Great Casserole Dishes

A great way to cook on a budget is to fix casserole dishes.  They're easy, time saving, and very affordable.  Casseroles are foods that are cooked and served in the same dish.  They can also be very healthy because most casseroles are layered with vegetables.  This meal takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 90 minutes to bake, so in less then 2 hours a complete meal can be prepared.  The family will enjoy a home cooked meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.  

Ham and Cheese Casserole
1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 cup butter or margarine (one stick), 3 cups of milk, 4 cups chopped ham, 5 cups thinly sliced potatoes, 3 cups shredded cheese, 1 chopped onion, and
1 chopped green bell pepper.

Mix the flour, pepper, and salt.  Melt the butter in saucepan.  Add the flour mixture and cook over medium heat for one minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Stir in milk and return to heat, stirring constantly and cook until thick.

In a very large bowl, mix remaining ingredients with sauce.  Bake in a 350 degree oven in a covered casserole dish for 90 minutes.  Remove cover after first 30 minutes.  Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs and 1/4 cup shredded cheese during the last 20 minutes of baking time.  Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Just add a tossed green salad, bread sticks and a favorite dessert or fresh fruit salad and dinner is served.  This meal supplies the meat, potatoes, dairy, bread, fruit, and vegetables.