Supper casseroles are a comforting and versatile choice for busy families, offering hearty flavors and easy preparation. These one-dish meals combine proteins, vegetables, and starches, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a range of flavor profiles—from cheesy and creamy to savory and spicy—there’s a casserole recipe to suit every palate. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these easy casserole dinners will simplify your meal planning and delight your family.
Introduction to Supper Casseroles
Casseroles are an ideal solution for families looking for quick, nutritious meals. They can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy reheating, and often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. The best casserole ideas often include a variety of ingredients, ensuring a balanced meal in one dish.
Essential Equipment for Casserole Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing casseroles. Here’s a list of essential equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)
- Oven mitts
Tips for Making Perfect Casseroles
Follow these tips to ensure your casseroles turn out perfectly every time:
- Pre-cook ingredients like pasta and meats for even cooking.
- Layer ingredients for better flavor distribution.
- Use a combination of spices and herbs to enhance flavors.
- Cover with foil during the first part of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set.
Top 10 Supper Casserole Recipes
1. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and half the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes: Substitute turkey for chicken or use quinoa instead of rice. Can be frozen before baking.
2. Beef and Mushroom Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- In a bowl, mix beef mixture with soup and noodles.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes: Substitute ground turkey or add spinach for extra nutrients. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa with beans, peppers, corn, and cumin.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
Notes: This dish is gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting cheese. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
4. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed potato chips for topping
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine noodles, tuna, peas, soup, and milk.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with potato chips.
- Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
Notes: Substitute chicken for tuna or use fresh vegetables. This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3 days.
5. Southwest Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and chili powder.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
Notes: This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting chicken. Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
6. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix artichokes, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes: Serve with pita chips or bread. Can be frozen before baking.
7. Italian Sausage and Peppers Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook sausage, bell pepper, and onion until sausage is browned.
- Add tomatoes and pasta, mixing well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with provolone.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes: Great for using leftover sausage. Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
8. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook meat, onion, and carrots until meat is browned.
- Add peas and broth, simmering for 5 minutes.
- Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Notes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for quick prep. Can be frozen before baking.
9. Mediterranean Chickpea Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup feta cheese
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix chickpeas, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, and oregano.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with feta.
- Bake for 30 minutes until heated through.
Notes: This dish is vegan-friendly without feta. Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
10. Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 can cream of potato soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix potatoes, ham, soup, and milk.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Notes: This recipe works well with leftover holiday ham. Can be frozen after baking.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Even experienced cooks can run into issues with casseroles. Here are some common mistakes and how to correct them:
- Overcooking: Cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Dry texture: Ensure enough liquid is used; consider adding broth or cream.
- Uneven cooking: Layer ingredients evenly and mix well before baking.
Casserole Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guide
Proper storage and reheating can extend the life of your casseroles:
- Storage: Store casseroles in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Most casseroles can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but may not heat evenly.