42 Main Dish Casserole Recipes That Practically Make Dinner For You

By

Mary Shannon Wells

Updated on April 21, 2024

Ham and Noodle Casserole — Photo: Jen Causey

What would dinnertime in the South be without trusty casserole recipes? They're easy, kid-friendly, and you can usually find a spare casserole stored in the freezer for the most hectic weeknights. Although we love classic side dish casseroles for cookouts and holidays, main dish recipes are more useful for weeknight dinners. When you don't have the time to prep a main dish and several sides at dinnertime (which, who does these days?), these ideas get it all done for you. You won't hear an ounce of resistance from the kids when they see enchiladas, pizza casserole, or barbecue mac and cheese on the table. And they'll have no idea that we lightened up classic comfort food recipes like lasagna and tuna noodle casserole with healthier versions. With these 40 main dish casserole recipes, you can put a satisfying dinner on the table in one dish.

01 of 42

Ham And Potato Casserole

Southern Living Ham and Potato Casserole in a dish to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Frozen diced hash browns and cubed ham make this casserole a breeze to assemble. Better yet, it will be right at home on the table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Hot Chicken Salad

Hot Chicken Salad - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This old-school dish combines creamy chicken salad with pimientos, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. The mixture is topped with Cheddar, crushed potato chips, and Parmesan and baked until hot and bubbly.

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Barbecue Mac and Cheese

Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese — Hector Sanchez

This super-Southern recipe combines two comfort food favorites—mac and cheese and barbecue. You won’t believe how fast it is to make. Toppings like cornbread, barbecue sauce, and green onion really send this mac and cheese over the top.

04 of 42

Chicken Tamale Pie

Chicken Tamale Pie — Antonis Achilleos

This Tex-Mex favorite has a bottom layer made with cornmeal mix that's topped with seasoned chicken and corn and a bubbly layer of cheese.

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Beefy Nacho Casserole

Beefy Nacho Casserole — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Nachos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser but they're not the most filling dinner. This casserole combines the best of both worlds for a comforting meal that you can top however you like.

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Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole — Southern Living

Sloppy Joes are a guaranteed hit with the kids, but they're, well, sloppy. This one-dish dinner solves the messiness issue without slacking in the kid-friendly department.

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Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Meatless Monday doesn't have to lack comfort. This summery lasagna recipe is filling and fresh. The woven zucchini makes this pretty enough to share with company.

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Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler

Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler — Alison Miksch

"Cobbler" doesn't always mean fruity and sweet—this savory, biscuit-topped casserole is one of our favorite uses of the word. This cozy dish is made all the better with homemade biscuits with chopped bacon in them.

09 of 42

Sloppy Joe Casserole With Dinner Rolls

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Sloppy joes get revamped into a tasty, straight-from-the-oven meal. This one-dish version is cheesy, sweet, and topped with buttery rolls. Yellow mustard and pickle relish add some zip to the filling.

10 of 42

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole — Greg DuPree

During the week, there’s no time for slow-cooked homemade sauces and roasted chicken. That doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. Store-bought sauce and rotisserie chicken speed up this incredibly comforting casserole recipe.

11 of 42

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole — Jen Causey

This is the perfect easy casserole to throw together with whatever you have on hand during busy weeks. Chive-and-onion cream cheese is the secret to the creamy sauce. This makes two 8-inch casseroles, so you can cook one now and freeze the other for later.

12 of 42

French Onion Soup Casserole

French Onion Soup Casserole — Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Sweet Georgia Vidalia onions shine in this oh-so-comfy take on one of our favorite soup recipes of all time. Save time by caramelizing the onions the day before.

13 of 42

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

King Ranch Chicken truly reigns supreme when it comes to crowd-pleasing Southern casseroles. This makes a great weeknight meal, but don’t overlook it for potlucks, parties, and holidays. It’s easy to double and even triple.

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Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole — Photography: Alison Miksch, Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland, Food Styling: Melissa Gray

No need to fuss with forming burger patties. This casserole puts your burger, its toppings, and your favorite side into the tastiest dish. Finish with chopped bacon and a drizzle of ketchup.

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Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

This super-cozy ground beef casserole can be made up to one month in advance and kept in the freezer for your busiest nights. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. Garlic bread and a side salad make this a hearty meal.

16 of 42

Ravioli Lasagna

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

Indulge a lasagna craving on a weeknight without all the work. Layer cheese ravioli, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a skillet casserole that is ready in 30 minutes. Add a salad and bread to complete the meal.

17 of 42

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables — Alison Miksch

Need to use up your fresh farmers' market haul but way more in the mood for a big plate of pasta? We've got your back. This lightened pasta is heavy on fresh taste thanks to tomatoes and squash that are in season.

18 of 42

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Kentucky's favorite sandwich gets big-batch treatment with this casserole that uses tender, slow-cooked turkey. Creamy and irresistible, your family will request this comforting meal again.

19 of 42

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake — Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

This casserole recipe has everything we love about pasta salad in a cozy, warm dish. Even nicer, the refrigerated tortellini can be baked without the extra step of pre-cooking. Broccoli, chicken, peppers, and pecans make this a truly satisfying meal.

20 of 42

Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole

Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Consider this a chicken-and-rice casserole elevated for weeknights. Mushrooms, broccoli, Fontina cheese, and thyme add a bit of elegance to ordinary chicken. Pre-cooked microwavable brown rice helps this one-skillet meal get on the table in a flash.

