The Ultimate One-Step Casserole: Comfort Food at its Finest

There’s something profoundly comforting about a casserole. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug, a dish that whispers tales of family dinners and busy weeknights made simpler. This particular “One-Step Casserole” holds a special place in my heart. I remember my grandmother, a woman whose kitchen always smelled of love and simmering goodness, whipping this up in what felt like mere minutes. She’d often use up the last bits of roasted chicken or turkey from Sunday dinner, transforming leftovers into a brand-new, utterly delicious meal that had my cousins and me begging for seconds. It was her secret weapon for a quick, satisfying supper, and the memory of that cheesy, bubbly goodness still warms me to this day.

Recipe Overview

Here are the essential details for this incredibly straightforward and satisfying dish:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (typically contains dairy and meat)

Ingredients

This recipe is a masterclass in using pantry staples and leftovers to create something truly special.

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes
• 2 cups cooked turkey (or more, finely chopped or shredded)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (or more, finely chopped or shredded)
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked (or your favorite pasta shape, cooked al dente)
• 1 cup American cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons pimentos, chopped

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a brigade of specialized tools for this recipe. A few common kitchen items will do the trick:

• A medium mixing bowl
• A 1.5-quart casserole dish (or a similar-sized baking dish)
• A spoon or spatula for mixing
• An oven
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. There’s no pre-sautéing, no complex sauces to build – just pure, unadulterated ease.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures a nice, even bake from the start.
2. Combine the base: In your medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, milk, drained mushrooms, and dehydrated onion flakes. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended. This forms the creamy binder for our casserole.
3. Add the proteins and pasta: Gently fold in the cooked turkey and cooked chicken. If you’re using a mix of both, aim for about 2 cups total, but feel free to add more if you have it on hand – this is a fantastic way to use up leftovers! Next, stir in the cooked elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta). Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate the cheese and pimentos: Add the shredded American cheese and chopped pimentos to the bowl. Mix everything together until the cheese and pimentos are mostly incorporated into the filling. The pimentos add a lovely pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
5. Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the entire mixture into your 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with your spoon or spatula.
6. Cover and bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven.
7. Initial Bake: Bake for 30 minutes covered. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through thoroughly.
8. Add extra cheese (optional but recommended): After 30 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the casserole. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded American cheese (or any good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack) over the top. This step creates a beautiful, golden-brown, and delightfully cheesy crust.
9. Final Bake: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The total baking time is 45 minutes.
10. Rest before serving: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to portion and preventing it from being too soupy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a seasoned cook, I’ve found a few small adjustments can elevate even the simplest dishes.

• Leftover Legend: This recipe is a champion for using up leftover roast chicken, turkey, or even ham. Dice or shred it finely so it distributes evenly.
• Pasta Perfection: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente before adding it to the casserole. It will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta can become mushy. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or even small shells work beautifully.
• Soup Savvy: While cream of celery soup is traditional and provides a lovely subtle flavor, feel free to experiment with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for variations. Just ensure it’s a 10.75-ounce can.
• Cheese Choices: American cheese melts incredibly smoothly, giving this casserole its signature creamy texture. However, if you prefer a sharper flavor, a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere would also be delicious for both the filling and the topping.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other finely chopped cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli florets along with the protein for an added nutritional punch and color.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This One-Step Casserole is a star on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans.

• Serving: Serve hot, directly from the casserole dish. The bubbling cheese and creamy interior are best enjoyed immediately.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, spoon individual portions into a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole (or a portion) in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) oven until warm, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for this comforting casserole. Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and the exact amount of meat used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	450-550 kcal
Total Fat	25-35 g	32-45%
Saturated Fat	10-15 g	50-75%
Cholesterol	70-100 mg	23-33%
Sodium	1200-1600 mg	52-70%
Total Carbohydrate	30-40 g	11-15%
Dietary Fiber	2-4 g	7-14%
Sugars	3-5 g
Protein	25-35 g	50-70%

Percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may be higher or lower.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic is beloved, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this versatile dish.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup alternative (check labels carefully, as some are naturally GF).
• Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free milk (like unsweetened almond or soy milk), dairy-free cheese alternatives, and a vegan cream soup substitute. Ensure your pasta is also dairy-free.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and turkey and increase the mushrooms, add a can of drained garbanzo beans or cannellini beans, or incorporate a cup of cooked peas and carrots for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little heat.
• Herbal Notes: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or chives along with the cheese for a burst of fresh flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
A: American cheese melts exceptionally well and gives it a classic creamy texture. However, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack also works wonderfully for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
A: Ensure you add the full cup of milk and cover the casserole with foil for the initial baking period. This traps moisture and allows the ingredients to steam and cook together.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
A: You can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. For a different flavor profile, consider a condensed potato soup.

Q: My casserole looks a little watery. What went wrong?
A: This can happen if your pasta wasn’t drained very well or if the canned mushrooms were not fully drained. Ensure both are well-drained before adding to the mixture. Letting the casserole rest after baking also helps it set up.

Final Thoughts

This One-Step Casserole is a testament to the fact that truly delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s a recipe that’s forgiving, adaptable, and, most importantly, incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook looking for a shortcut or a beginner venturing into the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you find yourself with a bit of leftover cooked chicken or turkey, or simply craving a comforting, no-fuss meal, give this delightful casserole a try. I’m confident it will bring as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine.