Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole

This creamy & cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole requires only five simple ingredients to make & can be on your dinner table in under an hour...

At least once a month, I whip up a pot of my Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner. It is so much better than most of that stuff that comes out of the can or the carton, and it also happens to be one of my daughter's favorite dinners that I make. 

My recipe makes a generous batch of this homemade goodness. And because of this, we often get tired of enjoying the leftovers before they are all gone. 

My solution? I transform some of that leftover chicken noodle soup into a creamy, cheesy, & comforting casserole perfect for busy weeknights! :) 

This easy to make Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole requires only five simple ingredients to make & can be on your dinner table in under an hour...

Country Breakfast Casserole #CountryCrockStars

When you are on a budget, casseroles can be your best friend. A little of this, a little of that (ummmmm... whatever you happen to have in your fridge that you need to use instead of throwing out), layer it, mix it, and then pop it in the oven & voila!  Dinner is served, right?

But who says casseroles are just for dinner?

Casseroles have been a part of my breakfast repertoire for a little while now.

Usually in the form of a french toast casserole of sorts.

But this week I made a savory, buttery, cheesy casserole to share with you all as part of the Country Crock Stars contest. 

I threw everything you would expect from a country breakfast on the farm into a casserole- eggs, bacon, home fries, cheese, & I topped it all off with buttermilk biscuits (or at least a buttermilk biscuit crumble!). 

I am not going to lie to you all... this was fabulous.  My son and husband were raving about it & told me the wait was worth it.  (I may have got a late start on breakfast that day and breakfast turned into more like brunch. ;) )

What you will need:

5-6 small potatoes (or 2 large ones), scrubbed & diced

1/2 of an onion, diced

2 tbsp Country Crock spread

6-7 slices of thick bacon, cooked and then roughly chopped

5 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 tsp salt

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the buttermilk biscuit crumble-

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

couple dashes of cayenne pepper

3 tbsp Country Crock spread 

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium casserole dish with cooking spray.  Set aside.

Cook your bacon as you prefer (I like to bake mine in the oven on a foil lined rimmed cookie sheet at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.).  Once cooked, remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and let cool and then give them a rough chop.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tbsp of Country Crock spread.  Add in the diced potatoes and onions.  Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once about halfway through.  We are trying to get the potatoes browned, but not cooked all the way through.  Once cooked, dump the potatoes and onions into your prepared casserole dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt.  Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes in the casserole dish.  Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over top.

Bake for 15 minutes in your preheated oven.

While the casserole is baking, prepare your buttermilk biscuit crumble dough.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, & cayenne. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the 3 tbsp of Country Crock spread into the flour mixture until it is crumbly.  Mix in the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.  Now pour in the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.

Once the casserole has baked for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and top with the chopped bacon and 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.  Now drop the buttermilk biscuit dough in spoonfuls all across the top of the casserole forming a crumble-like topping. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.  During the last 10 minutes of baking, crank the oven up to 400 degrees.

The eggs should be set when done and the edges should be pulling away from the sides of the casserole dish.  Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting it and serving.

What I love about this casserole is that it is versatile.  You can use whatever you have on hand.  

Don't have bacon?  Use sausage or leftover diced ham. 

Have a green pepper or a jalapeno you need to use? Dice it up and saute it with the potatoes and onions.

You could make this a meat free casserole and just load it up with lots of veggies- mushrooms, spinach, peppers, asparagus... You get the picture. ;)

Just don't forget the Country Crock!  I was surprised with how buttery and delicious it made this Country Breakfast Casserole.

Do you have a go-to, delicious casserole that your family loves?

Then go enter the Country Crock Stars contest- share a photo of your favorite casserole, and share in 100 words how you demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen. (You could win a trip for two to New York City  & $5000!!)

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Country Breakfast Casserole

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

6045728

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 5-6 small potatoes (or 2 large ones), scrubbed & diced
• 1/2 of an onion, diced
• 2 tbsp Country Crock spread
• 6-7 slices of thick bacon, cooked and then roughly chopped
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the buttermilk biscuit crumble

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• couple dashes of cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp Country Crock spread
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook your bacon as you prefer (I like to bake mine in the oven on a foil lined rimmed cookie sheet at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.). Once cooked, remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and let cool and then give them a rough chop.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tbsp of Country Crock spread. Add in the diced potatoes and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. We are trying to get the potatoes browned, but not cooked all the way through. Once cooked, dump the potatoes and onions into your prepared casserole dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes in the casserole dish. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over top.

Bake for 15 minutes in your preheated oven.

While the casserole is baking, prepare your buttermilk biscuit crumble dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, & cayenne. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the 3 tbsp of Country Crock spread into the flour mixture until it is crumbly. Mix in the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Now pour in the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.

Once the casserole has baked for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and top with the chopped bacon and 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Now drop the buttermilk biscuit dough in spoonfuls all across the top of the casserole forming a crumble-like topping. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of baking, crank the oven up to 400 degrees.

The eggs should be set when done and the edges should be pulling away from the sides of the casserole dish. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting it and serving.

