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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Grandma Approved Casseroles That Simplify Mealtime

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 20, 2025, updated July 14, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are a go-to for busy families looking for easy and satisfying meals. These 25 grandma-approved recipes are perfect for simplifying mealtime, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients that everyone will enjoy. From classic comfort foods to creative twists, these dishes are sure to become favorites around the dinner table.

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cooking Duo.

    This casserole is a go-to for a cozy dinner. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, thanks to some easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is a great addition to your weekly meals, and even those who are picky eaters will enjoy its taste and texture.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, which keeps it true to its Mediterranean roots. It's a healthy and tasty option that's easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta baked into a cheesy casserole. It’s a comforting and classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare it all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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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 weeknights, this casserole will satisfy everyone at the table.

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    Leftover Boiled Potato Casserole

    Leftover boiled potato casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can be transformed into a delicious casserole that everyone will love. This dish combines the familiar flavors of baked potatoes with a creamy and cheesy texture. It's a simple and quick option for busy weeknights, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Dominican Cooking.

    Pastelón de arroz is a delicious casserole that combines cheesy beef and rice, making it a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. This dish is packed with flavor and loaded with vegetables, all baked together in one pan. It's simple to prepare and is a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight. In just 10 minutes, you can have everything ready to go into the oven, and after 45 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal. This recipe uses both Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, giving it a rich and cheesy flavor without the need for boiling or complicated steps.

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    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole brings together the classic taste of a bacon cheeseburger and pasta in a filling dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a cheesy, comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this satisfying casserole.

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    Southwestern Turkey and Rice Casserole

    Southwestern Turkey and Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    This turkey and rice casserole is packed with cheesy, spicy, and creamy flavors, all layered together for a satisfying meal. The crunchy corn tortilla topping adds a nice texture that complements the dish perfectly. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Mashed Potato Casserole

    Mashed potato casserole.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This mashed potato casserole is creamy and cheesy, perfect for a comforting meal. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You can even get it ready in advance, so it's easy to serve when you're short on time.

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    Crack Chicken Casserole

    Crack Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Crack Chicken Casserole is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon, juicy chicken, and pasta, making it a hit with everyone at the table. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

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    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    This Chicken and Mushroom Casserole features wild mushrooms and chestnuts, bringing a rich flavor to the table. It's a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is easy to prepare and satisfying.

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    Tater Tot Casserole

    Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Simply Five Ingredients.

    This casserole features a tasty ground beef filling covered with cheesy tater tots, making it a simple dish that can be on the table in just 30 minutes. It's a comforting meal that's great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

    Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    This million dollar spaghetti casserole is a family favorite, featuring layers of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese. It's simple to prepare, filling, and won't break the bank. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings everyone together for a satisfying meal.

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    Texas Pasta

    Texas pasta.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Texas Pasta dish is a simple and tasty option for dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, it's sure to please the whole family.

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    Potato and Leek Quiche

    Potato and Leek Quiche.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This vegetarian leek and potato quiche is both filling and classy. It's a great option for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

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    Biscuit Topped Vegetarian Pot Pie

    Biscuit Topped Vegetarian Pot Pie.
    Photo Credit: Occasionally Eggs.

    This vegetarian pot pie is packed with a variety of vegetables and topped with a delicious biscuit crust. It's a filling meal that works well for any night of the week. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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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 weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This cheesy tater tot casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce that everyone enjoys. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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    Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake

    Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    This cauliflower cheese and pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines creamy Cheddar, Gruyere, and Stilton cheese in a rich sauce. With a hint of mustard and Henderson’s relish, it adds a unique twist to a classic favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

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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 hearty meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to please everyone.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic meal for busy weeknights, whether you cook it on the grill or in the oven. This dish combines leftover smoked brisket with rotel tomatoes, green chiles, and beans, all topped with cheesy tater tots. It's a hearty and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

    Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    Creamy Chicken Pasta combines fresh veggies like spinach and tomatoes in a delicious sauce, all baked together for a comforting meal. This version is lighter, using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, making it a healthier choice. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Taco Pasta Casserole

    Photo Credit: Jar of Lemons.

    Taco Pasta Casserole is a simple and healthy dinner option that combines the delicious flavors of tacos with creamy sauce and pasta. Ground turkey, fresh veggies, and the perfect blend of seasonings come together to create a satisfying meal. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It's a comforting casserole that everyone will enjoy.

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    Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    This chicken broccoli stuffing casserole is an easy dinner that brings together chicken breast, frozen broccoli, and stuffing mix. It's a straightforward dish that offers a comforting meal without a lot of work. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole is packed with chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and filling. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

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      Simplify Your Summer Nights with These 20 Set-It-and-Forget-It Dinners

    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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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