On busy nights, skip the drive-through and reach for one of these easy casserole recipes. Each dish can be prepped in 20 minutes (or less!).
46 Easy Casserole Recipes Perfect for Dinner
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
Quick Tater Tots Bake
This cheesy and beefy take on a Minnesota Hot Dish is made with condensed mushroom soup. For a slightly different but similar flavor profile, you can use any flavor of condensed soup.
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Nacho Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's always a favorite of my family and friends. It's sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
This is nacho average casserole! Kids birthday party? Game night? Cookout? This is a dish that fits any potluck. With Velveeta cheese, it’s so rich with a kick from green chiles.
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Ham and Swiss Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas
You know a casserole is a classic when it starts with condensed soup. This ham and Swiss casserole is no exception. A spin on the sandwich, it’s a pasta bake that adds green pepper and sour cream for some bite.
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Pierogi Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband never tires of this hearty pierogi casserole, no matter how many times I serve it. It's great for potlucks, too! —Margaret Popou, Kaslo, British Columbia
If you love pierogis, you’re going to want to try this dish. This pierogi casserole is built like a lasagna. Instead of ground beef and sauce layers, this recipe has cottage cheese and mashed potato layers.
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Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Onion and cheddar cheese add flavor and richness to the bounty of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. —Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida
Onion and cheddar cheese bring out the rich flavor of summer squash in this comforting casserole. The cornflake-crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch.
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Sauerkraut Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom brewed her own sauerkraut and, of course, the cabbage was from our big farm garden! Blending the kraut with spicy sausage and apples was Mom's favorite way to fix it, and I still love this country dish.
—Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
This hearty and comforting casserole is for those who love the robust taste of sauerkraut. Apples add not only a crunch, but a bit of sweetness to cut through some of the tanginess.
Imagine a pizza but replace the crust with a bed of pasta. That’s exactly what this casserole is, with an Italian sausage and pepperoni topping. Have a different pizza order? Experiment with mushrooms, peppers or even different cheeses. This versatile dinner is even better the next day!
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Cornbread Taco Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
The cornbread and beef bake together making this a side dish and main course all wrapped in one. French-fried onions give the casserole a pleasant crunch to balance out the softer elements of the recipe.
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Grandma’s Rice Dish
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
You probably have most of the ingredients on hand for this dump and bake dinner. With two kinds of meat and a hearty amount of seasoning, this cheesy tomato rice is easy to come back to.
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Chicken Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
3 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this super easy chicken slow-cooker recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It's such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, Arizona
11/46
Blend of the Bayou
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too.—Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
This seafood medley is a unique dinner option that’s as crave-able as it is creamy. With a cream cheese base, it’s a savory dish that packs a lot of nutrients from celery, mushrooms and green pepper.
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Tuna Noodle Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Pork Spanish Rice
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family wasn't fond of pork roast until I used it in this yummy casserole. —Betty Unrau, MacGregor, Manitoba
This Spanish rice hits the mark. The tomato and green peppers really carry most of the flavor in this simple and light dish. We recommend the optional lime wedges because they add color and brightness to the meal.
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Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughters don’t care for the usual green peppers stuffed with a meat-and-rice mixture, so one of the girls dreamed up this alternative. The peppers are simply chopped and combined with the other ingredients in a casserole. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
This recipe turns stuffed peppers on its head. Easier to prepare than the traditional version, this dish has the same flavors you know and love.
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Southwestern Turkey Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their spinach. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York
This 20-minute-prep casserole will make great use of any leftover turkey you might have. It’s topped with nacho-flavored tortilla chips for another layer of cheesy goodness. What a fun way to sneak in some spinach for kids (or for stubborn adults)!
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Easy Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love green chiles and cook with them often when I entertain. This easy version of the classic Mexican dish gives you a big pepper taste in every meaty bite. —Nadine Estes, Alto, New Mexico
Chiles rellenos translates to stuffed peppers. It’s usually a green chile pepper stuffed with meat and an egg batter. This layered dish combines those same elements with a cheesy, Monterey Jack surprise.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
You can’t beat a classic chicken and rice dinner, and this veggie packed recipe really raises the bar for future chicken and rice recipes. With a creamy lemon coating and crushed potato chips on top, it checks every box.
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Chicken Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The original old family recipe for this chicken casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
This potluck casserole lets an unexpected ingredient shine: pimiento-stuffed olives! This recipe is versatile and easy to play around with so toss in your favorite veggies and enjoy an easy meal.
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Sweet-and-Sour Supper
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother shared this recipe, which I've been making for my family for years. The homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the key to this dish's success. —Dorothy Reimer, Dewberry, Alberta
This ground beef and mushroom casserole is nothing without the homemade sweet and sour sauce. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste, but make sure you have enough sauce to go around!
20/46
Asparagus and Ham Strata
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast, do the prep work the night before. Next morning, just pop it in the oven. This casserole version of quiche is so hearty and delicious. —Alla Gray, St. Thomas, Pennsylvania
For a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast, do the prep work the night before. Next morning, just pop it in the oven. This casserole version of quiche is so hearty and delicious. —Alla Gray, St. Thomas, Pennsylvania
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Rhubarb Pork Chop Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The usual reaction to this casserole is that it’s a nice mix of sweet and tart—and an unusual use of rhubarb! I like rhubarb, but I’m not a dessert person. I always thought pies and cobblers shouldn’t be the only ways to enjoy it. —Jeanie Castor, Decatur, Illinois
Want a new way to use rhubarb? This sweet and tart casserole is just the recipe for you. It’s light and crisp, and allows for endless side dish options.
