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    Home » Uncategorized

    47 Main Dish Casseroles Perfect for Busy Nights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on December 3, 2024, updated November 27, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are a lifesaver for busy nights, offering a simple way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. These one-dish wonders combine protein, veggies, and carbs, making them perfect for feeding the whole family. With so many variations, you can easily find a recipe that suits your mood and pantry.

    Cast Iron Skillet Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole,.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Walking Taco Casserole is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. It combines all the cheesy goodness of a walking taco and can be made in a cast iron skillet in just 30 minutes.

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    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This chicken stuffing casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines flavorful Stove Top stuffing, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken Fajita Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    This casserole is packed with tender chicken, onions, peppers, and lots of melted cheese. It's an easy meal that brings together all the delicious flavors of fajitas, making it a great choice for a quick and filling dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

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

    Eggplant Moussaka is a simple dinner packed with vegetables, ground beef or lamb, and plenty of cheese. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead for a healthy and tasty Mediterranean meal.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole is easy to make ahead of time, which is great for weeknight dinners and meal prep. It's creamy and hearty, with flavors that the whole family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creamy, cheesy pasta with seafood in an easy casserole. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ritz cracker chicken casserole combines tender chicken in a creamy sauce with a crunchy topping of buttery cracker crumbs. This dish is great for busy nights and is easy to prepare with little work.

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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 super easy to prepare. With just four ingredients and some ready-made items, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

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    Chicken Burrito Casserole

    Chicken Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This chicken burrito casserole is a simple and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. It brings together all the tasty flavors of burritos in one dish, using easy ingredients and plenty of protein to keep you full.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This creamy chicken pasta combines fresh spinach and tomatoes in a rich sauce, baked until it's nice and bubbly. It's a lighter version of the classic dish, using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

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    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona Cooks.

    This chicken casserole combines tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and creamy cheese, along with spicy jalapeños and crispy bacon. It's a cozy dish that's great for keeping you warm on a cold day.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta mixed with a cheesy casserole. It's a comforting and classy dinner that you can have ready in just 45 minutes, all made in one oven-safe skillet to keep cleanup easy.

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    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Chicken Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This Chicken Taco Casserole combines the tasty elements of chicken tacos into a cozy meal. Featuring creamy chicken, crispy tortilla chips, and lots of cheese, it's bound to be a hit with the whole family.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

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

    This cheesy tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce that everyone enjoys. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy nights.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Courtney's Sweets.

    Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole is easy to put together and a perfect way to use leftover chicken and rice. It's a cozy meal that will fill you up and keep you warm.

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    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Pasta shells are filled with cheese and meatballs, all covered in a simple tomato sauce, to create a very comforting meal. This classic dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Chicken Capri

    Chicken Capri.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Chicken Capri is a healthier version of chicken parmesan that still packs a lot of flavor. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for when you want something satisfying without feeling too heavy.

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    Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Pasta

    CHEESY BACON PASTA BAKE WITH GREEN BEANS.
    Photo credit: Neil's Healthy Meals.

    This pasta bake with green beans is a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. It can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Chicken Pot Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Virtual Caterer.

    This chicken casserole puts a fun spin on the classic pot pie with a light and flaky puff pastry crust that gives it a great texture. It's simple to change up the filling so everyone can enjoy it.

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    Big Mac Casserole

    A plate of Big Mac casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mary's Whole Life.

    This Big Mac casserole combines all the classic Big Mac flavors into a delicious meal. With lean ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a tasty high-protein Big Mac sauce, it's perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole

    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This Chicken Sausage Casserole features chicken sausage, potatoes, and cheese for a cozy meal. It's easy to make and everything cooks in one pan, and it's gluten free.

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    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    This Chicken and Mushroom Casserole is full of rich flavors from wild mushrooms and chestnuts. It's a comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Chicken pot pie casserole is a comforting dish that brings together chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce, topped with delicious biscuits. It's a perfect option for a cozy meal that the whole family will love.

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    Crescent Roll Taco Bake

    Crescent Roll Taco Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Urben Life.

    This taco bake features seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans wrapped in a soft, buttery crescent roll crust. Top it with your favorite taco toppings for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken casserole is loaded with chicken and broccoli, creating a satisfying meal. It's great for busy nights, and you can look forward to leftovers for later.

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    Ground Beef Tomato Casserole

    Ground Beef Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This ground beef casserole is a family favorite that's easy to make. It features browned beef in a tasty tomato sauce, layered with filling potatoes and topped with cheese.

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    French Onion Chicken Casserole

    French Onion Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This French Onion Chicken Casserole features tender chicken mixed with rich French onion flavors and a crispy topping, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s also ideal for meal prepping ahead of time.

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    Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This dish features a filling of beef and vegetables, all topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer. With some easy ingredients, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights.

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    Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole

    Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    This Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is an easy dish that’s great for dinner after a busy day. It’s affordable, simple to make, and everyone in the family enjoys it, making it a smart choice for meal prep.

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    Cattle Drive Casserole

    Cattle Drive Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    Cattle Drive Casserole is a filling and tasty layered dish that combines the bold flavors of the Old West with a touch of Tex-Mex. 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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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish combines cheesy chicken and pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a comforting meal. It's easy to make and great for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

    Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole.
    Photo Credit: A Taste of Madness.

    This spicy chicken and cauliflower casserole is easy to make with only five ingredients. It's a great choice for a weeknight dinner that will fill you up and keep you cozy.

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    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of home right to your table. It's a simple, cheesy, and hearty meal that everyone will love for dinner.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken Fajita Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This chicken fajita casserole is easy to prepare and a healthy option that kids will love, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. Loaded with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded chicken, fajita seasoning, and lots of cheese, this dish is flavorful and versatile.

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    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta dish made with ground beef and tomato sauce. It's topped with cheese for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare.

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    Minced Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot

    Minced Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    Minced beef hotpot is a hearty dish that combines a savory beef stew with layers of sliced onions and creamy scalloped potatoes. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

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    Crack Chicken Casserole

    Crack Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Crack Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that's great for weeknights. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and tender chicken mixed with pasta, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef is a filling and tasty dish that brings together Tex-Mex flavors and comfort food. With layers of seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and melted cheese, this simple casserole is great for family dinners or gatherings.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Pasta Bake

    Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    This Chicken Pasta Bake combines cheesy tomato sauce with simple ingredients for a cozy meal. It's a great way to turn a rotisserie chicken into something everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

    Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    This shepherd’s pie is a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. While it’s usually made with ground lamb, using beef turns it into a cottage pie.

    Get the Recipe

    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    Southwest Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

    The Southwest Chicken Casserole is easy to make and full of delicious flavors. It's a perfect choice for a one-pan meal that will fill you up and keep you cozy.

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    Ground Beef Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This is a simple and tasty ground meat pie made with ground beef. It’s packed with flavor and doesn’t include peas, making it a great option for a quick meal.

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    Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Happy Honey Kitchen.

    This is a straightforward and filling meal that the whole family will love. With familiar enchilada flavors and ingredients you can easily find, it’s great for a cozy dinner.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is easy to whip up and takes less than an hour to cook. Loaded with spicy buffalo sauce, spinach, and lots of cheese, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Southwest Chicken Dorito Casserole

    Baked Southwest Chicken Dorito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    This dish is easy to make and features shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and spicy tomatoes. With a topping of Nacho Cheese Doritos and cheddar cheese, it’s a great choice for a comforting meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty, making it a great choice for a cozy meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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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 more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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