40+ Quick Casserole Recipes for Busy Nights

RX_1803_Quick Casserole_King Ranch Chicken

How do we love casseroles? Let us count the ways! They are quick and easy to prepare, portable for potlucks and other gatherings, satisfy the hungriest crowd, can be made ahead, save time on clean up, and are hands-down the most comforting dish to dig into. Every Southern cook has a favorite go-to casserole recipe, but there is always room for more. Choose from dozens of our best quick and easy casserole recipes including classics like King Ranch chicken, lasagna, potpies, and enchiladas, and new favorites like tomato and ground beef, and chicken-sausage cassoulet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that will please the whole family or a company-worthy casserole for a special gathering, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious recipes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 48

Turkey Tetrazzini

Leftover turkey can be transformed into much more than a sandwich.

2 of 48

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

With fresh broccoli and a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream instead of mushroom soup, this broccoli-and-cheese casserole is sure to fit right into any dinner spread.

3 of 48

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Less than 25 minutes of hands-on prep time? Sounds like we found our new ground beef go-to on weeknights.

4 of 48

French Onion Soup Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: French Onion Soup Casserole

Turn your favorite soup into a more substantial dish with this comforting casserole.

5 of 48

Extra-Easy Lasagna

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin

Recipe: Extra-Easy Lasagna

We meant it when we say this casserole is extra easy. With only five ingredients, you'll have dinner prepared faster than ever before.

6 of 48

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Pizza and spaghetti all in one dish? Now that's a surefire way to make sure the kids clear their plates.

7 of 48

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joes just got a little bit more sophisticated. This pasta bake version of the old-school classic dishes out a sweet and savory blend of sauce and ground beef that will remind of you childhood.

8 of 48

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Two of our family favorites come together to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole. To cut down on prep time, the recipe calls for a number of convenience products like pasteurized prepared cheese product and cream of chicken soup.

9 of 48

Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler

Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler

With frozen vegetables and store-bought piecrusts on the prep list, this savory latticed casserole only looks time intensive.

10 of 48

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

This gooey cheese and tender kale combination comes together in just half an hour. If you need to make things even easier, though, you can use pre-washed, pre-chopped kale and shredded cheese.

11 of 48

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

The beauty of this casserole? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have, and, if you don’t, you can easily substitute with something else.

12 of 48

Zucchini-and-Spinach Lasagna

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Zucchini-and-Spinach Lasagna

Meet your new favorite way to use fresh zucchini. This vegetarian lasagna recipe is the perfect meatless main.

13 of 48

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

IThe old-school recipe takes down memory lane to Mama's kitchen table on any typical weeknight.

14 of 48

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Ready for weeknight meals or company, this Chicken and rice casserole is made in a skillet and sure to satisfy.

15 of 48

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, squash, and corn blend together beautifully with a creamy filling that's topped with breadcrumbs and Asiago cheese.

16 of 48

Savannah Red Rice

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Savannah Red Rice

A regional rice delicacy delivered in a casserole dish, this flavorful recipe includes tangy tomatoes and smoky bacon.

17 of 48

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

It's hard not to love breakfast for dinner. With all your favorite morning foods baked into one dish, this casserole has earned its spot on the dinner table.

18 of 48

Chicken Enchiladas

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Faster than fast food and way more delicious, these cheesy enchiladas come together in a snap. A quick spritz of vegetable cooking spray adds extra crispness to flour tortillas as they bake.

19 of 48

Cheeseburger Casserole

Time Inc. Video Studio

Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Forget flipping patties. Nothing says grade-A comfort food better than a bacon cheeseburger-inspired bake.

20 of 48

Tomato n Beef Casserole Polenta Crust

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Tomato ’n’ Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust

Budget-friendly and filling, this comforting ground beef and veggie combination is sealed with a cornmeal crust.

21 of 48

Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-Up

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Deb Wise’s Tamale Pie Mix-Up

Video: Deb Wise’s Tamale Pie Mix-Up

A Tex-Mex masterpiece, this no-fuss tamale casserole is a weeknight crowd pleaser.

22 of 48

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Here's proof that comfort food doesn't take all day to prepare. With rotisserie chicken, canned sauces, and shredded cheese on the ingredient list, this weeknigth casserole is almost too easy.

23 of 48

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

You’ll be impressed by how fuss-free this supper really is. This casserole is packed with a rich, meaty tomato sauce and refrigerated mashed potatoes and topped with crunchy, kid-approved fried onions.

24 of 48

New Tuna Casserole

Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

Don't be mislead by the term "new." This update on a tried-and-true classic still hits all of the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy notes of the original.

25 of 48

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked ziti has never looked better. Served with sliced summer vegetables mixed in, you're sure to make the most of your farmers' market haul.

26 of 48

Baked Shells and Greens

Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Shells and Greens

Give your go-to lasagna the night off. This ground turkey, swiss chard, and shells trio only takes 30 minutes.

27 of 48

Texas-Style Enchilada Casserole

Photo William Dickey / Styling Katherine Eckert / Food Styling Alyssa Porubcan

Recipe: Texas-Style Enchilada Casserole

Serve something with a little kick this season. This recipe will bring a welcome change from standard fare.

28 of 48

Chicken and Cornbread Casserole

Photo Ralph Anderson / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling Angela Sellers

Recipe: Chicken and Cornbread Casserole

Pick up a deli-roasted chicken if you don't have 3 1/2 cups of chopped chicken on hand. It yields just enough meat for this recipe. Also plan to make Chicken and Cornbread Casserole just one day ahead because it doesn't freeze well.

