30 Quick Casserole Recipes That Will Save Dinner Tonight (2024)

Home Recipes Casseroles

30 Quick Casserole Recipes That Will Save Dinner Tonight (1)Laura DenbyUpdated: Feb. 10, 2024

    Try these quick casserole recipes to serve up cheesy, hearty goodness in no time. Each recipe requires 30 minutes of cook time (or less!)

    1/29

    Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

    This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes fused into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    2/29

    Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

    My daughter gave me this twice-baked potatoes recipe because she knows I love potatoes. The hearty casserole is loaded with a palate-pleasing combination of bacon, cheeses, green onions and sour cream. —Betty Miars, Anna, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    3/29

    Taste of Home

    Pizza Pasta Casserole

    Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina

    Go to Recipe

    4/29

    Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole

    Whenever we get together as a family for major holidays, my kids, nieces and nephews literally beg me to make this sweet potato casserole. It goes together in minutes with canned sweet potatoes, which is ideal for the busy holiday season. —Sue Miller, Mars, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    5/29

    Firecracker Casserole

    My husband and I love this southwestern-style firecracker casserole. The flavor reminds us of enchiladas, but the recipe doesn't require the extra time to roll them up. —Teressa Eastman, El Dorado, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    6/29

    Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole

    This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    7/29

    Taco Salad Casserole

    This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    8/29

    Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

    This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    9/29

    Potluck Taco Casserole

    This is the dish I most often take to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    10/29

    Taste of Home

    Cauliflower Casserole

    To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces, and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare.-Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    11/29

    Taste of Home

    Cajun Beef Casserole

    Your little ones who refuse to eat veggies won’t complain one bit when you bring this cheesy casserole with a cornbread crust to the table. For picky eaters, try using less Cajun seasoning. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    12/29

    Taste of Home

    Chili Mac Casserole

    This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

    Go to Recipe

    13/29

    De-Lightful Tuna Casserole

    This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York

    Go to Recipe

    14/29

    Taste of Home

    Crescent Turkey Casserole

    How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    15/29

    Loaded Red Potato Casserole

    This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky

    Go to Recipe

    16/29

    Taste of Home

    Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    17/29

    Taste of Home

    Dilly Zucchini Casserole

    Whenever I take this timesaving side-dish casserole to a potluck, I seldom bring any home, and folks often ask for the recipe. If I have fresh dill, I'll substitute a couple tablespoons for the dill weed. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine

    Go to Recipe

    18/29

    Spinach-Parm Casserole

    For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    19/29

    I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    20/29

    Zucchini Tomato Casserole

    Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming

    Go to Recipe

    21/29

    Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole

    Impress your holiday visitors with this fancier twist on the traditional casserole. —Kristine Blauert, Wabasha, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    22/29

    Double-Crust Pizza Casserole

    After my husband and I got married, this biscuit pizza solved the what’s-for-dinner problem. As our family grew, I just made bigger and bigger batches. It never disappoints!—Pat Crane, Pine City, New York

    Go to Recipe

    23/29

    Taste of Home

    Artichoke Spinach Casserole

    Although he isn't a fan of spinach, my husband loves this dish. The combination of ingredients may sound unusual, but the flavors meld well. It's an excellent side vegetable for a formal dinner. —Judy Johnson, Missoula, Montana

    Go to Recipe

    24/29

    Mini Reuben Casseroles

    These cute and creamy little casseroles have the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    25/29

    Taste of Home

    Thai Chicken Casserole

    When my family goes out, I can count on someone ordering chicken pad thai. I decided to make an easy version at home. Top it with a sprinkle of peanuts and cilantro. —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York

    Go to Recipe

    26/29

    Spicy Rice Casserole

    Stirring up pork sausage, wild rice and jalapeno to taste makes this a terrific side. Or serve it with cornbread to turn it into a main dish. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat for a potluck meal. —Debbie Jones, California, Maryland

    Go to Recipe

    27/29

    28/29

    Taste of Home

    Italian Artichoke-Green Bean Casserole

    My mother and I made a few small changes to a recipe we found in a cookbook to create this comforting side dish. We increased the vegetable count and tossed in some seasonings to take the flavor up a notch. It's definitely not your average green bean casserole. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana

    Go to Recipe

    29/29

    Meatball Submarine Casserole

    We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: March 21, 2018

    30 Quick Casserole Recipes That Will Save Dinner Tonight (30)

    Laura Denby

    Cooking and writing have been Laura’s passion for 10 years. In addition to Taste of Home, Laura writes about food and culinary arts on sites like Food & Wine, Food Network and Delish. Though she’s a trained professional chef, Laura has branched into the wine and spirits space too. She has worked in multiple vineyards and earned a WSET Level 2 award in wine and spirits. Her work in professional kitchens, love of organizing and eye for the best kitchen products gives her a range of writing experience from cooking techniques to product testing. Outside of work, Laura loves wine tasting, traveling and hanging out with her dog and family.

    30 Quick Casserole Recipes That Will Save Dinner Tonight (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the extender of a casserole? ›

    The extender/starch, a food ingredient that helps thicken a dish. – Dry bread crumbs; cooked, diced potatoes; pasta, rice, grits, or barley; cooked, mashed dry beans.

    What is a binder in a casserole? ›

    The binder is the sauce, which holds ingredients together. Casserole toppings are used for color, variety in texture; protects protein ingredients and identify common toppings.

    What are the main ingredients of this casserole? ›

    In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

    What kind of casseroles are there? ›

    • Pizza Casserole. PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
    • Creamy Chicken Spanakopita Bake. PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON. ...
    • Mini Mushroom Pasta Bakes. ...
    • Sloppy Joe Casserole. ...
    • Ranch Chicken Potato Casserole. ...
    • Hamburger Casserole. ...
    • Chicken Nugget Parm Casserole. ...
    • Huevos Rancheros Casserole.
    Mar 29, 2024

    How do you bulk out a casserole? ›

    Add a handful or two of porridge oats into mince dishes to bulk them out easily. The oats will blend into the dish and take on the flavour of the meal you're cooking. As a general rule, never add more oats to the dish than there is meat.

    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

    What are 5 components of a casserole? ›

    Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

    What adds and brings out flavor? ›

    Seasoning means to bring out or intensify the natural flavor of the food without changing it. Seasonings are usually added near the end of the cooking period. The most common seasonings are salt, pepper, and acids (such as lemon juice).

    What is the oldest known casserole? ›

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

    What are the 4 parts of a casserole? ›

    Not every single casserole has all of them, but as a rule of thumb, here's what to look for: a starch, a binding agent or sauce, and a protein or vegetable. Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese.

    Should you cover a casserole when baking? ›

    The primary reason for covering a casserole as it bakes is to trap moisture inside the dish. This will not only keep the casserole itself moist, but it will also help get the casserole up to cooking temperature.

    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 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 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.

    What is an extender in cooking? ›

    Meat extenders are non-meat substances with substantial protein content. Extenders are distinguished from fillers by their high protein content, compared to the high carbohydrate content of fillers.

    What is the definition of extender in cooking? ›

    : an added ingredient used to increase the bulk of a food (such as soup or meat)

    What is a food extender? ›

    a substance added to another substance, as to paint or food, to increase its volume or bulk: to add cereal and soy protein to hamburger as extenders.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Ray Christiansen

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6212

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Ray Christiansen

    Birthday: 1998-05-04

    Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

    Phone: +337636892828

    Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

    Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

    Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.