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45 Best Casserole Recipes (Including the Healthiest Chicken Casseroles!)
December 29, 2017
There’s something about the winter months that makes casseroles a go-to meal for most families. A lot of the best casserole recipes out there, however, are actually not so great for you. They’re often loaded with refined carbohydrates, heavily processed ingredients and other frankenfoods.
Luckily, there are some easy casserole recipes that hit the mark. These 45 dishes taste great and are good for you, too. They’re packed with flavors that the entire family can enjoy. This winter, try adding some of these — including delicious chicken casseroles — to your menu. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
45 Best Casserole Recipes
1. Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Creamy chicken alfredo is even better when it’s baked in a casserole dish. Here, we add some more nutritional value than the traditional pasta dish, using gluten-free brown rice pasta and adding broccoli for greens. The secret ingredient here is probiotic-rich kefir, which we’ll use instead of heavy cream to achieve the perfect consistency.
2. Baked Oatmeal Casserole
This baked oatmeal is an easy way to prep breakfast for the week — you can reheat individual servings each morning. This simple recipe is easy to make, and you can substitute whatever fruits you have on hand. I do suggest skipping the brown sugar and using either coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey instead for less of a sugar crash.
3. Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
This easy casserole recipe means you can make French toast for a crowd with no trouble at all. You could make a few simple swaps to make this a bit healthier, like using coconut sugar or a whole-wheat bread loaf and flour, or just enjoy on special occasions as is.
Photo: Celebrating Sweets
4. Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole
This casserole recipe comes together in just a few minutes. I especially like that the rice has been replaced with cauliflower for a dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.
5. Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
This meat-free enchilada is one of the best casserole recipes. It’s loaded with veggies, includes black beans for extra protein and topped off with a cheesy blend. Serve this one with sliced avocado on the side.
Photo: Making Thyme for Health
6. Cheesy Caprese Chicken and Quinoa Casserole
The classic tomato, basil and mozzarella combo gets turned into a casserole. Quinoa, a complete protein, acts as the base. Using pre-cooked chicken — an excellent way to use up leftovers — speeds up prep time, too.
7. Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This casserole, inspired by holiday dishes, combines flavorful wild rice, sweet butternut squash and sweet dry cranberries with bite-sized chicken pieces for a seasonal meal that’s tasty all year long.
8. Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
This chicken casserole provides all the tetrazzini flavor you love without the canned “cream of” soups that frequently accompany the recipe. I’ve bulked up the brown rice and chicken with mushrooms, onions and, of course, two types of cheese! This is healthy comfort food at its finest.
9. Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Casseroles have a reputation for being carb-heavy, but this light chicken recipe is just the opposite. It requires only a handful of ingredients — squash, zucchini, tomatoes and goat cheese — and is ridiculously easy to make. Just toss the chicken into a pan, cover it squash and cheese, then bake. Easy peasy.
10. Clean Eating Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
If you like shepherd’s pie, you’re going to love this version. White potatoes are replaced with sweet potatoes, for a boost of vitamins A and C along with potassium. Adding two cups of frozen veggies of your choice mean you’ll get veggies in every bite. This version uses ground turkey but you could easily sub in ground beef.
11. Cornbread Lentil Casserole
This is such a creative dish and one of the best casserole recipes that are meat-free. Lentils make up the base, adding a ton of fiber, protein and nutrients to the meal. The topping is made of spelt flour, organic cornmeal, almond milk and coconut oil and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. The poblano peppers add a smoky flavor to a hearty dish.
12. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
Everyone loves mac and cheese, and this is a version you’ll feel good about serving. Adding fresh spinach means you’ll get some greens, while goat milk yogurt and goat’s cheese add a delicious creaminess. Kids and adults both will love this one.
13. Creamy Chicken Casserole
A comforting casserole made with only clean, fresh ingredients, this is a gluten- and dairy-free recipe that’s simple to whip up. Riced cauliflower makes up the base and adds nutrients, but I suggest replacing the bacon with a turkey or beef version.
14. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
An already-easy casserole becomes even more simpler when everything gets tossed into the crockpot. This recipe has all of your favorite breakfast ingredients, including sausage and potatoes, and cooks slowly over 6–8 hours. It’s great for feeding a crowd; just set the crockpot up the night before, and breakfast will be ready in the morning.
15. Crockpot Italian Zucchini Casserole
Give your casserole an Italian flair with this zucchini recipe. Brown rice makes up the base, with ground beef, diced tomatoes and mozzarella rounding it out. Best of all, this cooks in the crockpot, so it’s great for busy weeknights.
