This lazy Sunday, I realized at about 5 that I needed to start getting dinner together. I was in the middle of several projects and cleaning, so I wanted something quick and easy and only one dish to clean. I rummaged through our pantry and fridge with nothing really jumping out at me. Then, I saw the Loaded Potato Casserole box. It sounded awesome to me, but it was only a side dish. Hmmm, what can I make for the main part of the meal? I was almost to the point of saying we were having cereal....
Reluctant to eat cereal, I kept staring at the box of Loaded Potato Casserole.
What to do? What to do? Then, I had a thought. Why not make the
Loaded Potato Casserole the main dish! Genius, right? So, what to add
to it? I need some veggies and meat. I rummaged through my fridge again finding some frozen veggies
and barbeque (recipe here). Once I found the barbeque, I knew I was good to go! I also found some sliced tomato and red onion from hamburgers the night before.
Mixture of frozen veggies
Frozen chopped cnion (always something to have on hand!)
My frozen left over barbeque from the recipe above
NOTE: You can add/subtract as many ingredients as you would like. The recipe is VERY versatile. If you would prefer chicken, then use chicken. If you have onion haters, then don't use the onion. The possibilities are endless. :)
After I gathered all of my ingredients, I sort of followed the instructions on the box, but with some minor changes. I melted the butter 2 Tbls) in the pan and sauteed my frozen onions, chopped red onion, and chopped tomatoes. I then added the hot water (1 3/4c), milk (1/4c ? Sorry going off memory!), and sauce mix from the box. I stirred everything together and then added my frozen veggies and the potatoes from the box.
This is what it looks like up to this point.
While everything is bubbling away, I throw my frozen barbeque into the microwave for 1 minute to thaw. I let the pan cook for about 8 minutes and then added my thawed barbeque. Slowly and gently fold everything together to avoid breaking and smushing the potato slices. :) Let it cook for 5 more minutes.
Looks yummy!
At this point, you can dig right in. One pot and quick and easy meal as promised, but I was wanting/needing something more...something on top... Cheese! So, I decided to throw it in a casserole dish and slice up some block sharp cheddar cheese and smother it!
Pre-smothered :)
I turned my oven to broil and threw it in there until the cheese was melted and was turning a golden brown. Yum!
Post-smothered and ooey gooey goodness!
Once it cooled slightly, I spooned it on our plates with a dollop of sour cream and a salad. It was DELISH! It tasted like a stuffed barbeque potato! My husband and toddler loved loved loved it and so did I. :) I will definitely write this down for lazy days!
Have this with a simple side salad and you are set.
From start to finish, it took me about 20 minutes to throw together. It was very easy and tasted very good. It is a picky eater pleaser for sure! We had no leftovers :)
Enjoy!
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