This is one of those great recipes to have on hand for those nights when you've forgotten to plan ahead for dinner. Using ingredients we usually always have on hand, this hamburger casserole also offers an alternative to the typical meals you can prepare with ground hamburger.

Growing up, my mother used to try to hide rutabaga gems in the pan along with the roast, carrots, and potatoes. When I would wrinkle my nose and stick out my tongue (blah) she would try to convince me that it was actually a potato.  There was no fooling me -- I know my potato; and a rutabaga is not a potato. But I've also learned it doesn't mean it can't be cooked like one.

One of my personal goals for 2010 is to spend more time "training"my two young ladies and the first place I think of when I think training is the kitchen.  Preparing meals with my grandmother on Sundays and baking cookies with the women of my family around Christmas time are some of my fondest memories of growing up, not to mention a great part of my training.  Had it not been for the hours I stood mesmerized the deftness with which my grandmother prepared a delicious meal for 7+ ravenous guests, I would not feel the comfort and peace I now feel in the kitchen. This is a tradition I yearn to pass down to my daughters.