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My Kids Favorite Casserole is an easy, quick and tasty casserole that can be whipped together in minutes. Make sure to try this out on your picky eaters!
When I want to make something for dinner that I know will be quick, easy and I won't be attacked with a barrage of whining, moaning and groaning, I make this. (One other dinner that is equally loved is my InstantPot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, so check that out too!)
In our house, My Kids Favorite Casserole is actually called Cameron Casserole. I created it about fifteen years ago when my now seventeen year-old daughter, Cameron, was about two. I found a recipe and changed it up to include all of her favorite food items at the time. It sounds like a weird combination, but it just works. Both of my kids love when I make this for dinner.
My twelve-year-old son recently decided he wanted his own casserole named after him. I asked him what favorite foods of his could we mix together. He came up with ham, rice and "that red sauce I like to put on my salad." "Uhhh....Catalina dressing???" "Yeah, that!" "Ummm....no." We haven't been able to come up with Gavin Casserole yet.
A few words of warning though if you do make this...this is definitely not on the lower calorie side, so make this on your cheat meal day!
Tips for Making My Kids Favorite Casserole
- The base of this casserole is just a regular box of macaroni and cheese, made completely as directed on the package. You can use your favorite brand, but I like how the Kraft macaroni and cheese brand tastes with everything else. Plus, it was my daughter's favorite, so thus that is what I use.
- After preparing the macaroni and cheese, it's basically just mixing all of the remaining ingredients together (except the corn flake topping) in a bowl, and then dumping into a casserole dish.
- For the crunchy topping, I like to use corn flakes, but if I don't have any around, I also will use panko bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Below is a picture of how I get the corn flakes (or crackers) crushed into tiny pieces. A rolling pin comes in very handy for this task. Make sure there is no air in the ziploc bag or you might end up with a blowout and a big mess!
- I have a regular, old wooden rolling pin with handles, but I'm planning to upgrade to this one soon. I like how it has no handles. No spots for food particles to hide in...easier to clean.
And...the finished product...
📋 Recipe
My Kids Favorite Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner prepared according to box instructions
- 8 ounces deli ham
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 15 ounces peas canned, drained
- 15 ounces corn canned, drained
- 1 cup corn flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare macaroni and cheese according to box instructions.
- When macaroni and cheese is done, add to a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients, except corn flakes, and mix well. Add to a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Crush cornflakes into a breadcrumb like texture. I add them to a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Top casserole with crushed cornflakes.
- Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until heated through.
Monna Ellithorpe
Hey Teri,
I love this casserole you make too. I always loved the look on Cameron's face when you made it. You're right, Gavin needs one too.
I'll be watching for that.
Teri
Definitely not one with Catalina dressing though!
Jean
Try cooking the rice using half water and the * red * sauce / extra sauce when you mix in the ham / peas and corn also = Gavin's Casserole !!! 😂
Teri
I guess I should really try it. It could be one of those recipes where you hear it and it sounds really weird, but ends up tasting really good. He would be happy to have his own casserole!
Marissa
I made this tonight and it was *finally* something that my daughter enjoyed! Thank you for sharing this!
Teri
I'm so glad your daughter liked this! I know how it is with picky eaters!
Jane Jollay
This is my grandsons fav casserole, so I call it Grayson’s casserole! He loves it (so do I).
Mary Kuechler
Could you make this casserole ahead of time?
Teri
Yes, you can make this ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. Or another option is to bake, and just reheat individual servings in the microwave.