48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (2024)

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Diana Rattray

48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (1)

Diana Rattray

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.

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Updated on 10/26/20

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48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (2)

The main dish casserole is usually a one-pot meal―an easy and convenient way to prepare a family meal. Casseroles came to popularity in the 1950s when casserole dishes were first available to home cooks.

Casseroles are often made with abinder―usually a thickened sauce or condensed soup―to hold the ingredients together. While a topping isn't essential, it can add a nice crunchy texture to a dish. Shredded cheese, toasted nuts, French fried onions, buttered bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs are a few populartopping choices.

If you're looking for an easy oven-baked casserole,you can't go wrong with one of these popular recipes!

  • 01 of 48

    Ritzy Chicken Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (3)

    Buttered Ritz cracker crumbs top this delicious ritzy chicken casserole. Save time with a rotisserie chicken or packaged roasted chicken strips. The fact that the casserole contains only six ingredients makes it even more appealing!

  • 02 of 48

    Burrito Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (4)

    Tex-Mex flavors abound in this fabulous burrito casserole! It's made with layers of seasoned ground beef and refried beans, cheese, and tortillas. To make dinnertime even easier, cook ground meat in advance and store it in the freezer for whenever you need it for a recipe.

  • 03 of 48

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (5)

    This Instant Pot macaroni and cheese dish is not only rich and creamy—it is also quick and easy! The Instant Pot pressure cooker makes mac and cheese in just a few minutes. Feel free to top it with some buttered breadcrumbs and pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.

  • 04 of 48

    Creamy Ham and Spaghetti Bake With Peas

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (6)

    Ham and peas team up in this creamy ham and spaghetti bake with peas. Parmesan cheese tops this easy casserole.

    Trying to figure out what else to do with your leftover ham? Look at our
    top leftover ham recipesto provide some inspiration!

    Continue to 5 of 48 below.

  • 05 of 48

    Classic Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (7)

    This classic Instant Pot shepherd's pie is almost entirely cooked in the Instant Pot, which makes it incredibly quick and easy. Pop it under the broiler for a minute to brown the mashed potato topping.

  • 06 of 48

    Rich and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Bake

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (8)

    Who doesn't love a comforting rich and creamy macaroni and cheese bake? This creamy version will please everyone in the family.

  • 07 of 48

    Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (9)

    Have you run out of ideas for that leftover corned beef? Here's a 7-ingredient corned beef and cabbage casserole. Throw it together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy your free time.

  • 08 of 48

    Baked Ziti With Ground Beef and Italian Sausage

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (10)

    A delicious baked ziti with ground beef and Italian sausage features ricotta cheese and cooked ziti pasta for a fabulous cheese-topped casserole.

    Continue to 9 of 48 below.

  • 09 of 48

    Chicken Pot Pie

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (11)

    A simple recipe for homemade biscuits makes a fabulous topping for this chicken pot pie. The biscuit dough is patted out and then cut into squares. There's no rolling (or re-rolling) required!

  • Easy Cube Steak Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (12)

    This easy cube steak casserole is a fine example of what you can do with budget-friendly cuts of beef.

  • 11 of 48

    Loaded Pizza Pasta Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (13)

    If you're craving pizza, but don't want to make a crust, try this hearty loaded pizza pasta casserole. The combination of pizza sauce, ground beef, pepperoni, and your favorite toppings makes this dish a meal even the pickiest family members will enjoy.

  • 12 of 48

    Unstuffed Peppers Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (14)

    This hot dish of unstuffed peppers casserole is a great way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers. Use a combination of colorful bell peppers, rice, ground beef, and tomatoes and you are set for the evening!

    Continue to 13 of 48 below.

  • 13 of 48

    Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (15)

    This classic tuna noodle casserole is always a family favorite. This familiar version contains noodles, condensed soup, peas, and cheese. The browned breadcrumb topping adds crunch and texture.

  • 14 of 48

    Shrimp and Rice Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (16)

    You might not think of shrimp for a casserole, but this one will change your mind. Garlic and minced shallots flavor the rice mixture in this easy shrimp and rice casserole dish.

  • 15 of 48

    Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (17)

    A basic medium white sauce brings this creamy turkey noodle casserole together. The dish bakes to golden perfection with a shredded cheddar cheese topping. It can be made with chicken as well, if that's what you have on hand (or prefer).

