In the cold months of a new year, there’s nothing more comforting for dinner than a hearty casserole, whether fresh from the oven or served steaming from the Crock Pot. If you’re like many of us, one of your resolutions was to eat healthier while another may have been to economize. Casseroles let you do both. We’ve always known casseroles are an affordable way to feed a family. The surprise is that even if you’ve decided to eat healthier, there’s no need to give up your favorite casserole recipes from childhood. By making a few easy changes, you can enjoy the flavor you remember and get the nutrition you need.
Casserole Healthy Makeover Tips
- Use leaner cuts of meat
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey
- In recipes that call for creamy soups, use reduced-fat versions
- In recipes that call for flour or pasta, use whole grain versions
- Use reduced-fat cheeses and skim or 2 percent milk
- Instead of shortening, use non-stick cooking sprays
- Layer casseroles with fresh or frozen vegetables and beans
- Depending on your recipe, consider replacing eggs with Egg Beaters or a similar type fat-free egg product
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