Casserole Recipe Ideas for New Mom: Any Suggestions?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing casserole recipe ideas suitable for a new mom who recently had a baby. Contributors are looking for meals that can be prepared in advance and easily reheated, focusing on family-friendly options that cater to both adults and children.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions preparing meals for a friend who just had a baby and seeks tried-and-true casserole recipes.
  • Another participant shares a personal favorite, a broccoli casserole, which they describe as being loved by everyone despite its unusual preparation method.
  • One participant recounts their mother's method of preparing lasagna in smaller pans for their grandparents, noting the lack of written recipes.
  • Another participant suggests a new Mexican Chicken Lasagna and a meatloaf that can be prepared but not cooked ahead of time.
  • Several participants express concerns about foods that may cause gas for nursing mothers, recommending avoiding certain vegetables like broccoli and garlic.
  • One participant shares their experience with a Chicken and Stuffing casserole, detailing their preparation method and suggesting variations.
  • Another participant lists several freezer-friendly casserole options, including Tator Tot casserole and Turkey or Chicken Tetrazinni.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific ingredients to use, particularly concerning foods that may affect nursing mothers. Some participants express a preference for certain recipes while others share different options without a clear consensus on the best choices.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and preferences regarding meal preparation for new parents, emphasizing convenience and family appeal.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants within the consultant community looking for meal ideas to support new parents may find the shared recipes and experiences helpful.

kam
kam
Staff member
Messages
3,655
I have a friend who just had her baby (5 wks early!) so a few of us are preparing some meals to take over various days during the week.

I am looking for casserole type meals - ones that I can put together in a baking dish, kept in the fridge over night and the next night can be put in the oven. I am not doing any in the DCB (not bringing it and leaving it) and I don't know how big their microwave is.

I know I can look them up on the web, but I am looking for ones that you make and like (tried and true).

It will be feeding a 3 yr old and 11 yr old (along with the mom & dad).

Any good recipes you guys can recommend?? THANKS!
 
Sounds gross, but everyone (moms, dads, and kids alike) LOVE my broccoli casserole. That's because all the nutrition is cooked out of it and it's filled with cheesy goodness.All you do is take four 10 oz. boxes of frozen chopped broccoli, throw them in a stockpot with a little water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook it til it can't be cooked any longer -- basically turning it into mashed garlic. Then, add half a block of cubed velveeta. Throw it into a casserole dish, add and crushed ritz with melted butter on top, then bake.I know you're thinking, "Gawd that sounds gross", but I bring it to work all the time and it gets eaten up like there's no tomorrow!
 
My mom does lasagna's in 9x9 pans for my grandparents she covers them with foil then with a permanent marker writes the directions on the foil for cooking. My grandpa is 82 and just in the past year has been learning how to cook as my grandma is no longer able to. I know my mom has some casserole recipes, but they are the kind that are in her head and don't have measurement, just eyeballed amounts. I really wish they would come out of her head and into something that turns out for me though.
 
leftymac said:
Sounds gross, but everyone (moms, dads, and kids alike) LOVE my broccoli casserole. That's because all the nutrition is cooked out of it and it's filled with cheesy goodness.

All you do is take four 10 oz. boxes of frozen chopped broccoli, throw them in a stockpot with a little water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook it til it can't be cooked any longer -- basically turning it into mashed garlic. Then, add half a block of cubed velveeta. Throw it into a casserole dish, add and crushed ritz with melted butter on top, then bake.

I know you're thinking, "Gawd that sounds gross", but I bring it to work all the time and it gets eaten up like there's no tomorrow!
Click to expand...

that sounds GOOD! add some diced chicken and mmmmmm! i love broccoli and cheese!
 
The new Mexican Chicken Lasagna would be perfect.

You could also put together a meatloaf (just don't cook it) and add a couple of baking potatoes and a veggie to the bag. All they'd have to do is stick the meatloaf and potatoes in the oven and cook the veggie.
 
Is she nursing? If she is, than you need to be aware that there are some foods that pass through to the baby and can cause a lot of gas and tummy trouble.

I'd stay away from broccoli (all cruciferous veggies - cabbage, cauliflower, etc...) and onions and garlic.



I really like the Chicken and Stuffing recipe - where you lay chicken breasts in the bottom of a pan (you can cut them up into chunks if you want) and mix in a can of cream of chicken soup and a 1/2 cup of milk.