16. Crockpot Mexican Casserole
Curb those Tex-Mex cravings with one of the best casserole recipes, made right in the crockpot. It’s crazy easy to put together and can even be prepped a day in advance. You’ll brown the ground meat in a pan, then add all of the ingredients into the crockpot, including uncooked quinoa. Come back in six hours to a delicious dinner.
17. Drunken Chicken Zoodle Casserole
Skip the Thai takeout and make your own with this easy gluten-free casserole recipe. Instead of normal noodles, you’ll use zoodles, spiralized “noodles” made from zucchini. It’s got all of your favorite Asian flavors, including coconut milk, ginger and coconut aminos. You won’t be needing those menus after you make this casserole.
Photo: Cotter Crunch
18. Eggplant Ricotta Casserole
If you like eggplant parmesan, you’re going to love this veggie casserole. You’ll first roast the eggplant and then layer ricotta, eggs, parmesan cheese and seasonings on it, then repeat. It’s essentially lasagna without the pasta, and it’s delicious.
19. Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casseroles are usually made with lots of icky ingredients, like canned soups and canned green beans. Not this one, which features healthful fresh green beans, portabella mushrooms and raw pumpkin seeds.
20. Healthy Black Bean Casserole
This is one of the best casserole recipes around when you’re looking for something fast, healthy and inexpensive to make. Brown rice and black beans make up the bulk of this recipe that gets rounded out with fresh bell peppers, onions and seasoning. It’s a dump-and-bake recipe that’s really darn tasty.
21. Healthy Stuffed Pepper Casserole With Cheddar
Enjoy stuffed peppers? Then you have to try this simple casserole dish. The beauty of it is that instead of painstakingly filling bell peppers, you’ll chop them up and add them to a baking pan, along with all the other ingredients you’d find in stuffed peppers, like ground turkey, brown rice and cheesy goodness. Toss, bake and enjoy.
22. Hearty Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe
When you’ve got a craving for pasta but also need something veggie-packed, you should try this casserole recipe. Spaghetti squash takes the place of noodles, but you’ll also get a hearty serving of kale and spinach in each bite. Topped with two types of cheeses and baked right in a skillet, this is a one-pan dish the whole family will love.
23. Kale Pasta Casserole
Looking for new family dinner ideas? You can’t go wrong with this vegan, gluten-free vegetarian casserole. A lot of the flavor here comes from the homemade kale pesto recipe, so be sure to whip that up. You’ll drizzle that over gluten-free pasta, then add in sun-dried tomatoes, olives and eggplant, then top the whole thing with a garlicky breadcrumb crust. It tastes deliciously decadent, all the while being really good for you.
24. Low-Carb Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Cut back on carbs while still satisfying your need for bacon and eggs with this yummy breakfast casserole. It’s full of mushrooms, peppers and spinach, so you’ll start the day with a serving of vegetables, but baked with crisp bacon (use turkey rather than pork for better health). You can cut this into servings and reheat throughout the week to make the first meal of the day a snap.
25. Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Get the flavors of enchiladas without the tortilla carbohydrates when you whip up this easy casserole recipe. You’ll layer chicken that’s been cooked and smothered with enchilada sauce in a casserole dish cheese, chiles and seasonings. It’s perfect for low-carb nights.
26. Low-Carb Power Greens Breakfast Casserole with Feta and Mozzarella
Two types of cheeses before breakfast? Yes, please! This is one of the best casserole recipes for breakfast, with a power greens mix of kale, Swiss chard and spinach that means your green needs will be taken care of early in the day. Best of all, it’s easy to make and reheat throughout the week.
Photo: Kalyn’s Kitchen
27. Make-Ahead Black Bean and Spinach Enchilada Casserole
Anything that saves time and makes cooking a bit easier is a winner in my book, and this make-ahead casserole dish fits the bill. Wilting the spinach and layering the “enchilada” takes just 10-15 minutes of prep time, and then you can cover this recipe up until it’s time to bake and serve. This keeps nicely for re-heating, too.
28. Mediterranean Quinoa Casserole
If you need a new way to enjoy quinoa, I suggest trying this Mediterranean recipe. It’s vegetarian, with loads of protein-packed quinoa and filling lentils, and also easy on the wallet. It’s rounded out with eggs, tomatoes, cheese, greens and fresh dill for a flavor-rich easy casserole.
