C.O.M.F.Y. ! Casserole
Imagine opening your fridge and seeing a mix of leftovers that you’re not quite sure how to use. Fear not, the C.O.M.F.Y.! Casserole is here to save the day! This clever dish—short for Cleaned Out My Fridge, Yes!—is a delightful way to transform those odds and ends into a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is not only a practical solution for leftovers but also a deliciously cheesy experience that brings together the best of what your fridge has to offer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is truly a lifesaver when you want to make the most of your leftovers. It’s versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredient amounts to suit your tastes. Plus, it combines smoky sausage with creamy macaroni and cheese, all topped with gooey melted cheese. What’s not to love?
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 2-quart casserole dish
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped cooked broccoli
- 1/2 cup diced cooked carrot
- 6 ounces chopped cooked smoked sausage
- 2 1/2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, divided
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced carrots, and smoked sausage.
- Add the prepared macaroni and cheese along with 4 ounces of the colby-monterey jack cheese blend.
- Pour in enough milk to blend all ingredients well.
- Mix in the garlic powder and ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining colby-monterey jack cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your leftovers are fresh to get the best flavor.
- If your mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste before baking to adjust seasoning levels to your preference.
Additional Tips and Variations
You can swap out the smoked sausage for chicken or ham for a different flavor. Feel free to try other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer. Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking can add a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This casserole is a hearty dish, offering a good balance of protein from the sausage, fiber from the vegetables, and carbs from the macaroni and cheese. Adjust the serving size to fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have smoked sausage? No worries, you can substitute with any cooked meat you have on hand.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly? It can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. If you plan to freeze, do so before baking.
Conclusion
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste—give this C.O.M.F.Y.! Casserole a try and enjoy the creativity of a fridge-cleaning masterpiece. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your version and any tweaks you make. Happy cooking!