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80 Comforting Casserole Recipes You Can Make on Weeknights
Pop it in the oven and relax; dinner is making itself.
Come fall, when school season kicks in and schedules start getting tight, I like to lean on casseroles for weeknight dinners.
Part of the reason is selfish; pop a casserole into the oven, and I've got up to 30 minutes to relax in the kitchen, possibly sipping on something tasty, maybe cleaning up so I don't have to do it after dinner. And part of the reason is generous: I love putting a still-bubbling casserole on the table and watching everyone's eyes light up.
But the main reason I lean on casseroles, especially early in the week, is strategic: My kids are starting to have a lot of after school activities, especially later in the week, and knowing I've got leftovers on hand, that can be quickly rewarmed and scarfed down before they have to change and head out for dance lessons, drum lessons, volleyball practices, or whatever else is on the schedule, makes things a lot easier. If I've made enough, sometimes I'll even bring a little to work for lunch; casseroles tend to transport well. (Need new food storage containers? I love these.)
Here, find more or less the complete list of casseroles we have on the site. I think you'll enjoy them. We call for fresh ingredients mostly, especially where it makes a difference in flavor. But we try to skip unnecessary or difficult steps, so the dishes will come together quickly and taste good, with a minimum of fuss.
Need more weeknight dinner ideas?
Baked Mac and Cheese with Poblanos
A mac bake is an essential part of any casserole repertoire. The best ones get innovative with stir-ins and toppings. We've found a couple fresh poblanos and some crushed tortillas add a world of Southwestern flavor!
Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie
Ready for a chicken pot pie as good as grandma made? We've got the recipe right here.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Casserole-wise it just doesn't get any more classic than this: a rich, creamy sauce, plenty of noodles, and shredded chicken. Our recipe leans on fresh ingredients, so it tastes great and won't leave you feeling bad after, either.
Quiche Lorraine
Does quiche qualify as a casserole?
Given how effortlessly this eggy bake cooks up, how many it feeds, and how fast it flies out of the dish, we'd say it certainly should!
Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole
Want a veggie-packed meal that will still get the kids to clean their plates? There's nothing better than a big ol' cheesy kid-friendly casserole. It'll get everyone to the table faster than you can say "dinner's ready."
Mushroom Pot Pie
This biscuit-topped bake is so flavorful and delicious you might not even notice that it's vegetarian! It's a great way to serve up a single casserole that everyone at the table can eat.
Tamale Pie
If you're suffering some of the what's-for-dinner blahs, try spicing it up with a Tex-Mex meal! Tamale pie is one of our favorites.
It cooks largely on its own, and we haven't known leftovers to last longer than a day, max.
Classic Stuffed Shells
This pasta bake is a) delicious, b) easy, and c) budget friendly. Do you need more reasons?
Beef Enchiladas
A little taco seasoning, some corn tortillas, a can of enchilada sauce, cover it with cheese and boom! You've got a powerhouse meal for four (or for two, with leftovers) ready to go.
Sheet-Pan Quiche with Scallions, Dill, and Fava Beans
This extra-sized quiche makes a great meal for when you've got guests over—or want leftovers for lunches!
Get the recipe for Sheet-Pan Quiche with Scallions, Dill, and Fava Beans.
Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas
Looking for something a little lighter than beef? Leftover (or rotisserie) chicken makes these weeknight friendly chicken enchiladas extra easy.
Lasagna Bolognese
Plan accordingly because you're going to want this classic lasagna! Cook the homemade sauce a day or two in advance, and the rest of the recipe is mostly hands-off. It's well worth the effort, and the results will feed a crowd or keep for easy-to-reheat leftovers.
Baked Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
Baked mac is the elegant version of the weeknight stovetop variety. Don't skip the cauliflower, it gives this dish an even richer, cheesier taste.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
We think this Gruyère-based sauce could go on just about anything, but it's especially good on broccoli and cauliflower. Don't forget to add a pinch of fresh nutmeg.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This classic pantry-food dinner is quick, filling, and, most importantly, yummy. Tuna noodle casserole is perfect for nights when you don't want to go shopping or spend money on takeout.
Meatball-and-Spinach Baked Ziti
Kids picky eaters? Loaded with cheese, pasta, and tender meatballs, this bake guarantees that every plate will be wiped clean.
Hasselback Potato Gratin
Need a side dish to feed a crowd? Whatever the holiday or occasion, your family is sure to love this cheesy potato gratin.
Squash Casserole
This creamy casserole is loaded with fresh squash, and topped with cheese and crushed butter crackers.
Sausage and Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna: The original casserole! This one-pan version earns its place at your table by being not only delicious, but easy and, at just 40 minutes from prep to table, pretty fast, too!
Green Bean-and-Barley Chicken Casserole
With creamy chicken and green beans topped with iconic cheese crackers, this dish is a nostalgic nod to Nanas everywhere.
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