat. You can also add other ingredients, such as canned beans, corn, or diced tomatoes.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Simply cook all of the ingredients in a single pot or skillet. This will save you time and cleanup.
- Customize it to your taste: Add your favorite spices and seasonings to taste. You can also add different types of cheese or toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
- Make it ahead of time: This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
Conclusion:
The bare cupboard casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftovers, save time and money, and enjoy a home-cooked meal. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this casserole a try.
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