If you have small amounts of leftovers and would like to mix them together into some type of casserole, try this recipe. Turn leftovers into favorite family foods!

"Make-Your-Own" Casserole

Makes 6 servings

General Directions:

Select food(s) from each category or use your own favorites. Combine in a 2- to 2 1/2- quart casserole dish that has been greased or cooking in cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes to 1 hour or microwave using 50% power for about 15 to 30 minutes, rotating or stirring as necessary. Heat until steaming hot (165°F) throughout.

Starch - select ONE:

2 cups uncooked pasta (macaroni, penne, spiral, bow tie), COOKED

1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice, COOKED

4 cups uncooked noodles, COOKED

Protein - select ONE:

2 cups cooked ground beef

2 cups cooked and diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef, or pork

2 cups chopped hard-cooked egg

2 (6 to 8-oz.) cans fish or seafood, flaked

2 cups cooked or canned dry beans (kidney, etc.)

Vegetable - select ONE:

1 (10-oz.) pkg. thawed and drained frozen spinach, broccoli, green beans, green peas

1 (16-oz.) can green beans, peas, carrots, corn, drained

2 cups sliced fresh zucchini

Sauce - select ONE:

2 cups white sauce or 1 can sauce-type soup (mushroom, celery, cheese, tomato, etc.) mixed with milk to make 2 cups

1 (16-oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice

Flavor - select ONE or MORE:

1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup sliced black olives

1 - 2 teaspoons mixed dried leaf herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, tarragon)

Salt and pepper to taste

Topping- select ONE or MORE:

If desired after heating, place on top:

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup shredded Swiss, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 cup buttered bread crumbs

1/4 to 1/2 cup canned fried onion rings

Return casserole with topping(s), uncovered, to oven for about 10 minutes or to microwave for about 2 minutes.