Classic Homestyle Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a comforting classic — the Homestyle Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for family dinners, it's a warm hug in a dish!

Ingredients for Classic Homestyle Casserole

Chicken breast is the star protein, providing a lean and tender bite. Carrots, celery, and onions form the flavorful base, with garlic adding a fragrant kick. Chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup create the creamy sauce, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty topping. Frozen peas bring a pop of color and sweetness, and cooked egg noodles offer satisfying texture. For a crunchy finish, breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, this casserole is bursting with homestyle goodness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, use rice or quinoa instead of egg noodles and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or a light beer complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Classic Homestyle Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it's hot and ready when the casserole is assembled. Then, grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until they're soft and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it until it's nicely browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is browned, stir in the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let this mixture come to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now, fold in the cooked egg noodles and frozen peas, along with half of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined, then transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top, creating that irresistible crust.

Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to settle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • A perfect balance of protein, veggies, and carbs.
  • Incredible flavor with minimal effort.
  • Family-friendly and great for leftovers.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or what's in your pantry.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast, diced
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
3. Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. Stir in chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in cooked noodles, peas, and half of the cheddar cheese.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and top is golden brown.

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