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Pork and Green Chile Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I work at a local hospital and another job part time, so I'm always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
This zippy southwest chicken casserole is great for your next gathering. With quick-made rice, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. Feel free to sub out the pork for rotisserie chicken.
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Onion Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother and mother always make onion pie during the holidays, but it's good any time. This is a savory side dish that you can serve with almost any meat or main course. It's especially good with roast beef. —Mary West, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
This fluffy egg casserole is savory and mildly sweet from the softened onions. It’s creamy, cheesy and satisfying for an appetizer (or main course!)
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Cheesy Chile Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next meal. —Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada
This southwest egg bake is bold and rich with the green chiles offering a bit of spice. You can use tomatoes or salsa depending on how much more of a kick you want from this easy casserole.
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Penne and Smoked Sausage
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Cheddar french-fried onions add a savory, cheesy crunch to this creamy and smoky pasta bake. There are endless ways to make it your own like adding bell peppers or even pepper jack cheese.
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Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it the ideal recipe for a busy weeknight. Cream of mushroom soup is the perfect base for this cheesy broccoli dish.
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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Do you know someone who puts French fries in their burgers? You’re about to see the appeal in that choice. This cheesy beef casserole can represent your ideal burger order if you just add your favorite toppings to the mix.
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Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
With a light tomato sauce and dollops of mozzarella, you can hardly tell that this is a whole wheat pasta dish. It has reduced fat ingredients but still maintains a creaminess.
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Special Creamed Corn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish. —Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
This dish is creamy, hearty and cheesy. The Parmesan blends well with the sweet corn, making it easy to grab seconds.
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Baked Orange Roughy and Rice
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It might sound too good to be true, but we're crossing our hearts when we tell you this delectable fish dinner will dirty just one dish. Your brood will be lining up to dig in once they see (and smell) the results! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange roughy is a mild fish that’s slightly sweet. It’s not overly fishy, which makes it the perfect star of this fire-roasted tomato and rice casserole.
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Pineapple Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make pineapple casserole, I double the amount —because guests frequently request a second helping for dessert! Sweet-tangy fruit is even better combined with savory cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumb topping. —Catherine Ann Goza, Leland, North Carolina
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Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
With layers of seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce and gooey cheese, this casserole is already a Tex-Mex lover’s dream. But what sets it apart are of course the crunchy Fritos that top the dish. Since they’re so crunchy, we wouldn’t recommend freezing this casserole. But it can be made ahead of time without the topping.
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Warm Chicken Tortellini Au Gratin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a number of easy, planned leftover recipes in my arsenal, which are especially useful when I'm busy. This is one of my favorites: pasta from Monday plus roasted chicken from Tuesday equals this delicious dish on Wednesday. When paired with a green salad and toasty bread, you have a meal that's fancy enough for company. —Brenda Cole, Reisterstown, Maryland
This rich and savory pasta bake includes spinach tortellini and artichoke hearts. With a mayo and asiago cream sauce, it resembles a spinach and artichoke dip.
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Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks love the crunchy chow mein noodles on top. I love that I can make it a day in advance and refrigerate until it's time to serve. Serve with hot bread or rolls. —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
Nectarines are an unexpected but deliciously juicy fruit to add to a chicken salad. While the nectarines brighten the dish, crispy chow mein noodles give it the most satisfying crunch.
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Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine to make a colorful side dish casserole that’ll mesh well with any dinner you put on the table. The simple flavors allow it to not overpower any meat or meatless main course.
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Broccoli Potato Supreme
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey
Presenting greens in fun and tasty ways can be a difficult task. But this broccoli and potato casserole makes it seem easy. French-fried onions and cheddar cheese make this side dish go from good to amazing.
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Unstuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
This speedy version of classic stuffed peppers is a great way to use leftover or instant rice. Rather than being inside of the pepper, the rice and meat are mixed right in with chopped peppers.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Mac and cheese with tomatoes? It’s better than you think. They add a tang that’s necessary for this ooey gooey dish.
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Scalloped Corn
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The corn in this casserole is tucked into a creamy custard. It’s a family favorite that gets served up often.
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Spinach-Parm Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
It’s easy to eat your spinach when it’s mixed with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it makes a great side dish.
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Tortellini Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That's when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire
This colorful and cheesy pasta bake is adorned with some of the best veggies. Zucchini, squash and red pepper pieces give it a necessary freshness that balances the cream sauce.
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Quick & Easy au Gratin Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
These cheesy potatoes are made with shredded hash browns. With a buttery cornflake topping, they end up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
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Winter Squash Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, our vegetable garden kept us well-supplied all year long. Dad stored huge piles of potatoes and squash in the coldest part of the basement. In winter the squash was so hard. Mother sometimes used an ax to cut it into small pieces for cooking! Her hard work was worth it, because we really enjoyed this wonderful casserole! —Glendora Hauger, Siren, Wisconsin
This simple squash casserole is topped with brown sugar and almonds. The dish has the consistency of mashed potatoes and is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday dinner.
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Chicken and Chiles Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole makes good use of leftover meat and is very filling. —Lois Keel, Alburquerque, New Mexico
This cheesy hash brown bake makes good use of leftover meat. If you want more heat, add another can of chilies or some hot sauce.