  • 16 of 48

    Crock Pot Potato and Ham Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (18)

    This crock pot potato and ham casserole recipe is made with ham, potatoes, onion, cheddar cheese, and condensed soup. It's a very easy preparation. Justslice the potatoes and onions and layer everything in the slow cooker. Mix the soups and milk together and pour over the casserole.

    Continue to 17 of 48 below.

  • 17 of 48

    Budget-Friendly Cottage Pie

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (19)

    Use your leftover roast beef and mashed potatoes to make this budget-friendly cottage pie.

  • 18 of 48

    Chicken a la King Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (20)

    This chicken a la King casserole is a one-dish meal with chicken a la king flavors. The dish comes together with a creamy homemade sauce, celery, and pimientos. Yum!

  • 19 of 48

    Mexican Enchiladas

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (21)

    This recipe from Central Mexico shows you how to make Mexican enchiladas with your choice of filling, whether it's meat, sautéed veggies, cheese, or a combination. You can make your own enchilada sauce or use store-bought for a quick meal.

  • 20 of 48

    Easy Pork and Noodle Bake

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (22)

    If you have leftover roasted pork, use it to make this tasty easy pork and noodle bake.Serve this one-dish meal with a tossed salad and crusty French bread.

    Continue to 21 of 48 below.

  • 21 of 48

    Spaghetti Casserole With Ground Beef and Cheese

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (23)

    Here's yet another excellent pasta bake with ground beef. You'll make this spaghetti casserole with ground beef and cheese again and again. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses top it off. This spaghetti pie is a similar preparation.

  • 22 of 48

    Chicken Casserole With Potato Chip Topping

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (24)

    A potato chip topping adds crunchy flavor to this easy chicken casserole with potato chip topping. It's similar to a hot chicken salad, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and condensed soup sauce.

  • 23 of 48

    Penne Bake With Ham and Peas

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (25)

    This is a great way to use leftover ham, and it's a delicious combination of flavors. The cheddar cheese sauce is mixed with cooked penne, diced ham, peas, and seasonings to make a tasty casserole, baked to perfection with a buttery crumb topping. Serve this flavorful penne bake with ham and peas with a tossed salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

  • 24 of 48

    Beans and Hot Dogs Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (26)

    A cheesy biscuit topping gussies up this beans and hot dogs casserole. The baked beans get great flavor from barbecue sauce and some chopped vegetables along with mustard and brown sugar. Sliced hot dogs make these doctored beans a hearty one-dish meal.

    Continue to 25 of 48 below.

  • 25 of 48

    Ham Pot Pie

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (27)

    Pot pie isn't just for chicken. This recipe using leftover ham has all of the familiar pot pie ingredients and flavors but takes full advantage of that extra ham from the holidays. A mixture of vegetables, including carrots, are combined with the ham and a white sauce and baked in a puff pastry until golden brown.

  • 26 of 48

    Chicken Quiche

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (28)

    For those who love breakfast for dinner, this chicken quiche is sure to please. Rotisserie chicken, Gruyere cheese, onion, and parsley are combined with eggs and cream and poured into a homemade crust. Baked in a springform pan, this quiche is easy to cut and pretty to look at.

  • 27 of 48

    Chicken Tamale Pie

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (29)

    All of the flavors and textures of a chicken tamale are baked into this easy casserole. A mixture of onion, shredded cooked chicken, black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning is topped with a homemade cornbread batter studded with corn, cheddar, and cilantro. The tamale pie is baked until golden brown and served with sour cream and avocado.

  • 28 of 48

    Crescent Beef Stroganoff Bake

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (30)

    Here's another casserole that gets a helping hand from convenience food. Crescent roll dough forms the crust for this easy crescent beef stroganoff bake.

    Continue to 29 of 48 below.

  • 29 of 48

    Dorito Chicken Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (31)

    Crushed Dorito chips form the crust and topping for this easy Dorito chicken casserole. The chicken teams up with condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream. The cheese topping finishes the dish perfectly.

    You can even use a can of tomatoes with green chilipeppers (e.g., Ro-Tel) to spice things up!

  • 30 of 48

    Tex-Mex Beef and Biscuit Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (32)

    Serve this easy one-dish Tex-Mex beef and biscuit casserole with a tossed green salad or sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for a tasty family dinner.

