There are nights when dinner feels harder than it should. You open the fridge, stare at the pantry, and nothing sounds exciting. That is exactly when an easy casserole saves the day.
Casseroles are one of the best dinner ideas for busy families because they are simple, filling, affordable, and usually made with ingredients you already have. Most of them come together in one baking dish, which means less cleanup and less stress. Whether you have cooked chicken, ground beef, pasta, rice, potatoes, canned soup, frozen vegetables, or a little cheese, there is probably a casserole you can turn into dinner.
This list of 15 easy casseroles for when you don’t know what to make is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, meal prep, and cozy Sunday dinners. These recipes are simple, comforting, and flexible enough to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen.
1. Chicken Bubble Biscuit Bake Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, optional
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, biscuit pieces, and half of the shredded cheese.
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and drizzle with melted butter.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and the top is golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, about 30 ounces, thawed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers, optional topping
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cream soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish. If using a topping, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or crackers over the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.
3. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers, optional
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a medium baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and half of the cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread into the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Add crushed crackers on top if you want a crunchy finish.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
4. Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pickles, optional for topping
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
Transfer everything to the baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with chopped pickles before serving if desired.
5. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese.
Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and lightly golden on top.
6. Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish.
If using fresh broccoli, steam it for a few minutes until slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well.
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, and 1 cup of cheese.
Spread into the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot, creamy, and bubbly.
7. Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream, optional
- Lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or jalapeños for topping
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain the grease. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in black beans, corn, and salsa.
Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the baking dish. Add the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Top with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or jalapeños before serving.
8. Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese, optional
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
In a bowl, mix sour cream or ricotta with cottage cheese if using.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over it, then add half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
9. Loaded Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked diced potatoes or frozen diced potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the green onions. Stir until coated.
Spread into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and melted. Garnish with the remaining green onions.
10. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the stuffing mix with chicken broth and melted butter according to package directions, or simply moisten it with broth and butter.
In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and black pepper. Stir in the chicken and frozen vegetables.
Spread the chicken mixture into the baking dish. Spoon the stuffing evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the stuffing is golden.
11. Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Add cooked sausage, hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, and onion. Stir well.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
12. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced steak or ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked pasta or diced cooked potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the beef until browned, then remove excess grease if needed.
Add bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta or potatoes and mix well.
Transfer to the baking dish. Top with provolone or mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Green Bean Casserole with Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cans green beans, drained, or 3 cups frozen green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked rice, optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Stir in chicken, green beans, cooked rice if using, and cheddar cheese.
Spread into the baking dish. Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If the onions brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
14. Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, optional
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, cooked pasta, and any vegetables you want to add.
Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
15. Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can sloppy joe sauce, or 1 1/2 cups homemade sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, crescent dough, or 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain the grease.
Stir in sloppy joe sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
Top with biscuit dough, crescent dough, or frozen tater tots.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and cooked through.