40 Classic Dinners That Taste Better as Casseroles

Read Time: 18 mins

40 Classic Dinners That Taste Better as Casseroles2/39 Inspired By: Ham and Swiss Sandwich 29 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Ham and Swiss Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it’s always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 360 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. 3/39 Inspired By: Corn Dogs 59

It’s perfect for the football parties my husband

Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Corn Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Nicole Perry for Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It’s perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 578 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. 4/39 Inspired By: Nachos 18 Reviews

It’s sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too

Test Kitchen Approved Nacho Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it’s always a favorite of my family and friends. It’s sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 496 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. 5/39 Inspired By: Shrimp Pasta 26 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Angel Hair Shrimp Bake Recipe photo

by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 340 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. 6/39 Inspired BY: Macaroni and Cheese 22 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Spicy Chicken and

Bacon Mac Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’ve been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate side dish! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 673 calories, 50g fat (28g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. 7/39 Inspired By: Chop Suey 23 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chinese Beef Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings

8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Crispy chow mein noodles top this twist on chop suey that’s sure to be a family favorite. Willie DeWaard – Coralville, IA Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 461 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1233mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. 8/39 Inspired by: Cabbage Rolls 135 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to

create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. 9/39 Inspired by: Supreme Pizza 13 Reviews Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I discovered this recipe in the reader’s exchange page of our local electric cooperative’s magazine. Serve it whenever you’ve got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky Nutrition

This dish always gets rave reviews!

Facts: 1 serving: 422 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. 10/39 Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm,

Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods

Cape Coral, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 489 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein. 11/39 Inspired by: Cheeseburgers & Fries 35 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It’s a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2

cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. 12/39 Meatball Submarine Casserole 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 417 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1243mg

sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein

sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. 13/39 Reuben Bread Pudding 11 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Reuben Bread Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Our Aunt Renee always brought this casserole to family picnics in Chicago. It became so popular that she started bringing two or three. I have also made it using dark rye bread or marbled rye, and ham instead of corned beef—all the variations are delicious! —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 390 calories, 25g fat

You can bake your own biscuits as I do or buy them at the store

(10g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. 14/39 Inspired by: Chicken Potpie 40 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 55 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits as I do or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 488 calories, 26g fat (14g

Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite

saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. 15/39 Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake 29 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There’s no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio Nutrition Facts:

—Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 527 calories, 28g fat

1 sandwich: 485 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 918mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. 16/39 Taco Salad Casserole 88 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taco Salad Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 527 calories, 28g fat

If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both

(12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1529mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein. 17/39 Shrimp and Grits Bake 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Shrimp and Grits Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: On chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska Nutrition Facts: 1-2/3 cups: 360 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g

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• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

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• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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