19 Casseroles to Help Support Healthy Immunity

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Published on December 31, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

a recipe photo of the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Casserole — Photo: Sara Haas

Whether it’s to fortify your immune system for the cold & flu season or build up your body’s defenses in the long term, these casseroles are here to help. These casserole dinners are packed with at least 20% of your needs of two or more nutrients like protein, vitamins A, C, D, and E and zinc to support your body’s natural defense system. Not to mention, they’re downright delicious. Recipes like our High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Casserole and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Casserole will become staples you and the family will love.

01 of 19

Chicken & Quinoa Casserole

a recipe photo of the Summery Chicken Quinoa Casserole — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This aromatic and flavorful dish feels like veggie pizza in casserole form with fresh basil, herb-spiked diced tomatoes and ooey-gooey melted cheese on top. If you can't find fresh mozzarella ciliegine, buy a larger ball and tear it into pieces. Preheating your baking sheets helps encourage caramelization of the roasted veggies, which adds layers of flavor to this savory dinner.

02 of 19

Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Skillet Casserole

Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Skillet Casserole — Rachel Marek

This Southwestern-inspired one-skillet casserole is stuffed with quinoa and plenty of fresh vegetables. Sharp Cheddar cheese flavors the filling and adds a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top.

03 of 19

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

a recipe photo of the Stuffed Pepper Casserole — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

You won't be stuffing any peppers for this stuffed pepper casserole, but you will be enjoying the sweet and smoky combination of flavors coming from bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika and ground beef. You can use precooked rice from the package or leftover brown rice if you have it. If using leftover rice, you will need about 1 1/2 cups.

04 of 19

Chicken Taco Casserole

a recipe photo of the Chicken Taco Casserole — Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop stylist: Shell Royster

This flavorful chicken taco casserole is packed with veggies, chicken, cheese and crispy tortilla chips and baked to perfection, then topped with fresh tomatoes, crisp iceberg lettuce and creamy avocado—just like a classic taco. Make it your own by swapping out the black beans for pinto beans or adding pepper Jack cheese for some added kick. If you want to keep it mild, opt for a milder taco seasoning and skip the jalapeños.

05 of 19

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole

a recipe photo of the Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Creamed spinach and chicken combine in this crowd-pleasing, comforting casserole. Crushed red pepper packs some heat, so add less or leave it out completely if you want a milder version. You can cook long-grain brown rice ahead of time or look for packaged microwaveable brown rice to use instead.

06 of 19

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Casserole

a recipe photo of the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Casserole — Sara Haas

This healthy vegetarian casserole is a standout on any table. Crushed red pepper provides a little kick to this creamy main dish. We love the ease of jarred roasted red peppers, but if you have time, feel free to roast them yourself.

07 of 19

Spanakopita-Inspired Chicken & White Bean Casserole

a recipe photo of the Spanakopita-Inspired Chicken & White Bean Casserole — Photographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

This is a fun take on spanakopita, with a creamy feta-and-spinach filling and a crispy phyllo topping. Chicken and white beans pack in the protein. Any white beans, such as cannellini, garbanzo or navy beans, work well here. To keep the phyllo dough from drying out as you build the casserole, keep the unused sheets under a clean, damp towel.

08 of 19

Green Chile Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

recipe photo of Green Chile Rotisserie Chicken Casserole — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This green chile rotisserie chicken casserole features tender rotisserie chicken with lots of tender vegetables. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness, while the rice helps absorb some of the flavors. A crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips finishes off this comforting, Southwestern-inspired casserole.

09 of 19

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole served on a plate — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This slow-cooker meal is comfort food at its best: the layers of tortillas, cheese and sauce meld together into a cozy casserole inspired by the flavors in enchiladas. The top tortilla layer gets beautifully crispy in the slow cooker. We use pinto beans, but you could easily swap in black beans.

10 of 19

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

a recipe photo of the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole — Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

With the combo of beef, cheese and bell pepper, this easy casserole hits the nail on the head when it comes to the flavors of classic Philly cheesesteak. It's sure to be a new family favorite that's quick enough to pull off on a weeknight. We love the flavor smoked provolone lends to the dish, but if you want a more traditional flavor, aged provolone works just as well.

11 of 19

Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Chicken Casserole

a recipe photo of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Casserole with Broccoli — Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Holly Raibikis

This creamy chicken casserole recipe pops with lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. It's also loaded with vitamin C-packed broccoli. Using whole-wheat orzo ups the fiber content in this healthful and comforting dinner.

12 of 19

Moussaka

moussaka — Leigh Beisch

This version of the classic Greek dish layers eggplant with an aromatic meat sauce and creamy béchamel for a satisfying summer casserole. The eggplant slices are commonly fried, but here we broil them to cut back on calories. Graviera, a hard grating cheese, is popular in Greece. Look for it with other specialty cheeses at well-stocked grocery stores, or substitute Pecorino Romano.

13 of 19

Cheesy Spinach & Mushroom Casserole

Cheesy Spinach & Mushroom Casserole — Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis

Both homey and healthful, this cheesy dream of a casserole is loaded with nutrients from spinach, and super savory and lip-smack-y from all the sautéed mushrooms. Any 'shroom will do, so pick your fave.

14 of 19

Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole — Diana Chistruga

This Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole tastes just like the classic sandwich version but in casserole form. We swapped out the beef for ground chicken and added pasta to bring this quick one-skillet dinner together.

15 of 19

Nacho Cauliflower Casserole

a recipe photo of the Nacho Cauliflower Casserole served in a dish — Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This cauliflower casserole is inspired by nachos and stuffed with tender roasted cauliflower, sweet red pepper and brown rice. Salsa helps bind the ingredients together, along with melted cheese. Crushed tortilla chips on top add crunch. Serve with the suggested garnishes, or add your own favorite toppings to complete the dish.

16 of 19

Spinach, Mushroom & Egg Casserole

Spinach, Mushroom & Egg Casserole — Greg Dupree

This delightful spinach, mushroom and egg casserole is layered with earthy cooked mushrooms and baby spinach, fluffy eggs and nutty cave-aged Gruyère that deepens the flavor. Serve this easy casserole for breakfast, brunch or even dinner with a green salad on the side.

17 of 19

Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole

cheesy ground beef broccoli casserole — Christine Ma

This cheesy ground beef and broccoli casserole is comfort food the whole family can get behind. It's assembled and baked all in one skillet and finished in 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

18 of 19

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole — Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Karen Rankin

This chicken spaghetti casserole has a super-creamy sauce that coats pasta, chicken and a generous serving of veggies. Panko gives this family-friendly casserole a bit of crunch on top. Be sure to let it rest for 20 minutes after coming out of the oven. This allows the casserole to cool and also set up nicely before serving.

19 of 19

Creamy Rotisserie-Chicken Noodle Casserole

Creamy Rotisserie-Chicken Noodle Casserole — Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Holly Raibikis

This creamy chicken noodle casserole recipe is inspired by our popular Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken by Karen Rankin. We use store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time. This casserole is cozy and delicious.

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