21 of 42

Gnocchi Gratin with Ham and Peas

Gnocchi Gratin with Ham and Peas — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This simple gratin is a nice diversion from noodle- and rice-based casseroles. Plan ahead and prepare the unbaked dish up to two days in advance, and store it in the refrigerator for a stress-free night later in the week.

22 of 42

Chicken-And-Biscuit Casserole

Southern Living Chicken and Biscuit Casserole in the baking dish ready to serve — ï»¿Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Creamy, comforting chicken casserole is studded with vegetables and topped with cheesy biscuits. We couldn't think of anything better on a busy weeknight.

23 of 42

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Skillet Pot Pie with Chicken and Spring Vegetables — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

This one-dish casserole has everything you crave about classic chicken pot pie in less time thanks to puff pastry. You can save even more time with a little advance prep work. Chop the carrots and leek and shred the chicken the day before and refrigerate.

24 of 42

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

You might not believe kale could be considered comfort food, but if you try this recipe, you'll be convinced. Buy bagged kale that’s pre-washed and pre-chopped to cut time. Leftovers, if you have any, make a great side dish.

25 of 42

Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Every Southern cook has an old-school poppy seed casserole recipe in his or her repertoire, and this one is one of our all-time best. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until baking, or freeze the unbaked dish for later. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

26 of 42

Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole — Jennifer Davick

You don't even have to pre-cook the noodles for this simple slow-cooker casserole recipe that makes pasta night easier than ever. With just eight ingredients, this recipe isn’t complicated, and you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

27 of 42

New Tuna Casserole With Potato Chips

New Tuna Casserole — Greg Dupree

Our updated version of Mama's classic tuna-noodle casserole is lightened up on calories but not flavor. You can make this in advance, freeze it, or eat the leftovers all week. Either way, this casserole is a winner.

28 of 42

Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole — Iain Bagwell

There's nothing we love more than a chicken casserole, but they have a weeknight-meal reputation. This pretty recipe is company-worthy for your easiest dinner party ever.

29 of 42

Skillet Enchiladas Suizas

Skillet Enchiladas Suizas — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

No filling or rolling required! Our easiest enchilada recipe ever is a fun way to switch up your dinner routine.

30 of 42

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole — Greg DuPree

Pizza night just got a dose of Southern comfort with this kid-friendly casserole. Add your favorite pizza toppings to this pasta bake for a fun meal that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

31 of 42

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole — Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This big-batch version of traditional shrimp and grits can be enjoyed from brunch to dinner. Comforting and classic, this casserole makes it easy to share with a crowd.

32 of 42

Healthy Turkey Lasagna

Healthy Turkey Lasagna — Southern Living

The kids will be excited that it's lasagna night, and they'll have no idea this version is lightened up from traditional recipes. With swaps like ground turkey and cottage cheese, this tasty dish is still perfectly cheesy and rich.

33 of 42

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake — Jennifer Davick

Hectic week? You can still get a homemade dinner on the table with this five-ingredient recipe. Bake in ramekins for individual servings, or cook in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

34 of 42

Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust

Tomato ‘n’ Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Ground beef is a foolproof staple for weeknight dinners, especially when baked into a cheesy casserole. Your family will like the familiar tomatoes and ground beef combination. The polenta base takes the dish to another level.

35 of 42

Reunion Pea Casserole

Reunion Pea Casserole — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Tell the family to bring their appetites: This Mama-approved casserole is filled to the brim. Sausage, cheese, and black-eyed peas will comfort the whole crowd.

36 of 42

Italian Casserole

Italian Casserole — Hector Manuel Sanchez

This recipe from our November 1990 issue has been saving us at dinnertime for decades. You can make this in two smaller dishes to bake one for now and freeze one for later.

37 of 42

Easy Huevos Rancheros Bake

Huevos Rancheros Bake — Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Hosting weekend brunch or craving breakfast for dinner? This skillet bake will be a definite hit. Cook the eggs separately and slide them over the casserole just before serving and garnishing.

38 of 42

Beefy Baked Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese

Cheesy Beef-and-Spinach Ravioli — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This skillet supper is a new favorite in our weeknight roundup. You can lighten this dish by substituting ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef.

39 of 42

Meatloaf Casserole

Meatloaf Casserole — Micah A. Leal

This will be your new favorite meatloaf and mashed potato dinner. This fun Southern take on classic Shepherd's Pie includes a creamy mashed potato topping for a complete cozy meal in one dish.

40 of 42

Eggplant Rollups

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

You won’t miss the pasta in this delightfully fresh lighter take on lasagna rolls. An herbed ricotta mixture fills thinly sliced eggplant and bakes in marinara. It only takes five ingredients plus pantry basics to put this meal together.

41 of 42

Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole

Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Can dinnertime get any better than a chicken and pasta casserole? With buttery crackers and pimiento cheese, your chicken casserole will never be the same. Whole-grain pasta and broccoli keep this dish balanced for healthy weeknights.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole — Becky Luigart-Stayner

If you don't have a recipe for this Southern staple, go ahead and save this one. Fast-cooking boxed long-grain and wild rice, pre-sliced almonds, and cream of mushroom soup help get this on the table in a hurry.

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