Casseroles are totally one of the easiest things you can make for dinner, because everything is made in one pan, making preparation quick and cleanup a breeze. Not only that, but a casserole can be chock full of foods from all the food groups (from the new food pyramid thingy rather than the four groups I grew up learning about). You can have protein, vegetables, grains, dairy, fat, heck even fruit. Plus, what’s more comforting than a good casserole?
Honestly, casseroles have gotten a bad rap. I mean, it’s true that people in the past made some really bad cassroles. Like, REALLY bad. (In fact, you’ll notice some of these are called “Bakes” instead of “Casseroles”, probably because of that negative connotation.) But don’t let that stop you from trying these. We’ve come a long way from those sloppy casseroles of ages past. Just take a look at these and your mouth will be watering despite the unfortunate name of “casserole”!
These 14 Easy Recipes for Casseroles will make dinner a breeze!
1. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Via Gimme Some Oven
This casserole has all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes, but without all the work and cleanup that can so often be associated with making Mexican food. Best of all, it’s actually healthy!
2. Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Via Natasha’s Kitchen
This recipe is everything a casserole should be. It’s hearty, creamy, delicious, nutritious… and did I mention delicious? It doesn’t get any easier to make than this, and it’s got a WOW! factor that will even make it a hit at a dinner party.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
Via The Cooking Jar
This is an incredibly healthy recipe that is absolutely full of veggie goodness like spinach and artichoke hearts. You can even make the recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken. This recipe is so cheesy and so creamy… you’ll never believe how delicious this is!
4. Layered Doritoes Casserole
Via Spend With Pennies
If you love Doritos (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) then you NEED to try this casserole! With layers of Doritos, meat, salsa and cheese… it’s absolutely too good to be real. And yet it is. Real. Real good! Sorry, I really shouldn’t try to be funny anymore.
5. Penne Meatball Casserole
Via She Knows
The minute I saw this photo, I licked my computer screen. Literally. Unfortunately, I just got a mouthful of dust, which is nothing at all like this casserole really tastes like. Still, that didn’t stop me from wanting to make it, and I’m so glad I did. Because… OMG. This is one of my all-time favorite casseroles. Literally.
6. White Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Via Gimme Some Oven
Here’s another amazing Mexican-inspired casserole recipe that you really MUST try. It’s got layers of chicken, green chiles, sour cream and cheese. And it’s topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. Absolutely heavenly!
7. Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
Via Jo Cooks
If you want to make your whole house smell so good that people will find excuses to stop by in the hopes that you’ll offer them some of whatever you’re cooking, make this casserole. You won’t believe how incredible it smells while it’s in the oven. (And even better, how it tastes when you eat it!) Just don’t burn your tongue, because you WILL be too impatient to wait for it to cool.
8. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Via Crockpot Gourmet
Did I say crockpot? Oh, yes! I did! Believe it or not, this crispy, crunch, oh-so-amazing casserole is made in the slow cooker, and yes, it definitely does taste as good as it looks. My stomach is grumbling at the thought of it as I write this. Chicken, buffalo wing sauce, vegetables, cheese… yes, please. This is NOT your average tater tot casserole recipe!
9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Via The Cooking Jar
Alfredo is seriously one of the most comforting of all comfort foods. It’s creamy and cheesy… everything a casserole should be, which is why it’s been turned into a casserole.
10. Corn Dog Dressing Bake
Via Craving Comfort
Okay, okay. I know this isn’t the healthiest casserole ever. It isn’t even the healthiest unhealthy casserole ever. But if you like corn dogs, or if you have kids who do, you really should try this one. It’s an awesome blend of hot dogs, corn bread and cheese, with sage added for that down-home southern dressing flavor. Delicious!
11. Chili Dog Casserole with Cheese Fries
Via Weary Chef
Don’t kill me. Here’s another super unhealthy casserole, but holy moly is it tasty! One of my favorite sinful indulgences is a good order of chili cheese fries and a chili dog. (I love the ones from Krystal, but I have to have some Frank’s Red Hot sauce to go on top.) Anyway. This recipe combines the two… chili cheese fries and chili dogs… into one AH-MAZING recipe!
12. Bacon Pierogi Bake
Via Let’s Dish Recipes
If you’ve never had a pierogi, you’re missing out on one of the tastiest things EVER. They’re little dumplings that are filled with mashed potatoes and other ingredients like cheese or onions. This recipe layers frozen pierogis with bacon, cream cheese and cheddar cheese for something akin to a loaded baked potato, and the result is as delicious as you probably expect.
