Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (2024)

This collection of Casserole Recipes is perfect for dinner, meal planning, baby-prep, and any time you want to have a simple homemade meal!

We all love casseroles. Whether because they’re quick and easy or because you can feed an army, casseroles are the best. They are easily portable and make great dishes for a potluck, or are the perfect meal to gather your family around for a nice quiet dinner with these casserole recipes.

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Casseroles are easy to clean up and are comfort food at its most comforting. Whether you are looking for a quick meal for the family or putting out a spread for guests you can go wrong trying any one of these fantastic casserole ideas.

Casserole Recipes

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (2)Hot Chicken Salad Casserole (aka The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole Ever)

This is one of those casserole recipes that was such a staple in my home growing up. My mom made Hot Chicken Salad at least twice a month and always served it with an iceberg salad and cranberry sauce. So good and now my kids love it too!

This dish is beautiful in its simplicity. It’s quick and easy to make and is a hearty meal that tastes great. Prepare it ahead of time or make and serve it immediately, either way it will become one of your favorite casserole recipes!

The creamy cheesiness of the ricotta pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the pesto and a soft tortellini shell brings it home nicely. Your whole family will absolutely love this easy and delicious dinner idea.

Chili Dog Casserole

This is the perfect recipe for your next game day spread. These chili dogs are quick and easy so you can still feed a group without spending all that extra time in the kitchen.

Grandma’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Family gatherings are built on great traditions and great food. This Sweet Potato Casserole is sweet and savory and is a perfect addition to your next family get together.

Cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with ham and eggs to make a breakfast fit for a special morning. It’s easy to make and your family will love the great flavors.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy cauliflower and this casserole is no exception. It’s creamy and has great flavors. Did I mention it’s loaded with cheese. No one in your family will turn away from this side dish.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

The best part about Thanksgiving may just be the leftovers. This casserole brilliantly combines all those delicious leftovers into one amazingly simple and incredibly tasty dish.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (10)Amish Yumasetti Casserole

This traditional amish dish is full of ground beef and noodles. The creams of mushroom and chicken soup mixed with veggies make this dish both creamy and hearty.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (11)Apple, Pecan & Bacon French Toast Brunch Casserole

There are few things better on a busy holiday morning than a breakfast that is already prepared. This recipe is perfect for just that. A little preparation the night before and you have a delicious meal ready to help you get the day started.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (12)Baked Gnocchi Double Cheese Tomato Sauce

Yes, you’re reading that right. “Double Cheese”! As if you needed more reason, it also has delicious gnocchi and a fantastic tomato sauce. It is quick and easy and your family will love every last bite.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (13)Butternut Squash Gratin Casserole

This hearty side dish will quickly become a family favorite. It has great earthy flavors and will perfectly compliment any portion.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (14)Caramelized Vidalia Onion Casserole

Caramelized onions are a tremendous addition to any dish but this casserole really makes them shine. You’ll love this creamy and tasty that cooks in one pan and makes cleanup a snap.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (15)Cattle Drive Casserole

This tasty casserole has everything, cheese, meat, cheese, veggies and cheese. It’s a hearty meal that is filling and delicious.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (16)Cheesesteak Casserole

This recipe is easy to make, easy to serve and has all the great taste of a cheesesteak sandwich. Just one bite and you will be hooked. This one will definitely make it into your rotation of recipes.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (17)Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

In the rush of everyday life it’s nice to have an easy go to recipe that makes dinner time a breeze. This is that recipe. It’s quick and hearty and cleanup is quick, leaving you plenty of family time.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (18)Cheesy Tomato Casserole

This vegetable side dish is simple and amazingly delicious. It has cheese, onions, tomatoes and is topped with buttery crackers. It will go perfectly with any main dish.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (19)Cream Corn Bisquick Casserole

This savory-sweet recipe is super easy. You can have it cooking in just five minutes and with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (20)Cream of Mushroom Casserole

