5-Ingredient Casseroles That Make Busy Weeknights So Much Easier

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Photo: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

On busy weeknights when we don't want to order take-out, but aren't willing to launch a full-scale cooking operation, we look to our favorite quick and easy casseroles to get the job done. There's just something too satisfying about turning out simple five-ingredient meals that are high on flavor, low on effort, and with none the wiser. In some of our favorite recipes with few ingredients, pantry staples—items like dried herbs, seasonings, oil, flour, and sugar—don't count. It's just those few extra standout ingredients, anything from smoked sausage to tender baby kale, that make the meal. Hearty Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler, Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Ravioli Lasagna, and more ensure that everyone is full and happy. A busy family on the go doesn't mean dinnertime has to suffer. Get supper on the table lightning-quick and generously cut your grocery list (and bill) with these delicious five-ingredient casserole favorites. We've even included a few four-ingredient casseroles—it doesn't get much easier than that, folks.

01 of 13

Eggplant Rollups

Eggplant Rollups
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Switch out the carb-heavy pasta for fresh and hearty eggplant. Filled with herbed ricotta and topped with marinara, these delicious little bundles make a great main alongside a green salad. Bake the eggplant until lightly browned and then warm the toppings until nice and bubbly.

02 of 13

Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Enter: our most popular macaroni and cheese recipe ever. It also happens to be one of our easiest. The combination of a thick roux and shredded cheese make this recipe velvety and rich.

03 of 13

Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

If you're wanting to swap out the mac and cheese for something a little healthier, this is the ticket. Our Easy Cauliflower Casserole is just as popular with kids as adults. Parboil the cauliflower, assemble your ingredients, bake for 30 minutes and dinner is on the table.

04 of 13

Easy Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole
Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Sarah-Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Julia Levy

This tried-and-true casserole only needs a little Cheddar and some buttery crackers to be a fan-favorite. We don't call it a classic for nothing. If you're often pressed for time, make an extra and freeze it for later.

05 of 13

Ham-And-Vegetable Cobbler

Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler
Iain Bagwell

Put this cobbler on your list of weeknight warriors. The savory latticed casserole is made with frozen vegetables, diced cooked ham, and store-bought pie crusts, making it the simplest prep ever. Feel free to skip a trip to the store and use whatever frozen veggies you have on hand.

06 of 13

Zucchini-Potato Casserole

Zucchini-Potato Casserole
Iain Bagwell

Showing up with this beautifully layered casserole makes you look like a true chef, but don't worry, you won't be weighed down by a hefty ingredient list. Let the colorful veggies do most of the work. This elegant tian, a French dish of layered vegetables, can be served warm or at room temperature.

07 of 13

Spring Vegetable Frittata

Spring Vegetable Frittata
Iain Bagwell

A frittata is a quick and delicious dish that can be customized with your favorite in-season veggies. This recipe capitalizes on fresh spring asparagus and mushrooms. You can serve it at lunch or dinner with a lightly dressed salad.

08 of 13

Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

Easy Pasta Recipes: Spinach Ravioli Lasagna
Van Chaplin

When you're low on time and energy, this easy and cheesy lasagna bake helps you cheat the system by using convenience items, like store-bought pesto sauce, jarred Alfredo sauce, and frozen cheese-filled ravioli. Spinach and an herb garnish add freshness to the dish.

09 of 13

Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese
Hector Sanchez

There's nothing like a comforting casserole dish of macaroni and cheese, especially when it's super easy but totally delicious. Eggs, butter, and heavy cream make it incredibly rich and gooey. While there are fancier versions out there, this basic recipe that you can cook and transport in a slow-cooker never disappoints.

10 of 13

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake
Jennifer Davick

This satisfying dish will warm you up in a jiffy. Frozen hash browns and canned chili and sloppy joe sauce make this dish come together fast. You can bake it in ramekins or a 13x9 baking dish.

11 of 13

Poppy Seed Chicken

Classic Poppy Seed Chicken

This casserole couldn't be easier to throw together in a baking dish, especially if you have leftover cooked chicken. The nutty flavor of poppy seeds and crispy, buttery cracker topping will have you reaching for a second helping. Serve it over rice to soak up all the flavor.

12 of 13

Smoky Sausage-And-Grits Casserole

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Alison Miksch

Breakfast for dinner, anyone? This casserole is like wrapping all of your favorite Southern breakfast foods into one package: smoky sausage, creamy grits, and plenty of cheese. Indulge in this super simple dish along with a side of fruit.

13 of 13

Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

This quick recipe combines all the things we love in a dinner—our cast-iron skillets, cheesy ravioli, layered lasagna, and easy cleanup. Everything cooks in the skillet, which then gets popped in the oven for 10 minutes. Toss in a salad and you've got a complete meal ready in 30 minutes.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles