Shortcut casseroles

We decreased the prep time but kept all the flavor in these fabulous main dishes.

I still cook the comfort foods from my childhood, but today I use shortcuts whenever possible to lessen preparation time while still maintaining the same great tastes. This approach works with Southwestern Chicken Lasagna and Ham Tetrazzini, which both call for convenience products that help you get dinner on the table fast. Using items such as deli-roasted chicken, prepared salsa, and packaged shredded cheese means these dishes can be assembled in 25 minutes or less. Beware: Leftovers may be scarce.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN LASAGNA

MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

PREP: 15 MIN., STAND: 15 MIN., COOK: 8 MIN.,

BAKE: 30 MIN.

2 cups shredded deli-roasted chicken

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 (16-ounce) jar salsa

1 (15-ounce) can chili with beans

1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles

9 (6-inch) flour tortillas

1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican four-cheese blend

COMBINE first 5 ingredients; let stand 5 minutes. Set aside.

SAUTE onion and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add salsa, chili, and green chiles; reduce heat, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes.

LINE bottom of an 11- x 7-inch baking dish with 3 tortillas; layer with one-half chili mixture, one-half chicken mixture, and one-third cheese. Repeat layers; top with remaining tortillas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

BAKE at 350[degrees] for 25 to 30 minutes; let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

HAM TETRAZZINI

MAKES 6 TO S SERVINGS

PREP: 25 MIN., COOK: 10 MIN., BAKE 25 MIN.

Prepare an extra casserole to freeze for later.

2 (7-ounce) packages thin spaghetti, uncooked*

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms

6 green onions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups half-and-half or whipping cream

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 cups chopped cooked ham

COOK pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

MELT butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add sliced mushrooms, chopped green onions, and minced garlic; saute 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add salt and pepper.

WHISK in flour gradually until blended. Gradually whisk in half-and-half until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until melted; stir in ham and pasta. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

BAKE at 350[degrees] for 20 to 25 minutes.

* 1 (12-oimce) package thin egg noodles may be substituted for spaghetti. Cook according to package directions.

JANICE HODGES

SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2003
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