Prepare stuffing (you can use Stove Top - I usually make stuffing from the Pepperidge Farms stuffing cubes) and place over the top - cover with Aluminum Foil, and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depending on how you have the chicken cut).

I like to include glazed carrots or green beans with this for a simple meal.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Is she nursing? If she is, than you need to be aware that there are some foods that pass through to the baby and can cause a lot of gas and tummy trouble.

I'd stay away from broccoli (all cruciferous veggies - cabbage, cauliflower, etc...) and onions and garlic.



I really like the Chicken and Stuffing recipe - where you lay chicken breasts in the bottom of a pan (you can cut them up into chunks if you want) and mix in a can of cream of chicken soup and a 1/2 cup of milk.

Prepare stuffing (you can use Stove Top - I usually make stuffing from the Pepperidge Farms stuffing cubes) and place over the top - cover with Aluminum Foil, and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depending on how you have the chicken cut).

I like to include glazed carrots or green beans with this for a simple meal.
Click to expand...


I love, love, love this!! I make it all the time, but I mix cream of mushroom and cream of chicken together. I will sometimes use canned chicken to cut down on cooking time. Then you just have to heat it through. It tastes so good and I think is better the next day. You can also do egg noodles, cooked chicken and cream of chicken soup, put all together in casserole dish and cover with cheese then bake until cheese is melted.
 
For something that can be thrown into the freezer if she has too much food at the moment:

Tator Tot casserole (layer of browned ground beef mixed with cream of mush soup, then a layer of frozen veggies, a layer of shredded cheese, topped with layer of tator tots)

Ham and potato casserole

Turkey or Chicken Tetrazinni (just tell her to add extra chicken broth when cooking from frozen, since it will soak up so much)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
ChefBeckyD said:
Is she nursing? If she is, than you need to be aware that there are some foods that pass through to the baby and can cause a lot of gas and tummy trouble.

I'd stay away from broccoli (all cruciferous veggies - cabbage, cauliflower, etc...) and onions and garlic.

I really like the Chicken and Stuffing recipe - where you lay chicken breasts in the bottom of a pan (you can cut them up into chunks if you want) and mix in a can of cream of chicken soup and a 1/2 cup of milk.

Prepare stuffing (you can use Stove Top - I usually make stuffing from the Pepperidge Farms stuffing cubes) and place over the top - cover with Aluminum Foil, and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depending on how you have the chicken cut).

I like to include glazed carrots or green beans with this for a simple meal.
Click to expand...

Yes, she is nursing and I wasn't sure about what to prepare because of that - so thanks for the guidelines. I think I will try the chicken/stuffing dish this week.


KellyTheChef said:
For something that can be thrown into the freezer if she has too much food at the moment:

Tator Tot casserole (layer of browned ground beef mixed with cream of mush soup, then a layer of frozen veggies, a layer of shredded cheese, topped with layer of tator tots)

Ham and potato casserole

Turkey or Chicken Tetrazinni (just tell her to add extra chicken broth when cooking from frozen, since it will soak up so much)
Click to expand...

I bet the kids will love the tater tot casserole. Any measurments on this? Is it for a 9x13 pan?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy casserole recipes for new moms?

Some easy casserole recipes for new moms include chicken and rice casserole, vegetable lasagna, and cheesy broccoli and rice casserole. These dishes are simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy new parents.

Can I make casseroles ahead of time for a new mom?

Absolutely! Casseroles are great for meal prep. You can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them, and then simply bake them when needed. This allows new moms to have nutritious meals ready to go without the hassle of daily cooking.

What ingredients should I include in a casserole for a new mom?

When making a casserole for a new mom, consider including protein sources like chicken, beef, or beans, along with vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or carrots. Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa can also be added for extra nutrition.

Are there any healthy casserole options for new moms?

Yes, there are many healthy casserole options! You can make a quinoa and black bean casserole, a vegetable-packed egg casserole, or a sweet potato and turkey casserole. These recipes are nutritious and can help support a new mom's recovery and energy levels.

How can I make a casserole more convenient for a new mom?

To make a casserole more convenient, consider using pre-chopped vegetables, rotisserie chicken, or canned beans to save time. Additionally, using disposable aluminum pans can make cleanup easier, allowing new moms to focus on their baby rather than dishes.

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