20 Easy, Healthy Casserole Recipes (2024)

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Casseroles are making a comeback — as they should. They’re the ultimate comfort food. They’re easy to make and awesome for feeding a crowd or do-ahead meal prep. What more could we ask for?

These one-pan wonders have a long culinary history (think French gratins). In the United States, they became especially popular in the 1950s, when food companies promoted them as an easy way for Mom to get dinner on the table using canned soups and vegetables.

Now the casserole is back, with the canned soup on hold. Healthy ingredients like quinoa, fresh vegetables, and whole milk cheeses baked to homey perfection.

1. Pumpkin French toast bake

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You won’t dread the sound of the alarm clock when you know you’re waking up to pumpkin-y goodness.

Feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar, and do add nuts. We use canned pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin butter.

2. Roasted broccoli and red bell pepper pancetta casserole

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This egg casserole’s packed with healthy veggies like broccoli and red pepper, and a touch of pancetta. Make this on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch for the week. It’ll keep you totally energized all the way to lunchtime.

Convenience tip: This blogger uses Sartori Montamore, but feel free to substitute for a hard cheese like Parmesan.

3. Raspberry baked oatmeal

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Ever wonder what biting into heaven tastes like? We think it’d be similar to this sweet casserole. Bursting with raspberries, the decadent treat (err, we mean breakfast?) is hard to beat. Yes, we meant to rhyme there.

4. Huevos rancheros casserole

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Corn tortillas are baked to crispness before being layered with canned enchilada sauce, black beans, and cheese. Top with eggs and you’re basically eating a next-level version of huevos rancheros.

5. Turkey sausage, spinach, and mushroom egg bake

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A square of this filling casserole will heat up nicely in the office microwave. It will have your coworkers craving spinach, crimini mushrooms, turkey, and crumbles of feta hidden in a bed of eggs.

Eating breakfast at your desk will go from ho-hum to yum.

6. Chicken, mushroom, and potato casserole

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If you like bacon, raise your hand. How about potatoes and chicken? Your hands are probably still raised.

This comfort food casserole might be rich, but when those cold winter nights are calling for a night in by the fire, you’ll want to make this dish.

Serve with a fresh green salad with apple cider vinaigrette.

7. Mexican chicken quinoa casserole

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Who wouldn’t want a fiesta for lunch? Well, some may prefer a siesta, but even they would love this flavorful casserole — which is bursting with spinach, cherry tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, and lean, shredded chicken.

8. Healthy broccoli chicken casserole

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Greek yogurt and almond milk create a creamy base for this classic casserole dish. Chicken and broccoli topped with cheese and breadcrumbs will bring you right back to Mom’s kitchen.

Use left over rice or make jasmine rice in your ricer cooker.

9. Turkey taco lasagna

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Just when you think taco and lasagna can’t be part of the same sentence, we go and bring you this. Bursting with black beans, corn, peppers, and lean ground turkey, this hearty dish is only missing hot sauce.

Feel free to add it (actually, definitely add it).

10. Chicken and wild rice casserole

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Chicken and wild rice are jazzed up with butternut squash and reduced-sugar cranberries to make a convenient make-ahead dish you can pop in the oven and proudly serve to friends.

11. Creamy chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole

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No canned, condensed, overly salty goop here. Instead, this casserole layers quinoa, chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce made of reduced-sodium chicken broth and milk. We prefer to use whole milk.

The recipe creator was right when she called this casserole “a big gentle hug.”

12. Ratatouille orzo

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Ah, it’s like a dish that keeps on giving. There are so many secrets tucked into this casserole, but all of the attention really belongs to the freshness of the tomatoes, spinach, and eggplant.

To learn the other secrets, you’ll just have to make it.

13. Cajun shrimp and quinoa casserole

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We’re slipping this one in here for the pescatarians. Get out that cast iron skillet because things are about to heat up — Cajun style.

Jalapeños, garlic, and spices give quinoa and shrimp a kick, while just one cup of grated Fontina cheese gives it melty goodness.