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Overnight Red Velvet Cake French Toast Casserole

This rich, decadent Overnight Red Velvet Cake French Toast Casserole starts with your favorite red velvet cake mix, is put together the night before, and then simply popped in the oven in the next morning- a perfect Valentine's Day weekend morning treat!

I am pretty much a fan of any delicious breakfast I can assemble the night before, pop in the fridge, and then just bake the next morning.  You know, pretty much any easy breakfast casserole. ;)

I have created a few overnight french toast casseroles in my day by now, but I have to admit it- this Overnight Red Velvet Cake French Toast Casserole is by far my favorite! 

It is rich.  It is decadent.  It is creamy. It is absolutely perfect for Valentine's Day weekend!

Black, Bleu, & Bacon Rice Casserole

I am partnering with Success® Rice today to bring you all this delicious family-pleasing Black, Bleu, & Bacon Casserole perfect for a busy weeknight...

If your family's weeknights are anything like the ones that we have in this house, then you are probably always on the lookout for weeknight friendly dinner ideas that go beyond the usual pizza, take-out, and quick frozen meals.  And let's face it- we are always searching for just about anything that can actually be claimed as homemade and can be on the dinner table in less than an hour.

And that is where Success® Rice can become your new weeknight dinner best friend. Their no-mess boil-in-bag rices can be ready in just 10 minutes- perfect for any quick weeknight dinner idea that you may have!  You can make their rices on the stove top or in your microwave. Plus, it is totally cool if they hang out up to 30 minutes in hot water while you prep the rest of your dinner.

And forget the standard chicken and rice casseroles! Not when you can have your favorite burger in a rice casserole form, like this simple yet flavorful Black, Bleu, & Bacon Rice Casserole... 

Pizza Pierogi Casserole

You can customize this easy to make Pizza Pierogi Casserole with your favorite pizza toppings. It is perfect for a busy weeknight or to bring to a friend in need...

Whether you are a blogger or just follow blogs online (like this one), you may have heard us use the term blogging community here and there. Most of the time a blogging community is created and fostered so that we can help each other grow our blogs, bounce ideas off of each other, ask for blogging advice, and to share each other's work.  

In the world of blogging, you can't "make it" without some other bloggers supporting you. And that is a fact, folks. ;)

And then there are times when blogging community comes to mean so much more to us. Like when one of our own is dealt a blow or setback in their personal lives. As bloggers, we come together to rally behind those in our community who have fallen on more difficult times even when we haven't met that blogger in person...

A little over a year ago, Ashley from CenterCutCook found out that their husband of 10 years has colon cancer just one week after learning that she was pregnant with their first child.  A joyous moment that they had been celebrating was soon clouded over with that very scary diagnosis. 

Their son Miles was born healthy and happy, and the family had reason to be hopeful and joyous. But not even two months after his birth, Ashley and her husband were dealt yet another gut-wrenching blow- Miles was going into kidney failure. 

Miles is currently in need of both a kidney and a liver transplant and receives hemodialysis 4 times per week, while his father is enduring bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments. I can't even fathom how strong Ashley has been and continues to have to be on a daily basis. 

While many of us bloggers in her "community" do not live close enough to be there to physically help her out, we are banding together online today to rally behind her, spread the word about their family, and to ask you all to help with their growing medical bills- even if you cannot donate much, every little bit helps and would be greatly appreciated by Ashley, Ryan, and Miles. 

Irish Coffee French Toast Casserole

This delicious, make-ahead Irish Coffee French Toast Casserole is spiked with Irish cream, coffee, and whiskey...

I originally posted this recipe for Irish Coffee French Toast Casserole about two years ago for St. Patrick's Day.  The recipe itself has been always been amazing, but my photos of this recipe from two years ago were seriously lacking...

Strawberry-Coconut Crunch Layered French Toast

This delicious Strawberry-Coconut Crunch Layered French Toast is virtually guilt free thanks to nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh sliced strawberries, & crunchy Post Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal...

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Post Pebbles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PostWalgreens http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think by now you all know that I am a big fan of the make ahead, overnight french toast casserole.  But most of the french toast casserole recipes that I have shared with you all up until now have been decadent, bordering on almost qualifying as a dessert. ;)

I have been brainstorming ideas for making and sharing a healthier french toast casserole recipe with you all.  And I found my recipe inspiration while shopping at my local Walgreens for some of our favorite Post cereals...

So, today I am sharing with you all this Strawberry-Coconut Crunch Layered French Toast perfect for whipping up for Easter morning (or any spring weekend morning!).

I have made this delicious french toast casserole virtually guilt free by making it with nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh sliced strawberries, & crunchy Post Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal.  

I absolutely love the addition of the Honey Bunches of Oats Greek cereal to this- it gives it a nice, crunchy texture and adds even more protein and whole grains to this healthy, perfect for spring french toast casserole...

"Breaded" Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole

The casserole has been a weeknight dinner staple in American households since the 1950's. It is easy to see why...

They come together quickly.

