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

What food can be prepared in advance? ›

18 Make-Ahead Main Courses
  • 01 of 18. Short Rib Chili. ...
  • 02 of 18. Kale-Artichoke Stuffed Shells. ...
  • 03 of 18. Garlic-Butter Rib Roast. ...
  • 04 of 18. Spinach Lasagna. ...
  • 05 of 18. Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Salad. ...
  • 06 of 18. Seafood Gumbo. ...
  • 07 of 18. Miso-Red Bean Patties. ...
  • 08 of 18. Hanetsuki Gyoza (Dumplings with “Wings”)

Is it better to make a casserole ahead of time? ›

Casseroles may be the most all-around satisfying dishes. Not only are they super hearty, but they're extremely easy to pull off, which makes casseroles the most accommodating meal out there. The only thing that can make a casserole more convenient is preparing it ahead of time.

What party food can you cook the night before? ›

33 Make Ahead Meals for Family Dinners and Parties
  • 01 of 33. Oven-Baked Fish Sticks. ...
  • 02 of 33. Decadent Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 03 of 33. Chicken Noodle Soup. ...
  • 04 of 33. Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos With Corn Salsa. ...
  • 05 of 33. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • 06 of 33. Sweet Potato and Gruyère Turnovers. ...
  • 07 of 33. Cottage Pie. ...
  • 08 of 33.
Jun 26, 2023

What makes a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

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

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

What is a good main dish for a crowd? ›

  • 14 Fantastic Casseroles for a Crowd.
  • Potato and Cheese Pierogi. ...
  • Sicilian Christmas Pizza (Sfincione) ...
  • Cabbage Lasagna.

Can you make a casserole with raw eggs ahead of time? ›

Yes, you can. Raw eggs are fairly stable in the freezer, especially when beaten or mixed with other ingredients. Check to see what else is in the casserole, though.

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.

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

To prevent a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom, it's important to use a shallow baking dish, to cook the casserole at the correct oven temperature and for the appropriate amount of time, and to be mindful of the amount of liquid used in the recipe.

What is the best meat to cook for a crowd? ›

Smoked Brisket

The ultimate crowd favorite, one 6- to 8-pound beef brisket is enough to feed 24 people.

How do you cook for a crowd? ›

Plan ahead: Planning is key when it comes to cooking for a large group of people. Make a menu, create a shopping list, and prep as much as you can in advance. Keep it simple: Stick to easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be prepared in large quantities, such as lasagna, chili, or roasted chicken.

What are 5 components of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

What are three guidelines to follow when preparing casseroles? ›

Casserole basics
  1. Batch work. Brown the meat in batches to avoid cooking it in its own juices. ...
  2. Burn alert. Be careful not to burn the bottom of the pan when you brown the meat, or your casserole will have a burnt taste.
  3. Liquid loving. ...
  4. Size it up. ...
  5. Vegie rules. ...
  6. Thick tricks. ...
  7. Make it ahead.

What are the 4 parts of a casserole? ›

Not every single casserole has all of them, but as a rule of thumb, here's what to look for: a starch, a binding agent or sauce, and a protein or vegetable. Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese.

How far in advance can you prepare food? ›

One important note though: as long as you cook meals properly, food will be perfectly safe to eat within seven days. However, by day five, it might not be as tasty. If there's one number to remember from this cheat sheet, it's four. Most meals are good (safe AND tasty) in the fridge for up to four days.

What food lasts the longest prepping? ›

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, and beef, along with canned vegetables like carrots, green beans, and peas, are packed with protein and essential nutrients, making them ideal for survival situations. And with a shelf life of up to 5 years, canned goods are a reliable choice for long-term survival food storage.

Which food can be prepared without cooking? ›

You can eat raw fruits and dry fruits , veggies like cucumber, greens like lettuces , roots like carrot , radishes , jicama , beetroot and seeds like watermelon , sunflower , muskmelon , pumpkin etc . we dont need to cook these , they are complete whole food on its own .

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

Batch cooking recipes
  • Pulled chicken & black bean chilli. A star rating of 4.9 out of 5. ...
  • Slow cooker chicken tikka masala. A star rating of 4.8 out of 5. ...
  • Sausage ragu. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  • Slow cooker beef bourguignon. ...
  • Slow cooker lamb curry. ...
  • Slow cooker ratatouille. ...
  • Vegetarian bolognese. ...
  • Big-batch bolognese.

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