9 Casseroles Every Mom Should Know

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, combining convenience with delicious flavors. Whether you’re a busy mom or just someone who loves easy, hearty meals, having a few go-to casserole recipes can be a lifesaver. Here are nine casseroles every mom should have in her recipe arsenal.

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

This timeless favorite combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and vegetables in a comforting, one-dish meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling but don’t have much time to spare. The addition of a crunchy breadcrumb topping makes it irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, chicken broth, peas and carrots, milk, and cream of chicken soup.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

2. Beef and Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese. It’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef and makes for a satisfying dinner on cold evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain the fat.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Layer half of the potatoes in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then repeat the layers.
5. Pour the soup mixture over the top and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and top with shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A wonderful way to sneak in some greens, this casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for picky eaters and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and 1 ½ cups of cheese.
3. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.

4. Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic dish combines tender pasta, creamy sauce, and savory tuna, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many and a great way to get kids to eat more fish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, tuna, soup, milk, peas, and cheese.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

5. Mexican Chicken Casserole

This zesty casserole is packed with Mexican flavors and is incredibly easy to throw together. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is always a hit with the family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Tortilla chips for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

6. Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

This casserole takes inspiration from the popular dip, featuring creamy spinach and artichokes baked to perfection. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a delicious way.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag fresh spinach
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the spinach, artichokes, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Perfect for a weekend brunch or breakfast-for-dinner, this casserole combines sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread for a hearty meal that’s sure to start your day off right.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bread, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet, then drain the fat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
4. Add the sausage, cheese, and bread cubes. Mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the eggs are set.

8. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

This comforting casserole features layers of seasoned ground meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a classic dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown the ground beef or lamb with the chopped onion. Drain the fat.
3. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the frozen vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

9. Veggie-Loaded Lasagna Casserole

This vegetarian casserole is packed with layers of pasta, vegetables, and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, spinach)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a greased baking dish.
4. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mixed vegetables. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce.
5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.

Conclusion

These casseroles are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and dietary needs. They’re perfect for busy moms looking to provide their families with hearty, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Give them a try and watch them become family favorites in no time!