Photo: Making Thyme for Health
29. Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with Creamy Hollandaise
This decadent casserole is excellent for serving over the holidays. Chopped English muffins, bacon (turkey or beef!), asparagus and eggs are baked and then drizzled with a creamy homemade Hollandaise sauce. The sauce can be made ahead, so this comes together quickly on those special mornings.
30. Paleo Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Inspired by barbecue chicken pizza, this gluten-free casserole is awesome on weekends. Speed up the prep time by using your favorite pre-made Paleo barbecue sauce and cooking the spaghetti squash the night before. With onions, crispy bacon (choose turkey over pork) and tender chicken pieces smothered in sauce, you won’t miss the gluten one bit.
Photo: Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
31. Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole
And for another take on Paleo chicken, try this buffalo version. Pre-cooked chicken, hot sauce and a homemade, dairy-free ranch dressing mean you can prep this in 15 minutes and have it on the table in under an hour.
32. Pizza Casserole
Put a different spin on pizza night with this winter-worthy pizza casserole. Instead of “dough,” you’ll use spaghetti squash that’s covered with ground bison, pizza sauce and, of course, cheese and seasoning! It’s hearty but still lighter and lower-carb than regular pizza. Win-win!
35. Sausage and Egg Casserole
This five-ingredient casserole is one of the best casserole recipes I have up my sleeve. You’ll prep it the night before and let the flavors really meld together, then pop it in the oven to bake. It’ll be ready when you are!
36. Spinach, Feta and Artichoke Breakfast Bake
I love the grown-up flavors in this easy casserole recipe. This colorful dish packs in spinach, feta, artichokes, bell peppers and scallions along with eggs and fresh herbs. It’s a tasty breakfast, but you could absolutely serve this for dinner, too.
37. Sweet Potato Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Reminiscent of diner-style hash browns, this sweet potato casserole is a delicious reason to wake up in the mornings or enjoy in the evenings. It’s super simple, cheesy and meat-free, but you could easily add in some chicken sausage for a little variety.
38. Sweet Potato Casserole
Instead, you’ll get a Thanksgiving side dish that’s naturally sweetened with vanilla and coconut milk. The pecan oat topping is good enough to eat solo, but trust me, you’ll love it even more with a bite of sweet potatoes.
39. Stuffed Apple and Bacon Sweet Potato Casserole
When you need an impressive casserole dish that’s still easy to make, try this one. You’ll start by roasting the sweet potatoes then scooping out the flesh, which gets mixed with caramelized apples, leeks and crispy bacon (go with turkey). Top with cheese, bake and you’ve got a seriously awesome dinner on your hands.
40. Tex-Mex Spiralized Sweet Potato & Chicken Casserole
Spicy, low in calories, high in flavor — you need this Tex-Mex casserole. It’s full of shredded chicken, though you could use any leftover protein you have on hand, along with spiralized sweet potatoes, black beans and jalapeño peppers for extra kick. Skip the low-fat cheese, though, and opt for full-fat instead.
41. Turkey & Egg Breakfast Casserole
Seriously good for you and easy to prepare? Add this breakfast casserole dish to your menu, stat. Made with just baby spinach, turkey, eggs, sweet potatoes and seasonings, it’s easy to customize to your family’s liking, i.e. adding in onions, tomatoes, asparagus or mushrooms. It reheats nicely and freezes well, too.
Photo: Aimee Mars
42. Vegan Tomato Zucchini Casserole
A light and crisp dish, this veggie casserole is a great way to use up excess zucchini or to take a break from hearty, carb-rich meals that characterize winter. It’s super easy to make and goes nicely with a side salad or crunchy French bread.
43. Vegetarian Crustless Quiche Breakfast Casserole
Leafy greens, sautéed veggies, delicious cheese all captured in a quiche — yeah, you’re going to want to make this. It’s one of the best casserole recipes because it works just as well for breakfast as it does for dinner. It’s naturally gluten-free and reheats nicely, too.
44. Veggie Loaded Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
Make good use of leftover meat with this chicken casserole dish. It’s deceptively full of vegetables — cauliflower and broccoli make up the bulk of it, along with a heaping serving of spinach. Greek yogurt, milk and cheese add a welcome creaminess that will leave you wanting more.
Photo: Project Meal Plan
It might not be the most picture-worthy meal but if you like lentils, this casserole is just what you need. It’s mixed with zucchini, leeks, bell peppers, and mushrooms, along with some rice (I’d replace the white rice with brown or use quinoa instead). Top it all with cheese for a crispy crust that’s hard to resist.
Read Next: Hearty Fall & Winter Soup Recipes