  • 31 of 48

    Beefy Nacho Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (33)

    Layers of tortilla chips, cheese, beef, beans, taco sauce, and salsa make this a satisfying all-in-one main dish. Taco seasoning gives the ground beef Tex-Mex flavor for this beefy nacho casserole.

  • 32 of 48

    Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (34)

    This pork chop and rice casserole​ recipeisan easy baked one-dish meal your family will love. The pork chops are browned and then combined with the vegetables and the easy gravy sauce mixture over the rice. Add some steamed vegetables orspinach to the ricebefore baking for extra color and flavor.

    Continue to 33 of 48 below.

  • 33 of 48

    Chicken and Dressing Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (35)

    Chicken and dressing casserole brings the flavors of the fall season to any Tuesday night family dinner, without hours of prep and cooking. Just combine the ingredients and pop it in the oven to bake. The cheese topping adds crunchy appeal, but you can easily omit it.

  • 34 of 48

    Beef Enchilada Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (36)

    This tasty beef enchilada casserole will surely become a family favorite. With browned ground beef, chilipeppers, tortilla chips, and cheese, this is an excellent casserole to bake for a family meal.

  • 35 of 48

    Tuna Tetrazzini

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (37)

    Tuna and spaghetti team up with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese in this tuna tetrazzini recipe. It's a whole meal in one pot and can be prepared a day in advance, making it a convenient and tasty dish for a busy day.

  • 36 of 48

    Southwestern-Style Beef and Potato Bake

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (38)

    Southwestern seasonings make this a flavorful Southwestern-style beef and potato bake a dish the whole family will enjoy.

    Prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate until it's time to bake.

    Continue to 37 of 48 below.

  • 37 of 48

    Easy Scalloped Oysters With Cracker Crumbs

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (39)

    This easy scalloped oysters with cracker crumbs recipe is not only easy; it's elegant enough for a special occasion. Serve this oyster bake with baked potatoes or rice and a green vegetable.

  • 38 of 48

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (40)

    Serve this tasty ground beef and cabbage casserole with mashed potatoes or rice if you'd like a starch. For a low-carb option, serve it with a simple tossed salad or slaw.

  • 39 of 48

    Macaroni and Cheese With Sausage

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (41)

    Browned sausage and sliced tomatoes help to make this creamy, delicious macaroni and cheese with sausage a hearty main dish. The flavorful casserole is made with pork sausage, chopped vegetables, and a homemade cheese sauce. It's topped with a buttered bread crumb topping and baked to perfection.

  • 40 of 48

    Southern-Style Chicken Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (42)

    This Southern-style chicken casserolestarts with a cut-up chicken, but leftover chicken or turkey or the meat from a plump rotisserie chicken are excellent alternatives. Vegetables include corn and green beans.

    Continue to 41 of 48 below.

  • 41 of 48

    Low-Carb Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (43)

    Cauliflower takes the place of rice in this tasty low-carb chicken and cauliflower casserole. The one-pot dish makes the perfect meal for anyone watching their carbs.A little cream, some cheddar cheese, and a variety of herbs jazz the casserole up and give it great flavor.

  • 42 of 48

    Easy Chicken and Penne Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (44)

    Feel free to make this easy chicken and penne casserole with macaroni or a similar pasta. It's a simple preparation with frozen mixed vegetables, condensed soup, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese.

  • 43 of 48

    Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (45)

    Thiseasy chicken and broccoli casseroleis a snap to prepare and bake. Serve thisdish witha tossed salad or fresh sliced tomatoes.

  • 44 of 48

    Chili Nacho Casserole With Ground Beef and Beans

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (46)

    This Chili Nacho Casserole is a well-spiced combination of ground beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, tomatoes, and pinto beans. Tortilla chips are layered with theground beef mixture.

    If you like heat, use pepper jack cheese and add some finely chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers to the beef mixture. Or add some cayenne pepper.

    Continue to 45 of 48 below.

  • 45 of 48

    Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (47)

    This tasty, popular chicken enchilada casserole recipe is made with sour cream, diced chicken, mushrooms, peppers, tortillas, cheese, and seasonings. Start this Central Mexico-inspired casserole about 1 hour before serving time. The enchiladas are baked on a layer of sour cream and topped shredded cheese.

