Are you in search of comfort food that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Look no further. Covered casserole recipes are the epitome of home-cooked goodness, with layers of flavor cooked to perfection under a comforting lid. In this article, we'll dive into a collection of 10 mouthwatering covered casserole recipes that you can prepare with ease, perfect for any meal or occasion. Let's get started on this culinary journey!
1. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Nothing spells comfort like a cheesy casserole. Here's how to make one with tender chicken and crisp broccoli:
- 2 cups of cooked, chopped chicken
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp of butter, melted
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam or boil broccoli until just tender, then combine with chicken in a casserole dish.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and broccoli, then top with shredded cheese.
- Combine bread crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden.
🧀 Note: For an extra cheesy experience, mix some parmesan with the bread crumbs!
2. Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole
Sweet and savory, this casserole packs a punch with its delicious combination:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer sweet potatoes and sausage in a casserole dish.
- Mix brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with pecans if using.
- Cover and bake for 50 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
🍠 Note: Add some chopped apples for an extra sweet note!
3. King Ranch Chicken Casserole
The King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a Tex-Mex classic that layers chicken with tortillas and a rich, spicy sauce:
- 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 10 corn tortillas, torn
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of Ro*Tel tomatoes with chilies
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix soups, Ro*Tel, spices, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
- Layer the casserole: Start with half of the tortillas, half of the chicken, then half of the soup mixture, and half of the cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
4. Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is a timeless dish that brings back memories of childhood:
- 2 cups of egg noodles, cooked
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 tsp of mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine noodles, tuna, soup, milk, peas, cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish.
- Mix bread crumbs with parmesan and sprinkle on top.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until the top is golden.
5. Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
This vegetarian take on the classic shepherd's pie is both comforting and healthy:
- 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas
- 1 cup of vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 tsp of thyme
- 1 tsp of rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of cheese, grated (optional)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, sauté onions and carrots until tender. Add peas, lentils, stock, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, spread mashed potatoes on top, and sprinkle cheese if using.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake until the potatoes are golden.
6. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff Casserole
Transform the traditional stroganoff into a casserole for a new take on an old favorite:
- 1 lb of beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of beef broth
- 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz of egg noodles, cooked
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix in the soup, sour cream, and broth. Add cooked noodles and pour into a casserole dish.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Enchilada Casserole
Turn your love for enchiladas into a layered casserole:
- 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups of enchilada sauce
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of diced green chilies
- 1 tsp of cumin
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chicken with half the cheese, beans, corn, onions, chilies, cumin, and salt.
- Layer tortillas in the bottom of a casserole dish, then add a layer of the chicken mixture. Drizzle with enchilada sauce. Repeat layers, ending with a sauce layer.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered until bubbly.
🌮 Note: For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use extra beans or vegetables!
8. Squash and Spinach Casserole
Light and full of flavor, this casserole is perfect for veggie lovers:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam or roast squash until just tender. Wilt spinach with onions, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix squash, spinach mixture, feta, half the parmesan, and cream in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and bread crumbs.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until the top is golden.
🍁 Note: This dish can be adapted for vegans by using vegan cheese and cream alternatives!
As we have discovered through these recipes, covered casserole dishes are not only about comfort but also about creativity in the kitchen. Each recipe brings its unique flavors and textures, making it a delightful experience to cook and share with family and friends. Whether you're looking for something meaty, cheesy, or plant-based, there's a casserole that fits every palate. So next time you're in need of a warm, satisfying meal, consider whipping up one of these covered casserole recipes. Your home will smell wonderful, and your table will be the heart of your gatherings, filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.
Can I prepare these casseroles ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare most casserole dishes ahead of time. Assemble your casserole, cover it, and refrigerate. You can bake it the next day or freeze it for later use.
What are some time-saving tips for making casseroles?
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Use pre-cooked ingredients like rotisserie chicken or canned vegetables. Also, consider using a slow cooker for some casseroles to save on oven time and energy.
Are there any health-conscious casserole recipes?
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Yes, look for recipes that feature vegetables as the main ingredient or include whole grains. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or cream and substitute with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
