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 foods can be prepared ahead of time? ›

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”)
Apr 12, 2024

How long can you refrigerate a casserole before baking? ›

Make it now, but bake it later

Most casseroles can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two or frozen up to three months.

Can you cook a casserole the day 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.

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

How to make food ahead of time for a party? ›

Make and Freeze Items

Freezing helps preserve the items, so they taste great on party day. This doesn't have to be done weeks in advance, either. Instead, make sauces, breads, pie crusts and other items that freeze well a few days before the party. Store them in the freezer until the night before.

What cooked foods last the longest? ›

How to make leftover food last longer
CategoryFoodFreezer (0 °F or below)
Chicken or turkey, pieces9 months
Soups & StewsVegetable or meat added2 to 3 months
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry2 to 6 months
Chicken nuggets or patties1 to 3 months
13 more rows

What cheap foods last the longest? ›

10 Cheap (and Healthy) Foods that Last a Long Time
  • Frozen Vegetables. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Canned Tuna. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Whey Protein. ...
  • Apples. Average Price: Around $1.57 per pound, depending on variety. ...
  • Carrots. Average Price: Around $0.74 per pound. ...
  • Garlic. Average Price: Around $2 per pound.

What is the food that lasts the longest in the pantry? ›

Rice. When stored in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container, white rice can keep indefinitely.

What makes a good casserole? ›

Par Cook Pasta and Vegetables

A common issue with casseroles is soggy overcooked pasta or vegetable components. "Partially cooking these ingredients is the only way to make a casserole with a satisfying texture," says LaClair.

Is it better to bake a casserole covered or uncovered? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

Can you make a casserole with raw egg and leave it uncooked overnight in the fridge? ›

An egg strata traditionally consists of layered bread, cheese, and other foods (such as cooked sausage, ham, bacon, shrimp, or vegetables) over which a mixture of raw beaten eggs and milk are poured. The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread.

Can you put a casserole dish straight from fridge to oven? ›

In the case of casseroles, leftovers should actually never be added to a preheated oven. The reason is simple: the cold casserole dish may crack.

Do you have to brown meat before casserole? ›

Our answer. Browning cubes of meat before stewing them can add some colour and flavour to a stew. However it needs to be done at a fairly high heat and the meat needs to be browned in small batches. If the meat it too tightly packed in the pan then juices run out and start to steam the meat rather than browning it.

Do you leave the lid on when cooking a casserole? ›

The short answer is both. Covering a casserole traps heat and steam and gets the casserole cooking. However, you also have to take the cover off to get a crunchy, browned top.

What foods last long for meal prep? ›

Meal-prepped soups and stews can last up to four days in the fridge. Chicken and rice can last up to five days in the fridge.

What food can be prepared for a week? ›

So what food can be prepared in advance? Stash a family-friendly dinner such as a casserole, baked pasta, stew or soup in the freezer or stock your fridge with pre-cooked proteins, chopped veggies and homemade dips, dressings or sauces so you can make healthy (easy!) choices all week.

What food will not be cooked or reheated before serving? ›

Ready-to-eat food is food that will not be cooked or reheated before serving. This includes salads, cooked meats, smoked fish, desserts, sandwiches, cheese and food that you have cooked in advance to serve cold.

What are good reheatable meals? ›

  • Meatloaf. Though meatloaf is often restricted to the weeknight dinner table, it is a powerhouse leftover. ...
  • Lasagna. Sure, there's nothing better than lasagna coming out of the oven hot with bubbling cheese. ...
  • Pulled Pork. ...
  • Beef Stew. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Frittatas, Quiches and Tarts.

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