Crazy Aunt Charleen

We called her that because she was. It is a term of endearment for us as she has a special place in our hearts. Talented, sweet, musical, and very much like her mother, Opal. It was always an adventure to visit her in Colorado. After college graduation Grumpy and I were stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver,Colorado for 6 months. We had quite the trip getting there with 3 small children in the car for 2 days. Not the most fun I ever had. Upon our arrival there Papa’s sister Charleen had dinner waiting for us. It was so very nice, and oh so appreciated. The casserole has come through the years with us and is now a favorite of our children and grandchildren. She also had fresh strawberries for us that night. We dipped them in sour cream and then into brown sugar. Also a family favorite. Thanks to Aunt Charleen, we have these good things on our tables still.


The Noodles…
Charleen’s Casserole
I especially like that it is meatless for lighter summer meals. Ingredients can be varied and encompass many left-overs for a new dish. Great for a side, or for the main course.

Extra wide egg noodles, or noodles of your choice. Quantities are for 9x13 pan. Cook noodles until tender and rinse. Set aside.


The Vegetables…
In a pan, sauté:

• 1 ea. Green, Red, Yellow Pepper (chopped)
  
• 1 Onion (chopped)
  
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  
• 3 Carrots (sliced about 1/8”)
  

Optional Vegetables to add or substitute: Corn, Green Beans, Broccoli, Zucchini, Fresh Spinach, mushrooms, it’s all good.

The Sauce…
In a large mixing bowl combine:

• 2 Regular Cans Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can if you like your sauce thicker, or if you want to thin with milk.)
  
• 1 Regular Can Cream of Celery Soup
  
• 1 8 oz. Can Tomato Sauce (or El Pato Sauce for a spicier taste).

Optional Cream Soups are Mushroom, Cheese, and any others your family likes.

Finishing…
When vegetables are tender, add to sauce and mix well. Fold in noodles and at least 8 ozs. of grated mild cheddar and 8 ozs. of another kind of cheese (sliced thin or grated). Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, whatever you like or have on hand. Toss in 1 1/2 C. Frozen Peas and mix well.


Spray casserole dish with PAM and pour mixture into it. Top with more cheese if desired, or even bread crumbs work fine. Bake uncovered at 350º for 30 - 45 minutes depending on how brown you like the top. Serve with Garlic Toast or any number of things.


This casserole has feed many a family that needed dinner brought in and I love for the summer. It is easy and fast and kids generally like it. There are lots of possibilities with it, so use your imagination and make your favorite things in it.

I have a PDF version of this if anyone is interested. Just leave a comment with your email address.