My Grandma Metzger was the Queen of the Casserole Kingdom.

Her recipe box is filled with all kinds of casserole creations, either clipped from magazines or handwritten versions of her own combinations.

This recipe tops the list. A little cheesy, with an unexpected crunch and a wonderfully satisfying taste.

Related: Hearty Soups and Dishes to Make at Home

Make it easy on yourself, and use a rotisserie chicken from the store, and remember, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays too.

Enjoy this classic comfort food meal!

The Best Casserole Recipe

Grandma Metzger's Best Casserole

Grandma Metzger's Best Casserole

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

My Grandma Metzger's casserole tops the list of best casseroles. A little cheesy, an unexpected crunch, and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen broccoli, thawed
  • 1 can cream of celery soup
  • 1/2 soup can milk
  • 1 soup can water
  • 1 cup minute rice, uncooked
  • 1 small jar cheese whiz
  • 2 cups leftover cooked turkey or chicken
  • 1 small can sliced water chestnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  2. Lightly grease a 2 qt. baking dish.
  3. Heat the oil over medium-low heat in a large stockpot or 12" skillet. (You need a little depth to the pan so that ingredients all fit and don't overflow)
  4. Sauté the onions and celery until the onions are translucent. Add the broccoli.
  5. Cook for about 10 minutes on low heat.
  6. Add in the soup, milk, water, rice, cheese and turkey. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the water chestnuts.
  7. Pour into the greased casserole dish.
  8. Top with parsley and bake for about 30 minutes.

Notes

Freezing tip! Before you pop this in the freezer, bake it FIRST and let it cool. After freezing and when you're ready to eat it, defrost the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it until warmed through. About 30 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

If you take a look at the freezing tip in the recipe above, you’ll notice it says to bake it first and freeze it after.

This is because it includes uncooked rice… and if you freeze it uncooked, it might become mush after freezing and defrosting!


I hope you’ll try my Grandma Metzger’s best casserole recipe. It’s such a treat… and it may become one of your favorites too!

From my home to yours,

Jill

Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!

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