50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (2024)

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (1)

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, but today's new casserole recipes go far beyond the basic tuna casseroles your mom used to make. There are now creative breakfast casseroles (hello, chicken and waffles in casserole form) and even delicious casserole versions of your favorite sandwiches (yes, we’re talking about meatball subs).

Not only do casseroles make an easy weeknight meal for the whole family, but they’re also a great dish to make ahead and freeze, or bring to family and friends who need an arsenal of one-pan meals to heat up and serve. While some casseroles are best to accompany the main component of the meal, like a delicious green bean casserole as a holiday side dish, others have everything you need to fill up on — protein, carbs and veggies in every bite. The best part is that when you toss everything into one dish and bake, there’s only one dish to clean up at the end. That means you get to save yourself some time and effort while still making something decadent and delicious.

Whether your schedule is best suited to prep dinner ahead of time or you just appreciate the simplicity of a casserole, these easy, hearty meals will help you spice up that revolving door of go-to weeknight dinners. There are options to satisfy the whole spectrum of food preferences, from meaty to vegetarian, Mexican to Greek, seafood to squash and healthy to indulgent. Trust us, these are some of the best casserole recipes for when you need a warm, comforting and easy meal.

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1

Shrimp Enchiladas with Zucchini and Corn

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (2)

The quick homemade enchilada sauce takes this one-dish shrimp recipe to the next level.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Enchiladas with Zucchini and Corn »

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2

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (3)

The fresh baguette crumbs take this classic and rich family favorite to the next level.

Get the recipe for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole »

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3

Make-Ahead Sausage and Egg Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (4)

No need to wake up early to serve an impressive breakfast — throw this casserole together the night before and pop in the oven come morning.

Get the recipe for Make-Ahead Sausage and Egg Casserole »

RELATED: 31 Best Make-Ahead Meals to Fill up Your Fridge and Freezer

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4

Ham, Cheddar, and Red Onion Bread Pudding

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (5)

Use your leftover ham in a delicious savory bread pudding for Christmas brunch.

Get the recipe for Ham, Cheddar, and Red Onion Bread Pudding »

RELATED: 32 Easy Leftover Ham Recipes to Give Your Christmas Dinner a Second Life

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5

Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole

Love chilaquiles? Try this easier Mexican-inspired dish instead.

Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole »

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6

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (7)

Make this ham and cheese bake up to 24 hours ahead so you can sleep in and still deliver an amazing brunch.

Get the recipe for Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake »

RELATED: 36 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Your Busiest Mornings

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7

Cherry Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Basil

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (8)

Not all casseroles require gobs (and gobs) of cheese. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, this cherry tomato casserole will fill you up without weighing you down.

Get the recipe for Cherry Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Basil »

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8

Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (10)

Avoid the winter blues with this toasty, cheesy potato dish. If you're looking for more flavor, sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top of this ooey gooey delight.

Get the recipe for Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole »

RELATED: 58 Easy Potato Recipes For Weeknight Dinners, Thanksgiving and More

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9

Spinach and Artichoke Squash Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (12)

What happens when you combine your favorite spinach and artichoke dip with spaghetti squash? A sophisticated dish that's totally picture-worthy.

Get the recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Squash Casserole »

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10

Sausage and Green Bean Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (14)

Give traditional green bean casserole a run for its money. Zesty sausage and polenta beef up this classic dish.

Get the recipe for Sausage and Green Bean Casserole »

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11

Spaghetti Pie

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (16)

Give this spaghetti-casserole fusion a try on your family's next pasta night. Loaded with cheese and bacon, this pasta pie will appeal to just about everyone.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Pie »

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12

Fiesta Nacho Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (18)

In these Tex-Mex nachos, white-meat chicken replaces beef so you can snag all the benefits of protein without the added fat.

Get the recipe for Fiesta Nacho Casserole »

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13

Spicy Chicken Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (19)

Simplify taco night without sacrificing flavor. This chicken casserole combines traditional taco ingredients in one dish.

Get the recipe for Spicy Chicken Casserole »

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14

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (21)

Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy this veggie-packed twist on traditional mac 'n' cheese. The head of cauliflower and four carrots hiding in the sauce will be our little secret.

Get the recipe for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese »

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15

Salmon Noodle Bake

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (22)

Fresher than traditional tuna noodle casserole, this veggie-packed version is loaded with chunks of seafood-counter salmon and flavored with leeks, mushrooms and herbs.

