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The Perfect Casserole

A Whole Bunch of Delicious

'Casserole' feels like an old-fashioned word, doesn't it? It brings to mind a giant, rectangular dish full of soggy greens and over-cooked rice. A mish-mash of meat. Gooey hunks of cheese. Such descriptions may foretell the stories of some casseroles, but not one that you'll be making anytime soon. Because, whether you're putting together a quick freezer-meal for your own family or putting together dinner for a needy friend or neighbor, you can make incredible, moutherwateringly delicious casseroles. No mushy green beans involved.

Tips for Better Casseroles

KEEP IT FRESH. Using fresh vegetables will keep your casserole from tasting soft, slimy, and overcooked. If a recipe calls for canned tomatoes, try substituting fresh. Where you might use frozen peas or carrots for convenience, try tossing in fresh peas and carrots for a bit of extra crunch, flavor, and freshness.
LABEL IT. Most casseroles can be frozen, but only up to 2 months. To ensure proper consumption of a casserole within an appropriate time period, try clearly labeling your casserole with: 1) the name of the casserole, 2) any needed cooking instructions, 3) the date you made and froze the meal, 4) the "eat by" date
WRAP IT RIGHT. While you can freeze cooked casseroles, uncooked casseroles work best in the freezer. Assemble all the ingredients in a large, freezer-safe pan (ie. metal or pyrex glass), cover tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a second layer of aluminum foil. If your baking dish has an airtight lid, you can use that, as well!
THINK OUTSIDE THE PAN. If you're making a casserole to be shared with a friend or neighbor, keep in mind that lasagna, tater tot casserole, and scalloped potatoes are common casseroles and it's easy for people to tire of the same offerings. Instead of taking the same-old standby's, trying shaking things up with a casserole that everyone will love. Bake homemade Macaroni and Cheese with diced cubes of Smithfield Hickory Smoked Boneless Ham, add a can of tomatoes to white beans and Smithfield Andouille Sausage for a simple Irish-style stew, or bake Smithfield Garlic & Herb Boneless Pork Chops with granny smith apple slices and cubes of sweet potatoes for a simple one-dish Sunday dinner. Or, try this amazing recipe for Baked Gnocchi & Cheese Casserole. A one-dish meal everyone is sure to enjoy!

Baked Gnocchi & Cheese Casserole with Smoked Sausage

When I was a kid, my mom would stir together macaroni and cheese with thin slices of hot dogs. I loved the meal. It was comforting and classic. This Baked Gnocchi Casserole is inspired by that favorite childhood meal. If you've never tasted gnocchi, it's a potato-based pasta, thick and chewy with the mild flavor you'd usually expect from potatoes and pasta. You can find it in the pasta section of most grocery stores. Combined here with a rich creamy sauce, salty SMITHFIELD Hickory Smoked Smoked Sausage, and lots of cheese, this casserole isn't just comforting and easy to make. It's absolutely delicious! Served with fresh steamed green beans, or a crispy green salad, you might want to eat it every night for dinner (and twice on Monday's!).

2 cups gnocchi, uncooked
2 cups milk
2 cups SMITHFIELD Hickory Smoked Sausage, sliced
2 cups Italian blend cheese
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup sour cream
4 cloves cup roasted garlic, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir all ingredients together (except for the Parmesan cheese), until well mixed. Pour into a 9x13 casserole dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.