You typically have your protein, starches, and veggies all together in one dish.

And more likely than not, they will make everyone in the household happy.

I love casseroles just as much as the next mother when it comes to feeding my family quickly and frugally.  What I do not like is how unhealthy some of these casseroles can be with their cream of this and cream of that, and butter, and tons of cheese.  

Don't get me wrong- that all tastes good, but I have been striving lately to make more healthier dinner choices for myself and my family.  

I love that Country Crock spread offers me a delicious alternative to all of that with their variety of buttery spreads that have 70% less fat than traditional butter per serving and contains absolutely 0 grams of trans fat per serving. :)

Feeding my family a tasty, healthy, and low effort dinner makes us all happy.

Casseroles generally are quick weeknight meals, but here are a few tips to get that casserole in the oven, on the table, and in your family's tummies just a little bit quicker...

• Cook any pasta or rice that the casserole calls for the night before.  Drain and place in a plastic container.  The next evening when you are ready to throw together the casserole, just run the cold pasta under hot water for a few minutes to loosen it up.  You can nuke the rice in the microwave for a minute or two. 
• Cook any meat that your casserole calls for in your slow cooker all day.  For my "Breaded" Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole, I threw 3 frozen chicken breasts in my slow cooker with a tiny bit of water and cooked them on low all day.  Then I just had to chop the chicken before making the buffalo chicken mixture for my casserole.  You can also do this with ground beef although I would suggest defrosting it first.  You don't want to come home to a huge clump of cooked ground burger. ;)
• Want to make a casserole, but are missing an ingredient or two?  Don't waste time making a quick run to the grocery store!  Use what you have on hand!  No bread crumbs?  Try crushed up crackers or potato chips instead.  Rice and pasta can be swapped out in casserole dishes easily.  No cream cheese?  Try sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.  Get creative.  

We are huge buffalo chicken fans in this house.  If it is buffalo chicken anything, it is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with my family.  This "Breaded" Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole was a no-brainer for me. ;)

"Breaded" Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

6053199

Ingredients (8 servings)

• 2-3 large chicken breasts, cooked & then chopped or shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups white rice, cooked according to package directions
• 1 8 oz brick cream cheese (I used 1/3 less fat.)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup Country Crock Spread, melted
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 dashes garlic powder
• 2-3 stalk of celery, chopped

For the "breaded" topping

• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp Country Crock spread, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray (or do as I did and just spread a little Country Crock spread around the sides and bottom).

Press your cooked rice into the bottom of your prepared pan. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, 1/4 cup melted Country Crock spread, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, vinegar, and chopped celery. Drop the buffalo chicken mixture over top the rice in the pan, and then gently spread to even out.

In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, 2 tbsp of melted Country Crock spread, salt, and pepper. Evenly sprinkle the breading mixture over top of the buffalo chicken mixture.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the "breaded" topping is slightly golden brown.

Allow to cool & set up for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

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This "Breaded" Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole was a big hit with the family.  Even baby girl loved it!  And I loved knowing that I was feeding them all a healthy meal. :)

Do you have any tips for putting a healthy dinnertime casserole on the table even quicker?  I would love to hear them! 

Get more tasty, quick, and healthy casserole and dinner ideas by popping over and visiting Country Crock on Pinterest! 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole

This simple & delicious Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole can be made the night before making it the perfect breakfast for a busy weekday morning or a laid back weekend brunch...

Post updated 9/4/19- This crowd-pleasing Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole deserved some updated photos. I did leave one of the originals down below just so you all can see for yourself why this recipe so desperately needed a little face lift. ;)

I have to admit that the creation of this recipe came about because of a package of English muffins that somehow got pushed to the back of our bread box and then was buried by a couple of loaves of bread. 

About 5 or 6 days later as I was finishing up one of the loaves of bread making sandwiches for lunch, I spotted that package of English muffins stuffed back there in the corner. 

I let out an immediate sigh, grabbed the package, and started to head to the trash can with them. I mean, they weren't bad but they were definitely far from being fresh at this point. 

As I started to push the door of the trash can open, a light bulb went off...

What do I do with day old loaves of French or Italian bread??

I make french toast casseroles! So, why couldn't I do the same with less than fresh English muffins? I figure it couldn't hurt to give it a go, and the results were absolutely delicious, folks! :)

Italian Style Corn Casserole

With the addition of crispy pancetta, Parmesan cheese, & sun-dried tomatoes, this Italian Style Corn Casserole is not your grandmother's corn casserole...

This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

A creamy & comforting homemade corn casserole often makes an appearance alongside a pot of hearty chili or as a classic side dish for the Thanksgiving dinner table in our home. 

Usually, we stick to a tried & true corn pudding type casserole for the fall time, but this year I decided to kick up this family favorite side dish just a notch with some classic Italian flavors like crispy pancetta, shaved Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little fresh basil.







This Italian Style Corn Casserole is sort of a cross between a corn pudding and a cornbread. Definitely creamy, but it holds it shape when you dish it out and doesn't spread all over the plate like some corn casseroles do.