Get the recipe for Salmon Noodle Bake »

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16

Green Bean and Asparagus Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (23)

With bright veggies and garlicky goodness, you can't go wrong serving this alongside any protein.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

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17

Cheesy Baked Spinach and Feta Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (24)

Layers of matzo make this cheesy casserole light and unique.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

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18

Mock Tuna Casserole

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (25)

If the tuna casseroles of the 50s don't float your boat, try this vegetarian version with mushrooms and homemade cream sauce.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

RELATED: The 10 Best Meat Substitutes for Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

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19

Spiced Beef Hot Pot

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (26)

All of the warm and comforting flavors of beef stew are baked into this hearty casserole.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

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20

Chorizo Chilaquiles

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (27)

Chorizo makes everything better, including this mouth-watering Mexican-style casserole.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

RELATED: 38 Best Mexican Dinner Recipes to Make Tonight

50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

What is the most popular casserole dish size? ›

"The standard size of a casserole dish is 9 by 13 inches. However, due to varying shapes, they are often measured by volume, with three quarts being average,” says Contrino. “It is important to note that if a recipe calls only for a casserole dish, it is most likely asking for a 9- by 13-inch rectangular size.

What kinds of casseroles are there? ›

Casseroles
  • Rice Casserole.
  • Noodle Casserole.
  • Vegetable Casserole.
  • Healthy Casseroles.
  • Seafood Casserole.
  • Beef Casserole.
  • Chicken Casserole.
  • Pork Casserole.

What should casseroles be cooked at? ›

A shallower casserole can take a higher temp and shorter baking time; but if your casserole is a deep one or contains raw vegetables and protein, aim for a slightly longer time and lower temp cook. When in doubt, 350 degrees F is your best friend.

What do British people call casserole? ›

' In the UK, the terms casserole and stew tend to be used interchangeably, although some distinguish them by saying stews are cooked on a stovetop while casseroles are cooked in an oven.

Why is it called John Wayne casserole? ›

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

How many people will a 9x13 casserole feed? ›

Starchy side dishes and casseroles: a 9 X 13 pan makes about 12 one cup servings. A 2 quart casserole will make 6 to 8 cups. A typical serving size for potatoes, stuffing, and yams is 1 cup.

What is a 9 by 13 casserole dish? ›

But the standard rectangular, 13-by-9-inch (or 3- to 5-quart) dish is the most basic and versatile, because the shape is so great for entrées like macaroni and cheese or enchiladas, and for baked goods like bar cookies and coffee cakes.

Why use shallow casserole dish? ›

This shallow casserole is no exception. The large flat shape and shallow sides make it perfect for browning meat and vegetables, simmering casseroles, stir frying and baking. It enhances caramelisation, for moreish mouthfuls.

What to bring a sick neighbor? ›

What Do You Put in a Care Package for a Sick Friend?
  • Soup: a Spoonful of Comfort.
  • Vitamin C-rich Fruits and Veggies.
  • Soothing Tea Set.
  • Healthy Treats.
  • Something Sweet.
  • Something Salty.
  • Gift Baskets.
  • Gift Cards.
Feb 14, 2023

What to bake for your neighbors? ›

Encourage community spirit and appreciation for your neighbourhood by baking some of our best sweet bakes, and sitting down for a cuppa with your neighbour.
  1. Easy banana cake. ...
  2. Mars Bar Slice. ...
  3. Custard vanilla slice. ...
  4. Basic muffin base. ...
  5. Apple Magic Cake. ...
  6. Jelly cream slice. ...
  7. Cupcakes. ...
  8. Easy orange cake with orange icing.

What was the original casserole? ›

Casserole history

Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Is it better to bake a casserole covered or uncovered? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

What makes a good casserole dish? ›

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Casserole Dish

Look for a dish that has wide, looped handles, and that is made of stoneware or ceramic for heat retention.

What is the oldest traditional dish? ›

Nettle Pudding

Originating in 6000 BCE, England; it is the oldest dish of the world that's rich in nutrients. Nettle pudding is made with stinging nettles (wild leafy plant), breadcrumbs, suet, onions, and other herbs and spices.

Who invented the first casserole? ›

And a piece by Langdon Reid in a Staunton, Virginia, newspaper says: “History tells us that a French Canadian immigrant Elmire Jolicour is credited with inventing the casserole, this wonderful dish of culinary breakthrough, in Berlin, New Hampshire, in 1866.”

What is the oldest food still around? ›

The World's 10 Oldest Dishes And Where They Are Today
  • Linzer Torte, circa 1653. ...
  • Tamales, circa 5000 B.C. ...
  • Burgers, circa 100 century A.D. ...
  • Mesopotamian Stew, circa 2140 B.C., and bone broth, circa 400 B.C. ...
  • Rice dishes, circa 4530 B.C. ...
  • Beer, circa 3500 B.C. ...
  • Chocolate, circa 1500-400 B.C. ...
  • Bread, circa 10000–2200 B.C.
Sep 2, 2023

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