Deep Dish Pea and Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups cooked green peas
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, celery, potatoes)
• 1 cup cooked lean bacon bits
• 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes (for the crust)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including cooking time)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked green peas, mixed vegetables, bacon bits, and fresh mushrooms.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
5. Spread the cooked mashed potatoes onto the bottom of a deep baking dish to form a crust.
6. Spoon the vegetable mixture into the baking dish over the mashed potato crust.
7. Top with shredded cheese (if using).
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (based on ingredients listed) Fat: Approx. 16 g Carbohydrates: Approx. 40 g Protein: Approx. 12 g (Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy casserole with a combination of vegetables and lean bacon bits.
• The mashed potato crust provides a unique and delicious contrast to the filling.
• Perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was so delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "The mashed potato crust was a great idea and added a nice crunch to the casserole."
3. "I added some extra cheese on top and it was even better!"
4. "A great dish for a family dinner, everyone loved it."
5. "The bacon bits added a nice salty flavor to the casserole."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use cooked vegetables for the best results. If using raw vegetables, they may need longer cooking time.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• If desired, you can add more cheese on top for a richer flavor and a more creamy texture. Be sure to use shredded cheese for best results.