The 18 Best Casseroles Recipes

Casseroles are perfect for family meals, especially during the busy holiday season. They’re easy to make, comforting, and usually bake all in one dish, which makes cleanup simple. With a mix of different flavors and ingredients, casseroles are ideal for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and reheating whenever you need a cozy meal.

In this list, you’ll find 18 different casserole recipes to suit everyone’s taste. From cheesy pasta bakes like Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake to veggie-packed dishes like the Roasted Vegetable Strata, there’s something for everyone.

Some casseroles, like the Frito Pie and French Fry Casserole, have a fun twist, while others, like the Shrimp and Crab Casserole, feel a bit more special—great for holiday gatherings.

These casseroles are easy to follow and don’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, so they’re perfect for home cooks at any level. They’re hearty, delicious, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try one (or more!) of these recipes to make your holiday season warm, delicious, and stress-free. Enjoy!

1. Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake

This creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta in a cheesy marinara and Alfredo sauce blend. It’s cozy, comforting, and filling, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. You’ll love the gooey mozzarella on top and the way the flavors blend perfectly in each bite.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.

2. Zucchini Pizza Casserole

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole combines the flavors of pizza with a healthier twist using shredded zucchini as a base. Topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dish is savory and satisfying. It’s perfect for those looking for a lower-carb version of classic pizza.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups zucchini, shredded
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • ½ cup pepperoni slices
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Zucchini Base: Place shredded zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture, then squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean towel or paper towels.
  3. Mix Base Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Layer in Baking Dish: Press the zucchini mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
  5. Add Toppings: Spread marinara sauce over the zucchini base, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

3. Cauliflower Casserole

This cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is creamy and rich, with tender cauliflower baked in a blend of cheese and cream sauce. It’s a great side dish for any meal and a tasty way to enjoy more vegetables. The topping of melted cheese makes it hard to resist!

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower head, chopped
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Mix Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine with Cauliflower: Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

4. Mexican Street Corn Bake

Inspired by Mexican street corn, this casserole is loaded with sweet corn, creamy cheese, and spices. It’s a great side dish with bold flavors and a little kick, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. The creamy texture and touch of chili powder make it a memorable dish.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cotija cheese, and chili powder until well blended.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  4. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top for extra flavor.
  5. Bake and Garnish: Bake for 20 minutes until warm and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

5. Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

This Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken with a zesty salsa verde sauce and layers of tortillas, beans, and cheese. It’s flavorful and has a mild spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. The gooey cheese and warm tortillas create a delightful texture.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, begin with a layer of tortilla quarters. Add a layer of shredded chicken, salsa verde, black beans, and cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
  3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a final layer of cheese on top.
  4. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.

6. French Fry Casserole

This French Fry Casserole is a fun, family-friendly dish with layers of crispy French fries, ground beef, and melted cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and a great twist on traditional casseroles. The fries on top get crispy, adding a delightful crunch.

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 bag frozen French fries
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in a greased baking dish. Top with a single layer of frozen French fries.
  4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the fries for extra flavor.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the fries are crispy and the cheese is melted. Top with green onions and sour cream if desired before serving.

7. Warm Chicken Tortellini Au Gratin

This Warm Chicken Tortellini Au Gratin combines tender tortellini and shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce topped with melty cheese. It’s comforting and perfect for chilly nights, with a golden, bubbly top that’s hard to resist.

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups tortellini, cooked
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Tortellini: Boil tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked tortellini, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce until well coated.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

8. Baked Beef Tacos

These Baked Beef Tacos are loaded with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese, creating a crunchy, cheesy dish that’s ideal for a fun family meal. Baking the tacos enhances their flavors and keeps them perfectly warm.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 8 tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat and stir in taco seasoning according to package directions.
  3. Assemble Tacos: Arrange taco shells in a baking dish. Fill each shell with seasoned beef and top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the tacos are warmed through.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.

9. Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is light yet flavorful, combining tender chicken and fluffy rice with a bright lemon sauce. The result is a refreshing twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners.

Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil, stir gently, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to lightly brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

10. Cajun Beef Casserole

This Cajun Beef Casserole is packed with bold spices, ground beef, and bell peppers, all topped with melty cheddar. It’s a hearty, warming dish with a kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

11. Frito Pie

This Frito Pie is a Tex-Mex favorite, with layers of chili, cheese, and crunchy Fritos. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for game days or casual gatherings.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Chili: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then add chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until flavors are combined.
  3. Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the Fritos in the bottom of a baking dish, then pour the chili mixture over the top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add the remaining Fritos on top.
  4. Bake and Serve: Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving, if desired.

12. Shrimp and Crab Casserole

This Shrimp and Crab Casserole is creamy, rich, and filled with seafood flavors, combining shrimp, crab, and a cheesy sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 1 cup crab meat
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, crab meat, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
  4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Serve warm for the best flavor.

13. Angel Hair Shrimp Bake

This Angel Hair Shrimp Bake is a light yet creamy dish that combines delicate angel hair pasta, juicy shrimp, and a rich sauce topped with Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for a special dinner that feels fancy but is easy to prepare.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz angel hair pasta, cooked
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make Cream Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Stir well and cook until the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine with Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
  5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the shrimp is cooked through. Serve warm.

14. Roasted Vegetable Strata

This Roasted Vegetable Strata is a savory, layered casserole with roasted vegetables, bread, and cheese in a fluffy egg custard. It’s perfect for brunch or a meatless dinner and can be prepared ahead of time for easy baking.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms), chopped and roasted
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the bread cubes, half of the roasted vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  4. Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
  5. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the strata is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

15. Tuna Mushroom Casserole

This Tuna Mushroom Casserole is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender noodles, tuna, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s quick to put together and has a warm, satisfying flavor that everyone loves.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
  • 1 can tuna, drained
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Noodle Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper and stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Serve warm.

16. Southwest Vegetarian Bake

This Southwest Vegetarian Bake is a colorful, meatless casserole loaded with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cheese. It’s seasoned with cumin and has a deliciously savory flavor, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. Serve hot.

17. Aberdeen Beef Pie

This hearty Aberdeen Beef Pie is layered with seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for cold nights when you want a warm, satisfying meal.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, adding chopped onion once the beef begins to brown. Cook until the onion is softened and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Layer Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef, smoothing it into an even layer.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy topping.
  5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

18. Oven-Baked Shrimp and Grits

This Oven-Baked Shrimp and Grits is a comforting Southern dish with creamy, cheesy grits topped with seasoned shrimp. It’s easy to make and is perfect for a family meal with a little extra flair.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cooked grits
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Grits Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cooked grits, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
  3. Layer with Shrimp: Grease a baking dish and spread the grits mixture evenly in the bottom. Arrange the shrimp on top, pressing them slightly into the grits.
  4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and the top is bubbly and golden.
  5. Serve Warm: Let cool for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
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