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    Home » Uncategorized

    49 Freezer-Friendly Casseroles to Make Ahead for Extra Busy Nights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 2, 2025, updated December 6, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are a great way to prepare meals in advance, especially for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. With these 49 freezer-friendly recipes, you can whip up hearty dishes that are easy to store and reheat. From classic comfort foods to creative combinations, these casseroles will help you save time while still enjoying a satisfying meal.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a simple dinner option that's perfect for busy nights. It features a quick ground beef chili topped with frozen tater tots and lots of melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal.

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    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This chicken stuffing casserole is a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. It features tasty Stove Top stuffing, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce that everyone enjoys.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Shepherd's Pie is a cozy dish that warms you up on a cold day. It's simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and you can use ground beef or lamb, making it a great option to prepare in advance and freeze for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken Fajita Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    This casserole is loaded with juicy chicken, onions, peppers, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a simple dish that combines all the tasty flavors of fajitas, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

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

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dish filled with vegetables, ground beef or lamb, and lots of cheese. This version uses extra eggplant instead of potatoes and Bechamel sauce, making it a healthier and delicious Mediterranean option.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a delicious meal that you can prepare in advance and freeze. It’s a great option for busy nights, bringing all the flavors of taco night into one easy dish.

    Get the recipe

    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 quick and simple to put together. With only four ingredients and some store-bought items, you can have it ready in just 5 minutes and served in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    These enchiladas are easy to prepare and packed with veggies, beans, cheese, and a tasty homemade sauce. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R' Us.

    This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a simple and tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy, even the picky eaters. It's packed with flavor and perfect for those extra busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

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

    Pastelón de arroz is a cheesy beef and rice casserole that turns leftover rice into a delicious meal. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and vegetables, making it a great choice for gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Burrito Casserole

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

    This chicken burrito casserole is a hearty meal that everyone enjoys. It combines all the delicious flavors of burritos into one dish, using simple ingredients and lots of protein to fill you up.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This creamy chicken pasta features fresh spinach and tomatoes in a rich sauce, baked until bubbly. It's a lighter take on the classic dish, swapping out heavy cream for Greek yogurt.

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    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona Cooks.

    This chicken casserole features juicy chicken, crunchy hash browns, and creamy cheese, with a kick from jalapeños and the crunch of bacon. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days.

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    Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish is all about comfort with layers of pasta, meat, sausage, and plenty of cheese. Super Deluxe Baked Ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it's a favorite for everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish

    Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This gluten-free Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting dish made with ground beef, green beans, and a creamy homemade soup. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish combines creamy steak and mushroom pasta with a cheesy casserole for a comforting meal. It’s a classy dinner that can be ready in just 45 minutes, and you can make it all in one oven-safe skillet to simplify cleanup.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Taco Casserole

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

    This Chicken Taco Casserole brings together all the delicious flavors of chicken tacos in a comforting dish. With creamy chicken, crunchy tortilla chips, and plenty of cheese, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    No-Boil Pasta Bake

    No-Boil Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This vegetarian No-Boil Pasta Bake is simple to prepare and comes together in just a few minutes. It uses common ingredients like store-bought spaghetti sauce, dried spices, boxed noodles, and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole

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

    This  Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole is simple to prepare and a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice. It's a hearty dish that will keep you satisfied and warm.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This casserole is a family favorite that combines the tasty flavors of chicken fajitas in a simple baked dish. It includes protein-rich black beans and quinoa, and you can mix everything right in the baking dish without any pre-cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

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

    Pasta shells stuffed with cheese and meatballs, topped with a simple tomato sauce, create a cozy meal. This classic dish is great for busy nights when you need something filling without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This casserole is easy to prepare and doesn't require boiling anything. It combines bell peppers, navy beans, long-grain white rice, and a tasty tomato sauce with Italian spices.

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    Chicken Capri

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

    Chicken Capri is a lighter take on chicken parmesan that’s full of flavor. It’s a cozy dish that’s great for when you want something filling but not too heavy.

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    Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

    Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This is a simple and tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, peppers, and tater tots, all covered with melted cheese.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

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

    This is a simple, one-pan dish that combines canned soups and ready-made rice mixes. It's great for busy nights or when you want a comforting meal without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    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 an easy and tasty dish that everyone in the family will love. It comes together in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Casserole

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

    This Big Mac casserole brings together all the familiar flavors of a Big Mac in a hearty dish. It's made with lean ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a flavorful high-protein sauce, making it a great option 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 combines chicken sausage, potatoes, and cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and everything cooks together in one pan, plus it's gluten free.

    Get the Recipe

    Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie

    Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie puts a fun spin on a classic meal that everyone will enjoy. With ground beef, veggies, and a crispy tater tot topping, this dish is a great choice for a quick family dinner that you can whip up in just 15 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    This Chicken and Mushroom Casserole is packed with delicious flavors from wild mushrooms and chestnuts. It's a cozy dish that the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken casserole is packed with chicken and broccoli, making it a filling meal. It's perfect for busy nights, and you'll enjoy having leftovers to eat later.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Tomato Casserole

    Ground Beef Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This ground beef casserole is a hit with families and simple to prepare. It combines seasoned beef in a flavorful tomato sauce, layered with hearty potatoes and finished with melted cheese.

    Get the Recipe

    Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

    Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Southern Kissed.

    This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hit with the whole family. Packed with tater tots, tasty meats, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs, it’s a great choice for breakfast.

    Get the Recipe

    Cottage Pie

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

    This casserole is packed with beef and veggies, all covered with a layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s simple to prepare and can be ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Cattle Drive Casserole

    Cattle Drive Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty layered dish that brings together the rich flavors of the Old West and Tex-Mex cuisine. This is a good dinner choice for busy nights when you want something filling without spending a lot of time cooking.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a warm and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect 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 simple to prepare with just five ingredients. It's perfect for a weeknight meal that will warm you up and satisfy your hunger.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Cheeseburger Casserole is a cozy dish that combines familiar flavors in a satisfying way. This easy, cheesy meal is perfect for dinner and sure to please everyone.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

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

    This chicken fajita casserole is simple to put together and a healthy meal that kids enjoy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded chicken, fajita seasoning, and plenty of cheese, it’s both tasty and adaptable.

    Get the Recipe

    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

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

    Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta dish featuring ground beef and tomato sauce. Topped with cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to put together.

    Get the Recipe

    Minced Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot

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

    Minced beef hotpot is a filling dish that features a tasty beef stew layered with sliced onions and creamy scalloped potatoes. It's a cozy meal that's great for cold nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Crack Chicken Casserole

    Crack Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Crack Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. It combines creamy sauce, cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken with pasta, making it a hit with everyone.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef

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

    This Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty dish that combines the flavors of Tex-Mex with the comfort of home cooking. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and gooey cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or get-togethers.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Pasta Bake

    Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    This Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that mixes cheesy tomato sauce with easy-to-find ingredients. It's a perfect way to use up a rotisserie chicken and create a meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

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

    Shepherd's pie is a hearty dish that's great for a comforting meal. When made with beef instead of lamb, it becomes a cottage pie.

    Get the Recipe

    Southwest Chicken Casserole

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

    The Southwest Chicken Casserole is simple to prepare and packed with great flavors. This dish is ideal for a hearty meal that will satisfy your hunger and keep you warm.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Cottage Pie

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

    This ground meat pie is easy to make and full of flavor. With no peas in sight, it’s a perfect choice for a quick meal.

    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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