21 Super Easy Dinner Casseroles

When the evening rush hits, the last thing anyone wants to do is manage multiple pots and pans on the stove. This is where the magic of a casserole truly shines. The premise is brilliantly simple: combine your proteins, starches, and vegetables into a single baking dish, put it in the oven, and walk away.

However, many traditional casserole recipes undermine this convenience by requiring you to cook every component separately before assembly. Boiling pasta, browning meat, and creating a roux for a cheese sauce can quickly turn a “simple” bake into a labor-intensive chore.

The key to a truly easy casserole is minimizing prep work. The best recipes utilize smart shortcuts—such as pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, canned beans, and sauces that come together directly in the baking dish. By relying on these efficient methods, you can assemble a hearty, comforting dinner in under 15 minutes of active time.

Here are 21 super easy dinner casseroles that require minimal prep and deliver maximum comfort.

1. Dump-and-Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole

This is the ultimate easy dinner. The rice cooks right in the casserole dish alongside the chicken, absorbing all the savory broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In the baking dish, whisk together the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and garlic powder.
3. Stir in the diced chicken and frozen vegetables.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.

---

2. 5-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna

Skip the tedious layering of traditional lasagna. Using frozen ravioli provides the pasta and the cheese filling all at once.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (24 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the browned meat with the marinara sauce.
3. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Layer half the frozen ravioli, half the remaining sauce, and half the mozzarella.
4. Repeat the layers. Top with Parmesan.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.

---

3. Easy Taco Bake

A deconstructed taco that feeds a crowd with zero fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, mix the browned beef with taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
3. In a 9×13 dish, spread the crushed tortilla chips.
4. Top with the seasoned beef, black beans, and salsa.
5. Cover evenly with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

---

4. Lazy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

All the flavors of chicken Parmesan without the messy breading and frying process.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and marinara sauce. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
4. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

---

5. Sausage and Potato Hash Bake

Smoked sausage is already fully cooked and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect shortcut ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14 oz) smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced into rounds
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers and onions (frozen mix works great)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced sausage, hash browns, peppers and onions, sour cream, and soup.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

---

6. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Rolling cabbage leaves is incredibly time-consuming. Chopping the cabbage and throwing it in a dish provides the exact same flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, cooked rice, onion, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir in the browned beef.
3. In a 9×13 baking dish, layer half the chopped cabbage, all of the meat/tomato mixture, and the remaining cabbage on top.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes until the cabbage is very tender.

---

7. Simple Tuna Noodle Casserole

A retro classic that remains popular because it is so incredibly easy to throw together from pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, tuna, soup, milk, and frozen peas.
3. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top evenly with the crushed chips.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

---

8. 4-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake

Pesto is packed with basil, garlic, and cheese, meaning you don’t need to add any other seasonings to make this dish flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the dish.
3. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
4. Top each breast with tomato slices and a generous handful of mozzarella.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

---

9. Cheesy Broccoli and Quinoa Casserole

Quinoa cooks quickly and provides a massive boost of protein to this simple vegetarian bake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13 baking dish, mix the dry quinoa, vegetable broth, and garlic powder.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven, stir in the broccoli, milk, and 1 cup of the cheese.
5. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes.

---

10. Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake

A fun, kid-friendly dinner that uses a boxed cornbread mix to create a sweet and savory crust over the meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce (like Manwich)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (plus ingredients listed on box to prepare it)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, mix the browned beef, Sloppy Joe sauce, and frozen corn. Simmer for 3 minutes, then pour into a 9×9 baking dish.
3. Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package directions. Stir the cheddar cheese into the batter.
4. Spread the batter evenly over the meat mixture.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

---

11. French Onion Chicken Casserole

Using canned French onion soup provides a deeply savory, slow-cooked flavor without standing over a stove caramelizing onions for an hour.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (like French’s)
• 1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Pour the condensed French onion soup evenly over the chicken.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
5. Top with the cheese and crispy fried onions. Bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

---

12. Easy Enchilada Casserole

Instead of individually rolling tortillas, simply layer them like a lasagna for the exact same flavor in half the time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the browned meat with the green chiles and half of the enchilada sauce.
3. In a 9×13 dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer half the tortillas, all of the meat mixture, and 1 cup of cheese.
4. Top with the remaining tortillas, the rest of the sauce, and the remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

---

13. Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake

Using refrigerated biscuit dough creates a fluffy, pillowy base that soaks up the marinara sauce beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Grands)
• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed slightly
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Place the biscuit pieces in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
3. Top the biscuits with the meatballs.
4. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the biscuits are cooked through. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

---

14. Quick Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Stuffing chicken breasts is tedious. This recipe layers the ham and Swiss cheese directly on top of the chicken.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup stuffing mix (like Stove Top)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish. Top each breast with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the soup and milk. Pour over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

---

15. Tater Tot Breakfast-for-Dinner Casserole

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit, and using frozen tater tots as the base makes this incredibly hearty and simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer in a 9×13 baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and cheese.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and pepper. Pour evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the eggs are set and the tots are golden.

---

16. Easy Baked Ziti

A simpler, faster alternative to lasagna that still delivers the classic combination of pasta, ricotta, and meat sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce.
3. Pour half the pasta mixture into a 9×13 dish. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta.
4. Top with the remaining pasta.
5. Cover with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes until melted.

---

17. Chili Dog Casserole

A wildly popular, kid-friendly dinner that turns a messy cookout favorite into a simple, sliceable bake.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 8 hot dogs, sliced into rounds
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chili (with or without beans)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Press the biscuit dough flat into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish to form a crust.
3. Scatter the sliced hot dogs over the dough.
4. Pour the chili evenly over the hot dogs.
5. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

---

18. Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

A rich, vibrant vegetarian casserole that feels sophisticated but requires only four ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.

---

19. Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

A low-carb, high-protein casserole that delivers all the flavor of buffalo wings with none of the mess.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
• 2 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a 9×13 baking dish, toss the raw cauliflower florets with the shredded chicken.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Pour over the chicken and cauliflower, tossing to coat.
4. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
5. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

---

20. Simple Sausage and Pepper Penne

Baking the sausage and peppers directly with the pasta allows all the savory juices to flavor the entire dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 package (14 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sliced sausage, bell peppers, and marinara sauce.
3. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

---

21. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

A Tex-Mex classic that relies on canned soups and tomatoes for a rich, creamy sauce without any stovetop roux.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Ro-Tel)
• 10 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, both soups, and the diced tomatoes with green chiles.
3. In a 9×13 dish, layer half the torn tortillas, half the chicken mixture, and 1 cup of cheese.
4. Repeat the layers.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

---

Getting dinner on the table during a busy weeknight does not have to be a stressful endeavor. By utilizing smart shortcuts like pre-cooked proteins, frozen vegetables, and dump-and-bake methods, casseroles can reclaim their title as the ultimate easy dinner.

These 21 recipes prove that with just a few ingredients and a single baking dish, you can create hearty, comforting meals that the whole family will love, all while keeping your kitchen clean and your evening relaxed.