Cheesy Ground Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Chicken and Mushroom Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It combines a creamy mac and cheese base with savory ground chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh basil, all topped with crispy Parmesan cheese. Simple to make and even easier to share, this one-dish meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Use it as an opportunity to incorporate any extra vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor!
4
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni & cheese dinner mix
1 (225 g box (Kraft dinner))
butter or margarine
3 (tablespoons, for pasta dinner)
milk
1/4 (cup, for pasta dinner)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
sweet onion (Walla Walla)
1 (medium, chopped)
sliced mushrooms
1 (10 ounce can, well drained)
ground chicken
1 (lb)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
stewed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce can)
fresh basil leaves
1 (cup, rolled and chopped in strips)
breadcrumbs
optional
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, prepare the macaroni and cheese dinner according to the package instructions, using butter or margarine and milk for a creamy finish. Once done, transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the chopped sweet onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion starts to turn golden brown.
4
Add the drained sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
5
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet along with fresh ground pepper to taste. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
6
Stir in the can of stewed tomatoes and simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
7
Combine the chicken and tomato mixture with the prepared macaroni and cheese in the casserole dish, stirring well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
8
Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil, making sure it's evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
9
Top the casserole with the grated Parmesan cheese and optional breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
11
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Ground Chicken and Mushroom Casserole?
It is a hearty, comforting dish that combines a creamy mac and cheese base with savory ground chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh basil, topped with crispy Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the oven temperature for baking the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What type of pasta is used in this casserole?
A 225g box of macaroni and cheese dinner mix, such as Kraft Dinner, is used.
How much ground chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground chicken.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You should use one 10-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, well drained.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped sweet onion for about 5 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A medium sweet onion, specifically Walla Walla, is recommended.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
One 14-ounce can of stewed tomatoes is used in the mixture.
How do I prepare the basil?
One cup of fresh basil leaves should be rolled and chopped into strips.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Top the casserole with the grated Parmesan cheese just before baking.
Are breadcrumbs required for this recipe?
No, breadcrumbs are optional and can be added for extra crunch.
How long does the casserole bake?
It should bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either butter or margarine for the macaroni and cheese dinner preparation.
Should I cook the macaroni and cheese before putting it in the casserole?
Yes, prepare it according to the package instructions before transferring it to the dish.
When do I add the ground chicken to the skillet?
Add the ground chicken after you have sautéed the onions and mushrooms.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, the recipe suggests using it as an opportunity to incorporate any extra vegetables you have on hand.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used.
How much milk is needed for the pasta mix?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk for the pasta dinner.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the recipe specifies to bake it uncovered.
What is the purpose of letting it cool before serving?
Letting it cool slightly helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, ground chicken, one dish meal, and comfort food.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken takes about 5 to 8 minutes to brown and cook through.