14. Spinach artichoke quinoa casserole

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Spinach artichoke dip lovers, rejoice! Your favorite app can now be enjoyed as dinner.

Quinoa delivers a high dose of protein, and plain Greek yogurt (we use whole milk rather than low fat) keeps it light and creamy.

Frozen spinach greens and jarred artichoke hearts make this super easy to prepare.

15. Kale and wild rice casserole

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Getting fancy in the kitchen can be fun (if you’re into that sort of thing). But for those of us who struggle to channel our inner Martha Stewart, this simple combo puts a hearty meal on the table without all the frills.

16. Pesto broccoli, sweet potato, and rice casserole

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Spaghetti squash has a reputation for being the fave pasta imitator, but in this recipe, it’s all about the sweet potato.

The veggie transforms into rice (with the help of a kitchen gadget) and is then paired with broccoli and a creamy homemade (or store-bought) pesto.

Pro tip: pine nuts can be expensive. You can swap in walnuts.

17. Curried spinach rice lentil bake

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With onions, lentils, spinach, brown rice, and coconut milk, this casserole is a vegan’s dream come true.

18. Quinoa kale taco casserole

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Imagine your favorite ground beef chili transformed into a casserole filled with corn, black beans, and kale, and topped with cheese. Yum.

Topping it with a slice or two (or five) of avocado is not a bad idea either.

19. Loaded cauliflower casserole

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Imagine a casserole with all the bacon-y, chive-y, cheesy, sour creamy goodness of a loaded baked potato…

Now feast your eyes on this drool-worthy dish. Cauliflower replaces the starchy spuds. We swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream.

This is an awesome party dish.

20. Unstuffed cabbage casserole

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Welcome to Team Cabbage, because you’re about to fall in love with this cruciferous veg. This recipe has all the goodness of stuffed cabbage without the work.

Consider using brown rice and ground turkey for a lighter option.

Seriously, is there anything easier than a casserole? We’re in love! Casseroles look great, taste great, and give us a heck of a lot more free time. That’s a triple win in our book.

20 Easy, Healthy Casserole Recipes (2024)

FAQs

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

Are casseroles healthy for you? ›

Depending on the ingredients, casseroles can be healthy or not-so-healthy. The not-so-healthy casseroles generally contain a lot of butter, heavy cream, cheese, or fatty meats. Try to look for healthier versions, such as those that contain lean cuts of meat, poultry or fish.

What are the main ingredients of this casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

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 is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

What is the healthiest thing to cook? ›

Sarah Brealey presents 25 simple suggestions for healthy meals.
  • Pea and broad bean couscous. ...
  • Beetroot and lentil salad. ...
  • Fast home-made baked beans. ...
  • Porridge. ...
  • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket. ...
  • Home-made hummus. ...
  • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach. ...
  • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.

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.

What was the original casserole? ›

Casserole history

Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

What is a hot dish instead of a casserole? ›

“Hotdish” (one word) is mostly used outside Minnesota in fairly narrow descriptions of casseroles that are made in the state. Within Minnesota, it's “hot dish” (two words) and is a very common term for a wide variety of casseroles. I've also seen “hot dish” used in North Dakota and Wisconsin.

What is the most ordered side dish? ›

Probably the most popular side dish in America, French fries are a staple item on fast food menus and are often served with burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs.

What are three guidelines to follow when preparing casseroles? ›

Top tips for casseroles
  1. Cut your ingredients, such as meat, potatoes and parsnips, into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. ...
  2. To save time – and washing up – use a flameproof, ovenproof casserole dish. ...
  3. Avoid adding flour after cooking or the raw flour taste will remain.

What to look for when buying a casserole dish? ›

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Casserole Dish

Look for a dish that has wide, looped handles, and that is made of stoneware or ceramic for heat retention. We also preferred dishes with softer, rounded interior corners since they were often easier to clean.

How can I improve my casserole? ›

Many casseroles seem to improve in flavour if kept overnight (cool them quickly and keep them in a refrigerator, by the way, once they're cold). This means it's quite possible to make two casseroles while the oven is in full swing, and keep one for the next day.

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