This pasta dish is the perfect recipe to serve on a busy weekend. Make it once and eat it again and again. As good as it is the first time it’s even better as leftovers.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (21)Easy Baked Ziti Casserole

This Italian dish is as delicious as it is cheesy. It’s layered with soft noodles, ground beef and a fantastic sauce. It’s great comfort food any time of the year.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (22)Easy Corn Casserole

This corn casserole recipe is creamy, cheesy and makes a perfect side dish to go with a hearty stew or a beefy chili.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (23)Easy Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This recipe is so simple they had to put easy in the title. It can be made in about 30 minutes and no matter how you make it always turns out creamy and delicious.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (24)Easy French Toast Casserole

Here’s another French Toast recipe to add to your repertoire. The thing that really sets this one apart is the cinnamon streusel topping. It’s a soft and delicious french toast with a crispy, sweet topping that the whole family will love.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (25)Egg & Lemon Chicken Casserole

This simple and wholesome dish will quickly become a family favorite. It is delicious and has a unique combination of flavors that really make this recipe stand out.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (26)Gluten Free Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole

Here’s a gluten free option that is super easy and amazingly delicious. It has layers of potatoes, beef and loads of cheese. This casserole is filling and fantastic.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (27)Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole

The best thing about casseroles is how quick and easy they are. The next time you’re in a hurry and need a quick fix dinner try this delicious and filling recipe.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (28)Hash Brown Chicken Jalapeno Casserole

This casserole recipe is creamy and delicious. It has spicy jalapeños, sweet corn, tender chicken and golden layers of crispy hash browns.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (29)Hash Brown Lasagna

Here is a quicker, healthier alternative to traditional lasagna recipes. It has hash browns, veggies, meat and all sorts of cheesy goodness.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (30)Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with garlic, cheese and topped with bread crumbs to give it a great crunch. It is the perfect compliment for any main dish.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (31)

One Dish Baked Salsa Chicken Casserole

One Dish Baked Salsa Chicken Casserole is perfect for busy week nights or any night that you want a quick and easy dinner that’s full of flavor.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (32)Potato Casserole

This casserole has delicious flavors and great texture and tastes like a warm pierogi. You’ll have a hard time not eating it in one sitting.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (33)Salmon Noodle Romanoff

This salmon noodle roman off is such a simple dish and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with wonderful, savory flavors and everyone will comeback for more.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (34)Sausage Bread Casserole

Tender, savory and full of flavor, this recipe is the perfect combination of eggs, cheese, sausage and veggies.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (35)Seafood Pasta Bake

Creamy, rich and unbelievably easy, this seafood dish is a new twist on seafood lasagna. If you love seafood you’re going to love this recipe.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (36)Sloppy Joe Casserole

If you thought that sloppy joe’s couldn’t be any easier than you were wrong. This incredible dish is only made better when you add the soft, buttery topping.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (37)Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole

This slow cooker recipe is packed with tasty sauce, cheesy goodness and is perfect whether you’re feeding just the family or a whole party.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (38)Stuffed Pepper Explosion Casserole

If you love stuffed peppers but don’t like all the work then this recipe is for you. It makes an easy and great dish on those busy weeknights.

Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (39)

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Casserole Recipes to Make Ahead for Busy Nights (2024)

FAQs

Can you cook a casserole the day before? ›

One of the advantages of casseroles is that you can cook them in advance. If possible, make your casserole one day ahead and store in the fridge – this intensifies the flavours of the dish. To freeze ahead, cool the cooked casserole, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.

What food can I cook that will last a week? ›

With that said, here are eight batch cooking recipes that'll help you eat well all week.
  • Sheet-pan ratatouille. ...
  • Creamy lemon and herb pot-roasted chicken. ...
  • Slow cooker Moroccan chickpea stew. ...
  • Fish stew. ...
  • Slow cooker bolognese. ...
  • Whole roasted cauliflower. ...
  • Sausage casserole. ...
  • Sheet-pan stir fry.
Jan 30, 2024

Can you prep casseroles the night before? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

How long to cook an uncooked casserole that has been refrigerated? ›

For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner. Plan 15 to 20 minutes additional heating time for the refrigerated cold casserole.

