Casserole facts for kids

A casserole is a special kind of dish that you can use for both cooking in the oven and serving food. The word "casserole" also refers to the yummy meal cooked inside this dish!

Casseroles in places like the United States often have pieces of meat (like chicken) or fish (like tuna). They also include chopped vegetables and a starchy ingredient like rice, potatoes, or pasta. Often, they have a crunchy or cheesy topping. Liquids from the meat and veggies mix with other liquids like broth or wine during cooking. Casseroles usually cook slowly in the oven, sometimes uncovered. You can serve them as a main meal or a side dish, right in the dish they were cooked in.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, a casserole is named after the dish, not always its ingredients. Casseroles in these countries are very similar to stews. The main difference is that after browning the meat and vegetables on the stove, they are cooked in liquid in a closed dish in the oven. This makes the meat super tender and juicy because it cooks slowly with indirect heat, which also helps prevent burning.

You might have heard of different types of casseroles, like lasagne, moussaka, or shepherd's pie. A casserole is generally baked in an oven, where heat surrounds the dish. This is different from a stew, which is usually cooked on a stove where heat comes from the bottom.

History of Casseroles

The idea of cooking meals in one dish has been around for a long time in many countries. But the modern casserole, as a complete one-dish meal, became really popular in America during the 1900s. It was especially big in the 1950s when new, lighter cooking dishes made of metal and glass became available.

Casseroles in the US and Canada

In the United States, especially in the Midwest and South, and in parts of Canada, casseroles are often made using condensed soup. For example, tuna casserole often uses canned tuna, cooked pasta, and cream-of-mushroom soup. Another popular one is green bean casserole, made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with French fried onions. Even macaroni and cheese can be made as a casserole!

Casseroles are a favorite dish at potlucks and family get-togethers. In places like Minnesota and North Dakota, casseroles are sometimes called "hotdish." The potato casserole called Janssons frestelse is a popular dish there, brought by Scandinavian immigrants.

Images for kids

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  Finnish macaroni casserole with cheese topping

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  An Ancient Greek casserole dish.

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  An American casserole with ground beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs.

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  Vegetable casserole

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  Baked ziti is another popular pasta and ground meat-based casserole.