Cream of Mushroom soup has to be one of the most versatile and widely used food products in the world. Some of the very first recipes I ever learned to make were created with cream of mushroom soup. This easy-to-find and inexpensive canned soup forms a base for many great recipe ideas.

Here are some of my favorite recipes made with Cream of Chicken Soup:

Basic Green Bean and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 bags of frozen green beans
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or swiss, depending on your preference)
• 1can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• 1 can French fried onion rings

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Simply mix all ingredients except the onion rings in a large casserole dish. Top with French Fried onion rings. Bake for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Topping Variations: While French Fried onion rings are the traditional favorite for green bean casserole, there are several different ways to top this home-cooked favorite. Try topping your green bean casserole with one of the following onion ring alternatives: toasted slivered almonds, crushed potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers, or chow mein noodles.

Veggie variation: You can substitute 4 cans of drained green beans (regular or French cut) for the frozen variety, depending on your personal preference or pantry availability.

Chicken and Rice Casserole with Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup dry white wine

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 X 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the rice out in the pan. Cover with chicken breasts. Mix together cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms (including liquid from can), sour cream, and wine. Stir until well blended. Pour over chicken and rice. Cover and bake for approximately one hour.

Variations: Depending on your seasoning preferences, sprinkle one or more of the following on the casserole before or after baking, to taste: salt, pepper, paprika, green onions, chives, additional mushrooms, slivered almonds, or toasted almonds.

See my Potato Side Dish Recipes hub for more great recipes using cream of mushroom soup. For numerous other great recipe ideas featuring cream of mushroom soup, as well as many other canned soup favorites, visit the Campbell's Soup Kitchen or the Progresso Soup recipe database. If you enjoy fresh mushroom recipes, check out 4 Easy and Delicious Fresh Mushroom Recipes.

Appreciating Simple Recipes

These home-cooked casseroles represent comfort food to many people. When you're looking for a great idea for a warm, comforting casserole, sometimes it's best to pick something that is simple and nourishing. These traditional casseroles can serve as a reminder that complicated isn't necessarily better than simple.