Casseroles With Punch

 Mention caseerole for dinner and most will cringe or frown. It's not always the asked for dinner choice. Yet adds some punch and your family may change their minds about it.

Lasagna surprisingly is one example of this classic dish.It's usually layers of lasagna noodles, tomato sauce both ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and ground beef. You could easily sub in a bechamel or white sauce Piedmontese style or  make it Valdostana from the Val" D'osta. This last is layered with yummy fontina cheese and ham, This lasagna is rich with cream  instead of tomatoes  You could also zing up traditional lasagna by adding a good dose of chili powder or red pepper flakes. This makes it arrabiata style. Another pasta based casserole is backed mac. This recipe can be varied and you can have fun with it. The classic recipe is  a mix of elbow macaroni, butter ,flour ,cheddar and milk. Red pepper is sdded to these usually bland blend to liven it up. Yet you could also add breadcrumbs on top for crunch along with a sprinkling of bacon bits. You could also add chopped ham to baked mac as well. Subbing in a different pasta can also give baked mac some excitement. Think penne  for a different take. Add some Parmesan for a different flavor too.

Chicken casserole. is usually made with shredded chicken , cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese . This is layered and usually topped with a mix of breadcrumbs . shredded cheddar cheese and melted butter. You could add some peas and carrots to give it a pot pie feel.Another idea is adding kidney beans. For a Mexican flavor use Montery Jack cheese instead of the cheddar along with a base of rice and beans.You could also add a can fo tomato sauce or pureed ones for an enchilada vibe. There's also beef casseroles, always made with ground beef, You can have fun with this. Try a Sloppy Joe one topped with Hawaiian roll.s This is a great Friday or Saturday night dinner suggestion. It's taking ground chuck cooked with onion, bell peppers , onions and crushed tomatoes. Ketchup,  yellow mustard and dill pickle relish add some zest to it along with Worcester sauce and chili powder. You cna add cheddar cheese of you want or Montery Jack. The dish is topped with those split rolls and then brushed with butter. You could add bacon ot this or try a mix of beef and prok for something different.

Zest up that boring casseroles. Add a new ingedient like red pepper or change up the recipe.with a new sauce. Do what you want to create a casserole that everyone will love.