Bachelor Casserole (Stan's special meal-in-a-pan casserole)
Ingredients: (most ingredients and quantities are variable, depending on individual taste, food on-hand, and how many servings are desired)
1/4 to 1 lb ground meat - beef, turkey, chicken, etc. (vegans could eliminate meat)
1 can mushrooms (or 1 cup fresh, sauteed with the meat)
garlic (fresh, minced and sauteed with meat, or powder, or prepared) - to taste
onion (fresh, minced and sauteed with meat, or powder, or prepared) - to taste (but not for Stan!)
spices to taste; I recommend oregano, summer savory (or any Italian mix), lemon pepper, Season-All, tarragon, basil, etc. - whatever you like, and have on-hand.
2 to 3 cups cooked rice
1 can cheddar cheese or nacho cheese soup
1 can peas (or 1 pkg frozen, or cup of fresh)
1 can cut string beans (or 1 pkg frozen, or cup of fresh)
1 can sweet corn (or 1 pkg frozen, or cup of fresh)
1 large can tomato sauce
1 or 2 dill pickles, shredded or grated
1/4 to 3/4 cup mustard (regular and/or Grey Poupon, dijon)
zucchini, cooked, sliced in chunks (canned zucchini in tomato sauce can be used)
Note: other cooked vegetables could be used in addition or instead of the ones above: squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, beets, etc. as available or desired.
Directions: Sautee in a frying pan with meat juices, butter or sesame oil: meat, mushrooms, garlic, onion, and spices
Add with stirring while heating, and heat together at medium heat in a large pot: can soup, peas, string beans, corn, tomato sauce, dill pickles, zucchini, and any others desired. Then stir the sauteed ingredients into the pot (after removing extra oil, if desired).
Cover, simmer at low heat, stir occasionally. (At this time, I usually prepare a green tossed salad while the ingredients are simmering)
Finally, (optionally) mix in rice, and serve.
Comments: Basic recipe makes enough to feed one person for a week (hence the name), or 6-8 at a sitting. The ingredients without added rice can be used as a sauce for pasta or rice, or can be eaten plain as a thick, hearty soup. The entire contents of the cans may be added, no need to drain. Refrigerate or freeze leftover casserole (frozen or refrigerated individual portions can be reheated in a microwave oven for a quick meal). Parmesan cheese may be sprinkled on top; some people like ketchup or mustard, too. Serve with a tossed salad. If Stan's there, be sure to have cherry pie or chocolate something for dessert.
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