Try this hearty, freezer-friendly casserole

(NC) Nothing warms your soul – and belly – like a hearty, homemade casserole. This recipe uses vegetables you probably already have in your fridge’s crisper drawer.

If not, it’s versatile enough that you can swap in whatever vegetables you do have on hand.. Prioritize using winter produce, and if you need more ingredients, find quick deals at nearby grocery stores through apps like FoodHero. Freeze any leftovers for an easy meal another day.

Hearty Casserole

Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• ½ turnip or rutabaga (your choice)
• 3 carrots
• 2 parsnips
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1½ tsp salt (7 ml) divided
• ¼ cup (60 ml) butter
• ½ package cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 g) package panko or breadcrumbs
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey (your choice)

Directions:

1. Peel and wash the vegetables and cut them into cubes or small chunks.
2. Combine them in a large pot with 1 tsp (5 ml) of salt, cover the top and bring to a boil. Cook until soft enough to pierce through with a fork, checking in on them regularly.
3. While the vegetables are cooking, heat a pan over medium heat. Add ground meat to the pan and cook until it is thoroughly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Once meat is fully cooked, remove pan from the heat and drain any excess fat.
5. Drain your vegetables in a strainer, then put them back in the pot.
6. Use a potato masher or any flat kitchen tool to mash the vegetables into a creamy texture. Add butter, cream cheese and remaining salt. Mix well until the batter has a consistency to your liking.
7. Add the browned meat to the vegetable mixture and mix well.
8. Scoop out the mixture and flatten it into a deep 9 x 13-inch dish.
9. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with panko or breadcrumbs.
10. Place in oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Finish by browning the top under the broiler.

Tip: Save the broth when you strain the vegetables for another recipe or as a delicious soup on its own.

Find more recipes and where to find low-cost local produce at foodhero.com.