Casseroles are a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. While they may have a retro reputation, modern casseroles are anything but dated. With a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients and easy preparation, these eight easy casserole recipes will change the way you think about this humble dish.
1. One-Pan Lasagna
Fire up the oven and break out the cheese: This one-pan lasagna is exactly what you need for the cold season. Made with layers of pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this lasagna is a comforting and delicious twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- Ground beef
- Tomato sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer the lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2. Gnocchi Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish comes together quickly by substituting the traditional mashed potatoes with tender, ready-made potato gnocchi, which cooks in just minutes. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a few minutes under the broiler, it’ll warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- Potato gnocchi
- Ground lamb or beef
- Onion
- Carrots
- Peas
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the broiler.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned.
- Add the onion, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and place on top of the meat mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the gnocchi.
- Place the dish under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
3. Toasted Orzo, Chickpea, and Tomato “Stoup”
This dish is a riff on sopa de fideos, a soup of noodles fried in chicken fat and topped with tomato broth—and a total comfort food. Made with toasted orzo, chickpeas, and tomatoes, this “stoup” is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold night.
Ingredients:
- Orzo pasta
- Chickpeas
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
4. Veggie and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This vegetarian twist on a classic shepherd’s pie is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. Made with lentils, vegetables, and a savory gravy, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Vegetable broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Frozen peas
- Mashed potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the lentils, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened.
- Stir in the frozen peas.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5. Easy Scalloped Potatoes
These easy scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Made with thinly sliced potatoes and a simple cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Flour
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top, if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
6. One-Pan Mushroom Gratin with White Beans
This one-pan mushroom gratin with white beans is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold night. Made with mushrooms, white beans, and a creamy sauce, this gratin is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms
- White beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
- Stir in the white beans, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
7. Best-Ever Stuffing Recipe
This stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving classic, made with bread, onions, celery, and a savory blend of herbs and spices. Whether you prefer it with or without meat, this stuffing is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Onion
- Celery
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Eggs
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut the bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, onion mixture, chicken or vegetable broth, eggs, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
8. Three Sisters Casserole
This casserole recipe uses squash, corn, and beans—a trio known as the “Three Sisters” because they grow together as a unit, with the cornstalks holding up the beans while the squash protects the roots at the base. This dish is a celebration of Indigenous cuisine and a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Ingredients:
- Squash
- Corn
- Beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the squash, corn, beans, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
These eight easy casserole recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic comfort food like lasagna or a vegetarian twist on a traditional dish, these recipes are sure to please. Try them out and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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