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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Set It and Forget It Casseroles That Will Make Meal Prep a Breeze

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 19, 2025, updated July 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you can create satisfying dishes that the whole family will enjoy. These 21 easy casseroles are designed to be made ahead of time, so you can simply set them in the oven and forget about them until it's time to eat.

    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    This recipe is all about convenience, using canned soups and ready-made rice mixes to create a simple meal. It's ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the work, making dinner a breeze.

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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. The layers of ingredients come together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Vegan Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nourished by Nic.

    This dish is warm, cheesy, and entirely plant-based. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything together and let it cook while you relax. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner. It’s satisfying and will likely provide you with leftovers for the next day. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious casserole that takes care of dinner for you.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a hearty comfort food that's simple to prepare. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    The Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and easy dish that comes together in no time. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. It's packed with spicy buffalo sauce, plenty of cheese, and even some hidden spinach for a little extra nutrition. This is a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked ravioli casserole is quick and simple, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish with just 5 minutes of prep. You can skip boiling the ravioli, thanks to using store-bought refrigerated cheese ravioli, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also convenient because you can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer.

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    Mediterranean Veggie Casserole

    Veggie casserole.
    Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian.

    This casserole is quick to prepare and then you simply place it in the oven. You'll end up with soft vegetables cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce that everyone will enjoy.

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    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    A casserole dish full of spinach artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy casserole combines rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, making it super easy to prepare. You can have it ready in less than an hour, so it’s perfect for busy nights. It's a simple dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tater tot casserole and shepherd’s pie for a unique one-pot meal. It includes frozen vegetables for added nutrition and is topped with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a satisfying dinner that everyone in the family will love.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the flavors of comfort food right to your table. It's a satisfying dish that combines chicken, rice, and spices for a hearty dinner. Plus, it tastes great the next day, making it perfect for lunch or dinner leftovers.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a great option for a cozy meal that's simple to prepare. It's hearty and satisfying, making it a go-to dish for busy nights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip this up and let it cook while you take care of other things.

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    Zucchini Casserole

    Zucchini casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    This Zucchini Casserole is a simple way to enjoy fresh vegetables as the season begins. Packed with garden-fresh zucchini, it’s a great dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is a delicious option that you can prepare ahead of time and let bake while you focus on other things.

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    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with a buttery layer of Ritz crackers. It's a simple dish that comes together easily and is perfect for busy nights. Just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing while you focus on other tasks. This is a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    One Pan Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This easy one-pan dinner is both simple and delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, this vegetarian casserole is a comforting dish that you'll want to prepare time and time again. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Broccoli Casserole

    Broccli casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    This broccoli casserole is a great choice for a quick and healthy side dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Savory with Soul.

    This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with ground beef includes everything you love about a great cheesesteak sandwich: lots of beef, cheese, bell peppers, and onions, All together in a creamy, hearty casserole!

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King ranch chicken casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole is a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With gooey cheese, tender chicken, and a mix of southwest flavors, it’s packed with taste while being simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Burrito Bowl

    One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe
    Photo Credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    These Mexican burrito bowls are simple to prepare and can be made in just one pot in about 30 minutes, which means less time spent cleaning up afterward. They’re a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. Enjoy a flavorful meal that everyone will love.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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