Need Healthy Casserole Ideas

[gaggleofseven]

I'm looking for some "comfort food" type casserole recipes, but would like them to be healthy--low fat, low sodium, etc. I like casserole dishes as the weather turns cooler; they seem so homey and it's nice to bake something to warm up the house a bit. We are wanting to watch what we're eating more closely, while also staying on a tight grocery budget. Thanks for sharing any recipes you have!

Jennie

[Cheryl]

Jennie, my husband has high blood pressure so I don't use the commercially canned soups so many casserole recipes call for.  I make my own 'cream of' soups using a recipe I found by searching for homemade versions of those soups.  I can add chicken base to make cream of chicken, or saute some mushrooms to add to make cream of mushroom, etc.  If you're interested in this, I will look up my recipe.

Here is a casserole we like in which I use my homemade version of soup.

Company Chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 small carton of sour cream. (I use Daisy Light)

Place chicken breasts in baking dish.  Top with soup and sour cream.  Cover dish with foil and bake 350 ° for 1 hour.  Check chicken to be sure it's cooked thoroughly.  Serve over rice or noodles if desired.

[pamgonzo]

Jennie:
Are you on Pinterest?  If you are, you can put "skinny casseroles", or "diabetic casseroles" in the search bar to come up with tons of inspiration.

If you are not, some of the website/blogs that I look to (for weight watcher friendly ideas) are:
www.skinnytaste.com
www.skinnymom.com
www.laaloosh.com

I have had good luck finding tasty options on all of these sites!

Most of your favorite casseroles can be adjusted by using all low sodium products, whole wheat pastas, leaner meats, etc.
Sometimes tough on a budget, but watching for sales/discounts/coupons can help.
Good luck,
Pam

[Cheryl]

Just wanted to second that www.skinnytaste.com has some really good recipes.  Thanks, Pam, for the reminder!

[gaggleofseven]

Jennie, my husband has high blood pressure so I don't use the commercially canned soups so many casserole recipes call for.  I make my own 'cream of' soups using a recipe I found by searching for homemade versions of those soups.  I can add chicken base to make cream of chicken, or saute some mushrooms to add to make cream of mushroom, etc.  If you're interested in this, I will look up my recipe.

Here is a casserole we like in which I use my homemade version of soup.

Company Chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 small carton of sour cream. (I use Daisy Light)

Place chicken breasts in baking dish.  Top with soup and sour cream.  Cover dish with foil and bake 350 ° for 1 hour.  Check chicken to be sure it's cooked thoroughly.  Serve over rice or noodles if desired.

Cheryl, this looks really good. Is there a way to make the white sauce ahead of time and save time on busy evenings? It is possible to can or freeze homemade white sauce or "cream of" type soup bases?

Tonight I made baked macaroni & cheese and used whole wheat pasta, skim milk, and reduced fat shredded cheese. It turned out really well and made a nice no-meat casserole.

I appreciate all suggestions!

[gaggleofseven]

Jennie:
Are you on Pinterest?  If you are, you can put "skinny casseroles", or "diabetic casseroles" in the search bar to come up with tons of inspiration.

If you are not, some of the website/blogs that I look to (for weight watcher friendly ideas) are:
www.skinnytaste.com
www.skinnymom.com
www.laaloosh.com

I have had good luck finding tasty options on all of these sites!

Most of your favorite casseroles can be adjusted by using all low sodium products, whole wheat pastas, leaner meats, etc.
Sometimes tough on a budget, but watching for sales/discounts/coupons can help.
Good luck,
Pam

Pam, do you have some favorites that you've tried? Thanks for the suggestions. I'm looking at skinnytaste tonight.

Thanks!!

[Cheryl]

Jennie, I'm just not sure about freezing the white sauce or "cream of" soup mixtures.  I've only made it the day I'm using it and refrigerated until time to bake, but I'd try it and see.  Mixtures may separate some with thawing.

[RenKnitter]

I have not personally tried this yet, but this is a mix you can keep in the pantry:

http://www.theessentialhomemaker.com/diy-food-cream-of-anything-soup-mix

[Cheryl]

That recipe for the "cream of" soup mixture is almost exactly like the one I use.  It's so good!

[Alice]

I am on board with this healthy casserole thread. I'm not on FB or pinerest or anything so recipes themselves would be good.

I also need help with what to do with a bunch of chicken breast on the bone that I bought a few weeks ago and froze. I bought a whole bunch of them because the prices were so, so good. I don't love breast meat so some recipes including casseroles would be great as I try to make something out of these.

Alice

[pamgonzo]

Everything I have tried on skinnytaste has been amazing!

As far as the casserole list, we have done:
Baked Ziti with Spinach
Baked Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese
Cheeseburger Casserole
Chicken & Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Skinny Tuna Casserole

All were yummy!  Just look for something that would appeal to your family's tastes, or to use up items you have on hand.  You can't go wrong with her recipes!
Enjoy!
Pam