Convenient, easy and comforting, casseroles are an easy dinner option minus the hours spent at the stovetop. Best of all, it’s easy to conceal garden-fresh veggies in a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. We’ve gathered the best casserole recipes that are light and easy to whip up, even on the hottest summer days. See them all below.
Beefy Zucchini Casserole
If your backyard garden is bursting with zucchini, this is the casserole for you! “This Beefy Zucchini Casserole has made an appearance on the summer dinner menu for over 30 years in my family," says Mary Ann, the resident cook, writer and photographer behind the blog The Beach House Kitchen. “All you’ll need is some ground beef, yellow onion, garlic, zucchini, shredded Colby Jack cheese and one can of cream of mushroom soup, and in less than an hour dinner is on the table.” Get the recipe here.
Cool Ranch Potato Casserole
What kid (or adult!) doesn’t love the tangy flavor of Cool Ranch seasoning? Entice your family to the dinner table with a potato-based casserole loaded with ranch seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles. Great for outdoor summer dinners! Get the recipe here.
Creamy Margherita Quinoa Bake
“This initially unassuming quinoa bake is consummately delicious comfort food,” said Sarah, the writer/cook/photo-taker behind A Love Letter to Food. “With stretchy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor, and strips of basil, it’s pretty much all the things you love about a Margherita pizza in creamy casserole form.” Get the recipe here.
Greek Pastitsio
Pastitsio is Greek comfort food at its finest. This lightened-up recipe for the flavor-packed baked pasta can even be prepared the night before—just cover tightly and refrigerate and bake the next day when you’re ready for dinner. Get the recipe here.
Skillet Eggplant Lasagna
No-boil lasagna noodles make this casserole come together with hardly any cleanup efforts. Though this recipe is vegetarian, you can always replace the eggplant with Italian sausage. Get everything you need to make this casserole by clicking here.
Baked Tomato Casserole
Gather tomatoes from your garden and bake them up into a delicious and healthy casserole. “A handful of panko bread crumbs added to the parmesan cheese topping would be an excellent addition,” recommends Sharon Rigsby of Grits and Pinecones. Get the recipe by clicking here.
Corn Soufflé
This classic corn casserole is the perfect addition to your summer table, either as a main or a side. Top with finely chopped herbs from the garden. Get the recipe here.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
A creamy, decadent sauce made with four kinds of cheese and tender chunks of lobster are baked together into this indulgent casserole for every season. “Investing in fresh meat that comes from your local fish market will make for the best result possible,” recommends Jocelyn Delk Adams, the tastemaker behind the foodie blog Grandbaby Cakes. Find out all the ingredients you'll need to make this dish by clicking here.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Transform this classic casserole into a healthy dinner dish the whole family with love by following the recipe for this creamy, completely delicious version—it’s vegan and gluten-free, too! Even better if you can use the fresh green beans from your garden! Get the recipe here.
Six-Ingredient Plant-Based Enchiladas
Just six ingredients fall together in these enchiladas, which are baked for just 25 minutes. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole and chips (plus margaritas for moms and dads!) for a summer dinner to remember. This recipe calls for Loma Linda Taco Filling, but you can use any faux meat you like, seasoned with a dash of chili powder, cumin and paprika. Get the recipe here.
Hawaiian Chicken and Rice Casserole
The flavors of the islands meld in this easy weeknight casserole that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: pineapple, chicken, sliced almonds, water chestnuts, green onions and rice cooked in coconut milk.
Egg Casserole with Salmon & Tomato
This healthy casserole works for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. “Call it a salmon casserole recipe or a gluten-free crustless quiche,” said dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Amy Gorin. “Whatever its name, it’s guaranteed to be one of the most delicious egg recipes you’ll ever eat. Get the recipe here.
—Amy Bizzarri
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