To Read on the Journey

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I don't eat casseroles

blogger friends,

we have been friends for some time now, and it is time i let you know something about me-
i don't (won't) eat casseroles.
it's my thing.
i usually establish this early on in relationships (after all it would be uncomfortable to arrive at someones home and be served a casserole, or have one delivered to my house, ick!).
it is also my opinion that those who eat casseroles are from an entirely different generation.
a generation that will eat anything, including goulash and grits. your casseroles cannot be trusted.
Dr. Suess says it best, "i will not eat them here or there, i will not eat them anywhere!" i have been questioned on what is and what is not a casserole. for instance are enchiladas, lasagna, and quiche a casserole? i eat those, and my answer is NO.

and finally on to a great, and easy lasagna in a crock pot! yes, i am sharing a recipe, because i was really so amazed at it's lasagna-ness, though it was made in a crockpot.


Ingredients
  • 1 medium-size onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-1/4 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 container (15 ounces) low-fat ricotta
  • 1 cup Italian-blend shredded cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles (12 ounces) broken in half
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 jar (26 ounces) chunky tomato sauce

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook onions and garlic over medium-high heat for
4 minutes or until softened. Add turkey to skillet and cook, breaking up large chunks, for about 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain fat. Season turkey with oregano, salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine ricotta and1/2 cup of the Italian shredded cheese.

3. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, layer half the uncooked noodles, overlapping as necessary. Spread half of both the meat mixture and broccoli over noodles, then top with about half of the tomato sauce and 1/4 cup water. Gently spread ricotta mixture on top, and continue layering with remaining noodles, meat, broccoli, sauce and an additional 1/4 cup water.

4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Sprinkle remaining
1/2 cup of Italian cheese on top for last 15 minutes of cooking time or until melted.

btw-i added some chopped zucchini to mine as well. this serves 8-10.

Happy Eating!

8 comments:

mary said...

I knew this was coming! I'm so happy to hear your crockpot CASSEROLE worked! We'll have to try it. Love you, friend!

Renee said...

How funny!!

Did people bring you food when your kiddos were born? If they did, I'm guessing there was a casserole or two in there. I wish I could have seen your expression when you got them. :)

It's fun to find out these little things about you.

And this recipe looks yummy. Thanks for sharing!

BethAnne said...

My husband hate casseroles too. I think there is nothing better than a good chicken casserole! Sorry - dont judge me. I just added that recipe to my recipe list because I adore a good 'crack pot' recipe. I use mine ALL the time!

Kristen said...

laughing, laughing out loud! we midwesterners pride ourselves on our casseroles otherwise known as hotdish! they are the star of any church potluck :o)

your recipe looks great - i love anything i can whip up in the crock pot! thanks for sharing!

nikki said...

I eat casseroles, but only becasue thats whats for dinner and because my mom makes me. I only like chicken casserole, but I had to "grow" to like it, my least favorite is Turkey Tetrazzini, and some how my mom can't find the recipe for it! She blames me for its disaperance and I swear I didn't take it! I think God just loves me a whole lot! Thanks for the recipe! See ya and praying for you sisterchick !

Alana said...

Not a big casserole person myself. I do like some of them, though, especially Lasagne.

Thanks for the recipe!

Linda Vujnov said...

You're funny Denise! My husband I joke about a cookbook we have from Colorado which, in every casserole, features a can of soup...yuck!

Jennifer Partin said...

Oh yeah! A recipe I can try----minus oven. (Did I tell you how much I miss American amenities?)

I am not a fan of casseroles either----they never look appetizing. I think that's the turn off.