What party food can you cook the night before? ›

Entertaining doesn't get any easier with these nibbles and bites that can be prepared hours, days and even months in advance.
  • 1Turkey, cranberry and brie sausage roll bags. ...
  • 2Crispy blue cheese and thyme polenta fingers. ...
  • 3Olive and sun-dried tomato salami log. ...
  • 4Ginger chicken meatballs.

What is the cheapest long lasting food? ›

10 Cheap (and Healthy) Foods that Last a Long Time
  • Dried Beans and Lentils. Average Price: Under $2 for a 1-pound bag. ...
  • Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains. Average Price: About $2 (depending on where you purchase) for a 1-pound bag. ...
  • Frozen Vegetables. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Canned Tuna. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Whey Protein. ...
  • Apples.

What homemade food lasts the longest? ›

Soups, stews, and chili are the ideal meal prep because they last a little longer than most meals (up to five or six days) AND they're extremely freezer-friendly. If you're new to meal prep and are nervous about how foods taste after a few days, I recommend starting with a soup, stew, or chili.

What to make when you have no time to cook? ›

So we rounded up our favorite easy weeknight dinner recipes you can make in just 15 minutes — from comforting pastas to hearty rice bowls.
  1. Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles. ...
  2. Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad. ...
  3. Cacio e Pepe. ...
  4. 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce. ...
  5. Italian Chopped Salad. ...
  6. Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza.
Nov 8, 2023

What to cook when you have almost nothing? ›

15 Delicious Things to Throw Together When You're Pressed for Food Options
  1. Buttery, gooey grilled cheese. ...
  2. PB&J because duh. ...
  3. Tuna melt tostadas. ...
  4. Pancakes! ...
  5. Scrambled eggs. ...
  6. Waffles. ...
  7. A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal. ...
  8. Spaghetti carbonara.
Apr 28, 2020

What is a good meal to feed a large crowd? ›

Gather, Share, and Eat: Easy Meals for Large Groups That Won't Break the Bank
  • The Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Tantalizing Tacos. ...
  • Perfectly Baked Potatoes. ...
  • Pizza Extravaganza. ...
  • Mouthwatering Pulled Pork. ...
  • Fabulous Fajitas. ...
  • Hearty Chili. ...
  • Build-Your-Own Sandwiches.
Oct 19, 2023

What foods should not be reheated? ›

  • Oct 17, 2023, 07:14 PM IST. 7 Foods Items That Can Turn Toxic When Reheated. ...
  • Vegetables With High Amounts of Nitrate. Vegetables with high amounts of nitrate, like carrots, turnips, celery, or spinach, can turn toxic when reheated. ...
  • Rice. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Cold Pressed Oil. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Chicken.
Oct 17, 2023

What is a good meal to make for 12 people? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  • Meatballs. ...
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Homemade Pizza. ...
  • Baked Pasta. ...
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

How do you reheat a casserole without drying it out? ›

Add a little water or milk to the top of the it before reheating. Allow the liquid to seep in between the casserole and the baking dish, without overflowing. Cover the top with aluminum foil. The added moisture will get trapped in by the foil and the steam created will moisten a dry casserole.

Can you refrigerate casserole before baking? ›

Most casseroles can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two or frozen up to three months. Not only is this convenient, but it also lets the flavors mingle and fully develop. Frozen casseroles should be well wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil.

How do you store a casserole overnight? ›

Cover casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

How do you reheat a precooked casserole? ›

For best results, place a damp paper towel over the top to maintain moisture. Transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe baking tray, cover with foil, and place in a hot oven (350ºF). Heat for 10-20 minutes, or until hot throughout.

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