Jenn's Hot Mess Casserole

PSU Lioness's Note:

I love this "hot mess." It's something somewhat healthy that I make once a week and keep it on hand to eat for lunches (and it makes a great side dish!). You can throw in anything that you want and feel free to switch it up. Add meat or serve it without for a great vegetarian option. My SO also calls it my "slop" and my "garbage casserole." I don't care because it tastes so good! And remember - all ingredients are optional!

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 bag success 10 minute boil-in-bag brown rice
• 1 medium chicken breast, cut into small pieces (or any leftover meat that you might have in the fridge)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• garlic powder, to taste
• seasoning salt, to taste
• 1 (4 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 2 cups low-sodium spaghetti sauce (any flavor)
• 1 (15 ounce) can golden corn kernels, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free shredded cheddar cheese (Kraft Naturals is great)

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, heat the canola oil over Med/High heat.
3. Add the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder and seasoned salt, to taste. Saute until no longer pink.
4. Add mushrooms and saute for another minute or two. Remove from heat and drain.
5. In a large bowl, mix rice, chicken and mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, corn, kidney beans and ONLY 1 c of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
6. Transfer the concoction to a casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cup of cheese on top.
7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through.
8. Note: I usually switch the ingredients up every time I make it but I always use things that are on the "healthy" side so I have something quick to just throw in the microwave at lunch time. It's also a cost effective alternative to lunch meats and microwavable frozen lunches. This recipe is just an idea for you to use to create a healthy meal for yourself.