This version gives you a perfectly balanced, creamy, and golden-topped casserole every time.
🧀 Classic Baked Casserole
🧂 Base Ingredients:
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2–3 cups cooked protein or veggies (choose one or mix: chicken, ground beef, tuna, ham, broccoli, or mixed vegetables)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken, mushroom, or celery soup
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1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, etc.)
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1/2 cup milk (adjust for creaminess)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups cooked rice, pasta, or potatoes, for the base
Optional Toppings:
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1 cup buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or cornflakes
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Extra cheese for melting on top
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Mix the Filling:
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In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
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Stir in your protein or veggies, cheese, and cooked rice/pasta/potatoes until evenly coated.
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Assemble:
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Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter (and extra cheese if desired).
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Bake:
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Bake uncovered 30–40 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
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Serve:
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set.
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🌟 Ideas to Customize:
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Add steamed broccoli and cheddar.
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Beef & Pasta Bake: Use marinara instead of soup, mix with pasta and mozzarella.
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Tuna Noodle Casserole: Add peas, egg noodles, and a crumb topping.
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Breakfast Casserole: Mix eggs, hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
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Loaded Potato Casserole: Combine cubed potatoes, sour cream, bacon, and green onions.
Would you like me to turn this into a specific version (like “Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole” or “Tuna Noodle Casserole”)?
