casserole traditionally

A casserole, traditionally, is a baked dish that combines protein (like meat or beans), vegetables, a starch (like pasta, rice, or potatoes), and a binding sauce (such as cream, cheese, or a soup base). It’s cooked slowly in the oven in a deep, oven-safe dish — which is also called a “casserole.”

🔹 Key Components of a Traditional Casserole:

1. Protein

   • Common: chicken, ground beef, tuna, sausage

   • Vegetarian options: beans, lentils, tofu

2. Vegetables

   • Fresh, canned, or frozen — like green beans, peas, corn, mushrooms, broccoli

3. Starch/Base

   • Pasta (e.g. noodles), rice, potatoes (mashed, sliced, or hash browns)

4. Binder

   • Creamy sauces: cheese sauce, béchamel, condensed soup (like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken)

   • Eggs are sometimes used, especially in breakfast casseroles

5. Topping (optional, but traditional in many versions)

   • Cheese, breadcrumbs, crushed crackers (like Ritz), French-fried onions

🍽️ Examples of Traditional Casseroles:

• Green Bean Casserole – green beans + cream of mushroom soup + French-fried onions

• Tuna Noodle Casserole – egg noodles + tuna + peas + creamy sauce + breadcrumbs or chips on top

• Shepherd’s Pie – ground meat + vegetables + mashed potatoes

• Chicken and Rice Casserole – chicken + rice + creamy soup + cheese

👩‍🍳 Traditional Features:

• Often made ahead and baked before serving

• Economical and great for feeding a crowd

• Common in potlucks, holidays, and weeknight family dinners

• Popular in American Midwest and Southern cooking, though versions exist worldwide