10+ Easy Casserole Recipes for Dinner to Make Weeknights Stress-Free and Delicious

Casseroles are honestly one of the easiest ways to get a cozy dinner on the table. You just toss together ingredients you probably already have, and cleanup’s a breeze.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, casseroles just work. They’re reliable, filling, and don’t ask for much fuss.

These recipes are perfect when you want something hearty but can’t deal with a ton of prep. You can swap in whatever you have—leftover veggies, different proteins, whatever’s in the fridge.

They’re lifesavers for busy weeknights or those lazy Sundays when you’d rather be doing anything but dishes.

Ingredients

• Pasta, rice, or potatoes
• Chicken, beef, tuna, or whatever protein you like
• Veggies (onions, peppers, or frozen mixes are great)
• Cheese and a simple sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook or shred your protein if needed.
3. Mix protein, veggies, and starch in a baking dish.
4. Add cheese and sauce, give it a good stir.
5. Bake for 25-35 minutes until it’s bubbling and hot.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in.

1) Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked spaghetti casserole is spaghetti, but with a little upgrade. You mix cooked noodles with a meaty sauce and toss in a whole lot of cheese.

It’s like lasagna’s laid-back cousin—no layering stress, just everything in one dish. One pan and you’re done.

You can use ground beef, sausage, or whatever meat you’ve got. Marinara is classic, but honestly, toss in extra herbs or a pinch of chili flakes if you’re feeling it.

When it comes out of the oven, the cheese forms this golden, bubbly crust that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a pan, then stir in marinara.
3. Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, then half the cheeses.
5. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
6. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool off a bit before serving.

For the full recipe, check out Baked Spaghetti Casserole.

2) Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef noodle casserole is pure comfort and couldn’t be much simpler. Just ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and a generous layer of cheese.

You bake it until the top’s all melty and golden. Add mushrooms, corn, or whatever veggies you like if you want to change things up.

Some folks toss in sour cream or cottage cheese for extra richness. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your pantry and still get a meal that hits the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or fontina)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles, drain, set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat.
4. Add tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix noodles and beef sauce in a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Find more details on this beef noodle casserole recipe.

3) Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is that classic, no-fuss dinner. You mix shredded chicken, rice, and a creamy soup all in one pan.

Throw in some peas or carrots if you want to sneak in veggies. The creamy texture makes it feel extra comforting.

You just bake everything together until it’s hot and bubbly. Cleanup’s a breeze since it’s all in one dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chicken, rice, soup, and broth in a baking dish.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover with foil, bake for 45 minutes.
5. Add cheese on top, bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
6. Let it cool a bit before serving.

4) Tater Tot Casserole

Tater tot casserole is about as easy as dinner gets. You just need ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen tater tots.

Brown the beef, mix in the soup, then spread it in a baking dish. Top with tater tots and bake until they’re crispy and golden.

Sprinkle cheese on top near the end for that perfect melty finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser and super kid-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a pan until browned. Drain fat.
3. Mix soup and milk into the beef.
4. Spread beef mix in a baking dish.
5. Arrange frozen tater tots on top.
6. Bake 30-40 minutes until tots are crispy.
7. Sprinkle cheese over the top, bake 5 more minutes.

5) Dorito Casserole

Dorito casserole is just plain fun. Crunchy chips, cheesy layers, and seasoned beef all in one dish.

Cook the ground beef with onions and peppers, then layer it with crushed Doritos and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and everything’s hot.

It’s fast, filling, and honestly kind of addictive. Perfect for when you want dinner to feel a little less ordinary.

You can find a solid recipe with step-by-step instructions here.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and pepper in a pan until beef is browned.
3. Add taco seasoning, water, and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spread a layer of crushed Doritos in a baking dish.
5. Add half the beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
7. Repeat layers with the rest of the Doritos, beef, and cheese.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted.

6) 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

When you need dinner fast, this 4-ingredient hamburger casserole is a lifesaver. All you need: ground beef, pasta, tomato soup, and cheese.

Cook the pasta, brown the beef, then mix everything together with tomato soup and cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden.

It’s budget-friendly and super satisfying. Hard to go wrong with something this simple.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (10-ounce) can tomato soup
• 8 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta, drain.
3. Brown ground beef, drain fat.
4. Mix pasta, beef, tomato soup, and half the cheese in a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7) Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger casserole is like a cheeseburger, but you don’t have to stand at the stove flipping patties. It’s quick, filling, and really hits the spot on a busy night.

Cook ground beef with onions, toss in cooked pasta or diced potatoes, and mix in cheese and tomato sauce. Add pickles or spices if you want that true burger vibe.

You can put it all together in one skillet or pan. It’s ready in about 30 minutes—no grill required.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups cooked pasta shells or diced potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 can tomato soup or tomato puree
• Pickles (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet. Drain fat.
3. Add tomato soup or puree, mix well.
4. Stir in cooked pasta or potatoes, plus pickles if you like.
5. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

For more ideas, check out this cheeseburger casserole recipe.

8) Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Bake really hits the spot when you need comfort food but don’t want to fuss too much. It’s tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and egg noodles all baked up together.

Grab some cooked chicken and frozen veggies to make things easier. You’ll have dinner on the table in about an hour, which isn’t too bad for something this cozy.

The noodles replace the classic pot pie crust, so you skip the rolling and still get that creamy, filling goodness. It’s a solid choice for a family meal or if you want leftovers for lunch.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Egg noodles
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• Cream of chicken soup or creamy sauce
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles until just tender, then drain.
3. Mix chicken, noodles, veggies, soup, and milk in a bowl.
4. Pour it all into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Honestly, it’s a pretty easy recipe for a homemade dinner that feels like a hug.

You can find a good version of this recipe at Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Bake.

9) Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole

If you’re craving something with a kick, this casserole’s a fun twist. It’s got chicken, white beans, and fresh cilantro, all layered with crunchy tortilla chips.

You bake it until everything’s bubbling and the top gets that gorgeous golden color. The combo of creamy, cheesy sauce and a gentle heat from poblano pepper and salsa really works.

It’s basically white chicken chili, but in casserole form. Super simple to throw together and it should feed about six hungry people.

Toss some extra cilantro on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed rotisserie chicken, skin removed
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped
• 1 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 roasted poblano pepper, chopped
• Salsa
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roast poblano pepper over a flame, then pop it in a bag for 5 minutes before chopping.
3. Mix chicken, beans, scallions, cilantro, poblano, and salsa in a big bowl.
4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with tortilla chips and cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle more cilantro on top before serving.

10) Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake

Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake is one of those meals that feels a little special, but it’s actually super easy. You mix cooked chicken, pasta, bacon, and a creamy sauce.

Everything goes into one dish and bakes until it’s golden and bubbly. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken, but fresh chicken works just as well.

Pair it with a salad or some roasted veggies if you want to round out dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken, chopped
• 6 ounces macaroni or penne pasta
• 9 ounces bacon, chopped
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce or cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, then drain it.

3. Fry the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Pour off the extra fat.

4. Grab a bowl and whisk the eggs. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and half of the cheese.

5. In a baking dish, toss together the pasta, chicken, bacon, and your sauce mixture.

6. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.

7. Bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden and bubbly on top.