29 of 48

Spinach-Ravioli Lasagna

Photo: Van Chaplin; Styling: Rose Nguyen

Recipe: Spinach-Ravioli Lasagna

This top-rated spinach-ravioli lasagna uses convenience items, like store-bought pesto sauce, jarred Alfredo sauce, and frozen cheese-filled ravioli, to deliver a delicious main dish with little time and effort on your part.

30 of 48

Turkey Pot Pie With Cranberry-Pecan Crusts

Photo by Tina Cornett

Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie With Cranberry-Pecan Crusts

Turkey Pot Pie With Cranberry-Pecan Crusts features turkey tenderloins, caramelized onions, and fresh spinach for the perfect sweet/savory combination. This recipe can be made-ahead and frozen.

31 of 48

Mexican Lasagna

Southern Living

Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

We guarantee this zesty casserole will be your new weeknight staple. The recipe was originally designed to utilize leftover ground beef and sausage. It makes a lot, but refrigerates well and tastes wonderful reheated.

32 of 48

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Buttery cubes of sourdough rolls make a quick and crunchy topping for this speedy twist on chicken pot pie.

33 of 48

Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Light King Ranch Casserole

If you think cutting calories means giving up the foods you love, think again. This top-rated makeover is every bit as creamy and satisfying as the full-fat original.

34 of 48

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Casserole

This hearty seafood casserole is filled with shrimp, cheese and rice and gets its Cajun flair from the addition of okra, bell peppers, and cayenne pepper. It's a great choice for a special occasion meal. If you're not a fan of okra, you can leave it out of this dish.

35 of 48

Golden Macaroni and Cheese

Southern Living

Recipe: Golden Macaroni and Cheese

This homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe beats the boxed kind any day of the week. For a divine main dish, stir in chopped cooked ham before baking, and then sprinkle top with chopped cooked bacon before serving.

36 of 48

Chicken Pot Pie

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

The convenience of refrigerated piecrust makes this deep-dish favorite easy enough for a weeknight. If you don’t have time to simmer a whole chicken, just substitute an equal amount of canned broth and the meat from a rotisserie chicken.

37 of 48

New Turkey Tetrazzini

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: New Turkey Tetrazzini

Loads of spinach and mushrooms freshen up this classic.

38 of 48

Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

A creamy mix of chicken, spinach, and mozzarella turns manicotti shells into an impressively easy one-dish meal.

39 of 48

Creamy Chicken and Collard Green Enchiladas

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Collard Green Enchiladas

Garnished with sliced radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro leaves, this Mexican casserole adds a whole new twist to traditional collard greens.

40 of 48

Old-School Squash Casserole

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole

It can stand on its own as a vegetarian main, but also pairs well with just about any weeknight protein.

41 of 48

Tater Tot Casserole

Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

Tasty any time of day, a middle layer of creamed spinach makes this skillet casserole great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

42 of 48

Italian Casserole

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Italian Casserole

This vintage casserole is one of our make-ahead supper staples. Once you've assembled and chilled over night, this simple recipe is just a bake away from the dinner table.

43 of 48

Sausage-and-Chicken Cassoulet

Southern Living

Recipe: Sausage-and-Chicken Cassoulet

Spoon into the cornbread crust to find white beans, chicken, and sausage simmering in a mildly spicy sauce in our Sausage-and-Chicken Cassoulet. Add a side salad of romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and French dressing.

44 of 48

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

Recipes:
Chicken Casserole D'Iberville (use one 8-inch square casserole)
Tossed salad
Caramel-Apple Grahams

Stock your freezer with this A+ chicken-and-rice casserole, and you have dinners ready to bake. For a family, divide mixture into three 8-inch square baking dishes. (To keep a big casserole on hand for potluck suppers, place the mixture in a 4-quart dish.) If you're short on baking dishes, use foil pans, which also allow for easy cleanup.

45 of 48

Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake

Photo Ralph Anderson / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling Pam Lolley

Recipe: Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake

Italian-inspired Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake is perfect for company. But it’s also speedy enough for weeknight meals.

46 of 48

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro

Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

This hearty casserole isn't light on flavor. Once the potatoes are roasted, it comes together in a jiffy.

47 of 48

King Ranch Chicken

Southern Living

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Our King Ranch Chicken casserole is a true Tex-Mex MVP. The cheesy Mexican dish blends smoked chicken, sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, green chiles, chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin.

Replay gallery

Account

More

40+ Quick Casserole Recipes for Warm Meals on Busy Nights

1 of 48

Turkey Tetrazzini

2 of 48

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

3 of 48

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

4 of 48

French Onion Soup Casserole

5 of 48

Extra-Easy Lasagna

6 of 48

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

7 of 48

Sloppy Joe Casserole

8 of 48

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

9 of 48

Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler

10 of 48

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

11 of 48

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

12 of 48

Zucchini-and-Spinach Lasagna

13 of 48

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

14 of 48

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

15 of 48

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

16 of 48

Savannah Red Rice

17 of 48

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

18 of 48

Chicken Enchiladas

19 of 48

Cheeseburger Casserole

20 of 48

Tomato n Beef Casserole Polenta Crust

21 of 48

Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-Up

22 of 48

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

23 of 48

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

24 of 48

New Tuna Casserole

25 of 48

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

26 of 48

Baked Shells and Greens

27 of 48

Texas-Style Enchilada Casserole

28 of 48

Chicken and Cornbread Casserole

29 of 48

Spinach-Ravioli Lasagna

30 of 48

Turkey Pot Pie With Cranberry-Pecan Crusts

31 of 48

Mexican Lasagna

32 of 48

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

33 of 48

Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

34 of 48

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

35 of 48

Golden Macaroni and Cheese

36 of 48

Chicken Pot Pie

37 of 48

New Turkey Tetrazzini

38 of 48

Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

39 of 48