Some members of my family call it manicotti, some call it Italian casserole. So I call it Manicotti Italian Casserole. This is one of my all time favorite meals to make, and it's super easy!
Wide rice noodles are available on the ethnic-foods aisle at most major supermarkets and at Asian grocers. If you can't find them, any rice noodle or even spaghetti will work in this dish. You can also use ground sirloin, if you can't find pork.
I always poached chicken when I needed cooked for a recipe - and I never liked the way it came out. I was watching Ina's show on the Food Network last weekend and this is how she cooks her chicken for recipes. I tried it and it was the most moist chicken I have ever had. I used it in chicken noodle soup - YUM!!! The recipe can be increased or decreased depending on how much cooked chicken you need. UPDATE 7/31/07 - I tried this method on boneless, skinless chicken breasts and it worked great - I baked for about 35 minutes and it was cooked perfectly!
I leave you with this creamy cheesy not-so-waistline friendly mashed potato casserole. Bacon, gouda, sour cream... I probably don't need to tell you that it's heavenly.
Tortillas replace lasagna noodles in this beefy casserole with a south-of-the-border twist. With salsa, enchilada sauce, chilies, cheese and refried beans, it's a fiesta of flavors.
Pineapple, sugar and marshmallows lend a super sweetness to sweet potatoes. I've been making the casserole for years, both for special occasions at home and for casual dinners. —Ruth Leach, Shreveport, Louisiana
For this all-in-one breakfast casserole, I sandwich pork sausage between layers of hash browns flavored with creamy soup and French onion dip. Cheddar cheese tops it all off. —Esther Wrinkles, Vanzant, Missouri
In Mexico, this dish is served for breakfast; stateside, families enjoy it as a quick and tasty dinner, too. Follow the make-ahead directions and heat the frozen casserole in a microwave for a meal that's ready in minutes.
