The Casserole Recipe

This recipe was absolutely fantastic! I decided to make a few tweaks to make it my own. Firstly, I kept the potatoes cubed instead of mashed, as I felt it would be too similar to shepherd's pie. I also swapped four of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, which turned out surprisingly well, especially since my husband isn't a fan of casseroles. Instead of using canned vegetables, I opted for fresh ones and added a touch of garlic and chili powder for an extra kick of flavor. Mixing the cheddar cheese into the mixture worked out better for me than having it all on top. This recipe is perfect for trying out different variations. Thank you so much!

This recipe is receiving some backlash due to the canned ingredients, but it actually caters perfectly to those with lower incomes. Using canned goods is a more budget-friendly option compared to fresh or frozen ingredients. You can elevate the flavors by adding herbs and spices such as basil to the dish, especially since tomato soup is a key component. For a twist, consider substituting the tomato soup with canned diced tomatoes with chiles for a delicious kick. Opt for canned items with no added salt if you're mindful of sodium intake. Instead of criticizing, why not appreciate the accessibility of fresh ingredients for those who can afford them. Give it a try before passing judgment!

I didn't follow this recipe exactly, but I believe it serves as a great blueprint for busy moms. Nowadays, in 2024, you have the option to purchase all-natural, low-sodium soups and sodium-free veggies, or you can opt for fresh or frozen ingredients. Back in the 60s and 70s, many of us grew up on casseroles made with canned soup - it was a common practice. Unfortunately, my mother didn't know much about fresh veggies either. Thankfully, I'm still here at 75 to share my story, haha! I do think it's possible to make most dishes healthier now, although canned soup has rarely caused any harm. In fact, some canned soups are quite tasty these days. I also agree with others that there's no need for unkindness or negativity when someone shares a recipe from the past! And for those questioning the number of cans of soup required, make sure to read carefully - the author suggests using only 3 cans if you double the recipe, not 4.

Review Rewritten: This recipe is simple to prepare, and since I cook for just myself and one other person, I often adjust the measurements by half. Sometimes I prepare the full recipe and store the extra portions in the freezer for later. While the recipe calls for canned vegetables, I usually opt for fresh or frozen ones that I have readily available. I particularly enjoy using canned Fire Roasted Tomatoes instead of tomato soup. One thing that bothers me is when people rate a recipe poorly without actually following it or when they alter the ingredients substantially. I believe it's important to provide constructive feedback based on the original recipe and indicate any modifications made. Personally, I find that many recipes could benefit from additional seasoning, which is something I often do, being from Texas where we love bold flavors. To ensure fairness when reviewing a recipe, it's best to mention if you made any adjustments and whether they improved or worsened the dish. Let's maintain a positive and respectful tone in our comments.

I found myself taking notes on additional vegetable and soup combinations before I even completed the meal!

This dish is a delicious shepherd's pie. If you're not a fan of canned vegetables, you can easily swap them out for frozen ones. I decided to use au gratin potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes, which gave it a lovely saucy texture. As an empty nester, I portioned it into servings the following day and froze them for later.