Last Tuesday, I was staring into my fridge at 5 PM with absolutely no dinner plan in sight.
The twins were arguing over whose turn it was to feed our neighbor’s fish while they’re on vacation, and my husband was texting that he’d be home in 30 minutes.
Panic mode!
That’s when I remembered my trusty collection of casserole recipes.
These one-dish wonders have saved my dinnertime sanity more times than I can count.
They’re super simple, require minimal cleanup (because who has time for that?), and the leftovers are lunch-box perfect for the next day.
If you’re looking to simplify your weeknight dinner routine without sacrificing flavor, these recipes are about to become your new bffs!
Oh, and if you need even more quick meals, check out my crockpot meals that you can make ahead and freeze!
1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
This is the casserole that convinced my picky 8-year-olds that dinner in one dish could actually be delicious.
The beauty of this recipe is you can use leftover rotisserie chicken from your Walmart run yesterday.
Simply mix 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, a can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies, and half cup of sour cream.
Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and some salt and pepper to taste.
Pour it all into a greased 9×13 baking dish, top with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly.
My daughter always picks out the peas, but otherwise cleans her plate every time we have this.
2. Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Taco Tuesday meets comfort food in this crowd-pleaser that’s become our weekly tradition.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef with taco seasoning according to the package directions.
Spread the seasoned beef in a casserole dish, then layer with 1 can of drained corn, 1 can of drained black beans, and 1 cup of salsa.
Top with 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend, then arrange a layer of frozen tater tots on top.
Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
This recipe costs about $15 total to make and feeds our family of four with enough leftovers for lunch the next day.
3. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells Casserole
This casserole feels fancy enough for company but is actually super simple to put together.
Cook about 20 jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Mix 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, 10 oz of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), one beaten egg, and Italian seasoning.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a 9×13 baking dish, then stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange in the dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with another cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
4. Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole
This potato casserole is comfort food at its finest and takes just minutes to throw together.
Grab a large bag of frozen hash browns (thawed) and mix with 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Add a teaspoon of garlic powder, a small diced onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
Spread into a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with another cup of shredded cheese.
For a crispy topping, mix 2 cups of crushed corn flakes with 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
My family has been making this recipe for three generations, and my twins request it whenever the temperature drops below freezing.
5. 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Casserole
When the grocery budget is tight and I need dinner in a hurry, this 5-ingredient wonder comes to the rescue.
Cook 16 oz of rotini pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Mix the pasta with 24 oz of pasta sauce and 1 cup of pepperoni slices (the mini ones are my kids’ favorite).
Pour half the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, then repeat with remaining pasta and another cup of cheese.
Top with a few extra pepperoni slices and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can customize this with any pizza toppings your family enjoys, but keeping it simple means it’s on the table in under 30 minutes total.
6. Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This casserole is how I sneak vegetables into dinner without any complaints from the kids.
Cook 3 cups of penne pasta, then drain and set aside.
Mix the pasta with 2 cups of diced cooked chicken, 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets (I use frozen, thawed), and 2 jars of alfredo sauce.
Add a teaspoon of garlic powder and half cup of grated parmesan, then pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and some more parmesan.
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
The creamy sauce completely disguises the broccoli, and my vegetable-suspicious son actually asks for seconds.
I’ve made this with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, and it works just as well!
7. French Toast Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast for dinner is always a hit in our house, and this casserole version of French toast is way easier than standing at the stove flipping individual slices.
Tear a loaf of day-old bread into chunks and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces get soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Before baking, sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden.
Kids always think it’s hilarious when we have “backwards day” with breakfast for dinner.
8. Ranch Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
This one-pan wonder requires just 5 ingredients and transforms budget-friendly pork chops into something special.
Line the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with 4-5 sliced potatoes.
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix.
Lay 4-6 boneless pork chops on top of the potatoes.
Mix a can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk and pour over everything.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until pork is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
9. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Want something with a kick after the kids are in bed? This spicy casserole hits the spot!
Cook 16 oz of penne pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Mix pasta with 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of buffalo wing sauce, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with another cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
I tone down the spice for family dinner by using mild buffalo sauce and extra ranch dressing.
This costs about $12 to make with chicken on sale at the grocery store and feeds two meals easily.
10. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
For those meatless Monday moments, this vegetarian casserole is filling enough that even my carnivore husband doesn’t miss the meat.
Peel and dice 2 large sweet potatoes and microwave them for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Mix the sweet potatoes with 2 cans of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning.
Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Layer 6 corn tortillas, half the sweet potato mixture, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over everything and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
11. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole tastes like a drive-thru cheeseburger but costs way less and feeds the whole family.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef with a diced onion and drain excess fat.
Mix in 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of pickle relish.
Spread the meat mixture in a 9×13 baking dish, then top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, then bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the tots are crispy.
After removing from the oven, sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of cheese and return to oven until melted.
Let the kids add their own toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and extra pickle relish at the table.
12. Greek Chicken and Rice Casserole
Tired of the same old chicken recipes? This Mediterranean-inspired casserole brings some excitement to dinner, mama!
Mix 2 cups of uncooked rice with 4 cups of chicken broth in a 9×13 baking dish.
Place 4-6 chicken thighs on top, then scatter 1 cup of quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives, and 1 cup of diced bell peppers around the chicken.
Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, the zest of 1 lemon, and some salt and pepper.
Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and bake for 10 more minutes until chicken is done.
The rice cooks right in the dish with all the flavors.
13. Zucchini Lasagna Casserole
This low-carb twist on traditional lasagna is perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the pasta bloat.
Slice 3-4 zucchini lengthwise into thin strips and lightly salt them.
Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey with Italian seasoning and mix with 2 cups of marinara sauce.
In a 9×13 baking dish, layer half the meat sauce, zucchini slices, 1 cup of ricotta mixed with an egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving so it doesn’t fall apart.
14. Ham and Swiss Breakfast Casserole
This savory breakfast casserole works perfectly for dinner when you’re in a rush.
Tear 6 slices of bread into pieces and place in a greased 8×8 baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the bread.
Whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until puffed and golden.
Keep diced ham in the freezer specifically for this recipe since it comes together so quickly.
15. Doritos Chicken Casserole
Mix 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained), 1 can of corn (drained), and 1 cup of sour cream.
Crush half a family-size bag of nacho cheese Doritos and spread in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Crush more Doritos and sprinkle on top.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Sure sure, this isn’t “gourmet” cooking, but I just love how it transforms ordinary chicken into something the whole family can get excited about.
16. Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
When I want lasagna flavor but don’t have time for all the layers, this shortcut version comes to the rescue.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Arrange a layer of frozen cheese ravioli (about half a 25 oz bag) over the sauce.
Top with half of 1 pound of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
The ravioli cooks right in the sauce and creates perfect pasta layers without any boiling required.
This is my go-to for busy weeknights when I forget to plan ahead, and it costs around $15 total.
17. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This side dish casserole turns into a main meal with some rotisserie chicken thrown in.
Dice 6-8 russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and boil until just tender.
Drain and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Mix 2 cups of sour cream, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 1/4 cup of melted butter, then pour over the potatoes.
Top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.
For a one-dish dinner, mix in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken before baking and serve with a simple side salad.
18. Mexican Cornbread Casserole
This hearty casserole combines taco filling with sweet cornbread for a perfect comfort food dinner.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef with a diced onion and taco seasoning.
Mix in 1 can of drained corn and 1 can of black beans.
In a separate bowl, prepare 2 boxes of cornbread mix according to package directions, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 small can of diced green chilies.
Spread half the cornbread mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish, top with the meat mixture, then spread the remaining cornbread on top.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and the cornbread is cooked through.
This makes amazing leftovers for lunch the next day. Mmmmmm.
19. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This casserole brings the sandwich shop favorite to your dinner table without the fuss.
Saute 1 pound of thinly sliced beef (I use pre-sliced stir fry beef from the grocery store) with 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced green bell pepper until the meat is cooked and the veggies are soft.
Drain any excess liquid and spread in a greased 8×8 baking dish.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Top with 8 slices of provolone cheese, overlapping to cover completely.
Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I serve this over cooked egg noodles or rice, and sometimes add mushrooms to the mix when my husband isn’t looking.
You can use simple white cheese instead of provolone too.
20. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
This sweet casserole makes a perfect special breakfast or dessert-like dinner treat.
Tear 1 loaf of day-old bread into chunks and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
In a bowl, mix 3 diced apples with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then scatter over the bread.
Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Pour over the bread and apples, pressing down to make sure everything gets soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before baking, sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until puffed and set.
Easy Dinner Ideas for Your Family
I hope you found the best casserole recipe for your family on those busy and long nights!
I know I love these ideas for my family!
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