  • 46 of 48

    4-Ingredient Tater Tot Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (48)

    This flavorful 4-ingredient tater tot casseroleis easy to prepare and cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. Use frozen mixed vegetables or a blend of peas and carrots, and sauté 1 cup of chopped onion with the ground beef if you like.

  • 47 of 48

    Homemade Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (49)

    Quick made-from-scratch biscuits make up the topping for this homemade chicken and biscuits casserole. Feel free to use ready-made frozen or refrigerated biscuits in this recipe.

  • 48 of 48

    Spicy Sausage and Penne Casserole

    48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (50)

    Sliced andouille sausage, bell peppers, and some spicy Cajun seasoning gives this spicy sausage and penne casserole its Louisiana flavor.

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48 Dinner Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Meals (2024)

FAQs

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.

How full can you fill a casserole dish? ›

Fill your casserole dish with all the ingredients so it's about three-quarters full. This ensures the liquid doesn't overflow, but there's still enough liquid so food doesn't dry out.

Why do casseroles have to sit overnight? ›

Casseroles are at their best when the ingredients are able to meld, which is why they often taste even better the second day.

What is the best size casserole dish? ›

The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 litre per person, and then round up. So for a family of four, you would want something that is a minimum of 4 litres. And then with rounding up, the ideal size would be somewhere in the 5-6 litre capacity.

How many people will a 9x13 casserole serve? ›

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. However, if you are having more than four sides most people will only eat 1/2 cup.

How much does a 9x13 casserole dish hold? ›

The average 9x13 rectangular baking dish holds 3.5 to 4 quarts. However, the number of quarts varies based on how deep the dish is—some of our deeper recommendations hold up to 5 quarts. Recipes that cook in a 3-quart dish or Dutch oven can be cooked interchangeably in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

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.

Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

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.

Do you cook vegetables before putting in casserole? ›

A common issue with casseroles is soggy overcooked pasta or vegetable components. "Partially cooking these ingredients is the only way to make a casserole with a satisfying texture," says LaClair.

Do you have to brown meat before making a casserole? ›

You don't have to brown the meat, but you should do it anyway. However, you don't have to brown all of the meat. Browning is done to fully develop the meaty flavours, and if you put too much meat into the pan it will release too much moisture and not brown at all.

How to get the middle of a casserole to cook? ›

If it is still too wet (as well as not cooked enough), turn down the heat. If it is dry enough but not cooked enough, cover and turn down the heat. If it is almost done and dry enough, just turn the heat off completely and check on it every 5 minutes. From someone who has been cooking for 47 years.

What can I use instead of a 9x13 casserole dish? ›

A recipe written for a 9” x 13” pan can also be made in two 9” round pans; one 9” round and one 8” round, or two 8” round pans. Baking times may vary due to slightly different depths of batter in the various pan combinations.

How many cups does a 9x13 casserole dish hold? ›

For example, pans made by different manufacturers may vary slightly by depth—two inches versus 2¼ inches. But whether the pan's labeling says 13- by 9-inch or 9- by 13-inch, it should have a volume of about 14 cups (or 3.3 liters) and be the right size for most sheet cake or bar cookie recipes.

How many cups of casserole per person? ›

The serving size of mixed entrée recipes (casseroles) must be stated in cups (1-1½ cups), not ounces.

What is the size of a traditional casserole dish? ›

A 9-inch by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish is the most versatile. Recipes that serve six to eight people will likely call for a casserole or baking dish of this size.

What is the most popular baking dish size? ›

  • A 9×13-Inch Baking Pan. The standard pan size, this versatile pan typically holds about three quarts. ...
  • An 8×8-Inch or 9×9-Inch Square Baking Pan. This is what you'll need for brownies and bars. ...
  • A Muffin Pan OR Paper Soufflé Cups. ...
  • A 9- or 10-Inch Pie Pan. ...
  • A 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan.

What size casserole dish for 3 people? ›

But when you're roasting or braising, the pot really needs to be wider because the food needs plenty of space around it in order to brown and caramelize effectively. How many people do you typically feed? The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 liter per person, and then round up.

What does a 2 quart casserole dish look like? ›

How Big is a 2 Quart Baking Dish?, measuring 8 inches wide by 12 inches long. It is also commonly found as 11 inches wide or 7 inches long, with a depth of 1.5 inches. Additionally, the rectangular variation is 11.1 inches x 7.1 inches x 1.7 inches deep.

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