Casseroles are one of the simplest dishes to make in your kitchen for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a picnic with friends. But the best thing about this dish is that you are free to get creative with your casserole by adding all the unique ingredients you prefer to create your peculiar dish. If you want to try out some new recipes this winter, we’ve got 15 cozy ideas to warm you up and leave you satisfied. If you’re set for these recipes, then jump right in!
1. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Let’s start with this classic comfort dish that requires only your minimalistic ingredients so far. You are good to go if you have some tender chicken in the freezer (thigh is best), any type of dry rice, and some creamy sauce for its toppings. All you need to do is simply mix and bake—quite easy! Mid-West Foodie Blog also has a simple granny 1-hour recipe that you can try with chicken thighs, carrots, celery, rice, and so much more. So try this recipe if you’re feeling like a little pan of chicken and rice casserole.
2. Beef and Mushroom Casserole
Beef is a solid protein, and mushrooms are rich in Vitamin C. Therefore, marshing both into a casserole is not just delicious, but it is also one of the most nutritional dishes you can serve this season. Luckily, ‘I Am Home Steader’ has a simple recipe that you can try with just six ingredients including onions and butter. Easy to find in any local grocery store, you only need an hour to prepare this deliciousness.
3. Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole
So, maybe you are not a meat fan, but that’s not a problem because this vegetarian Quinoa casserole also contains some wholesome ingredients to leave your mouth watery. Packed with all sorts of veggies (from broccoli, cloves, chickpeas, etc.), this veggie, melted cheese, and quinoa mix is all that’s needed to keep you warm during the cooler December season. For a step-by-step guide into this deliciousness, try Lexi’s Clean Kitchen recipe, and don’t forget to be creative with the colorful vegetables.
4. Baked Ziti
Have you ever tried casserole that’s dominated by pasta instead of conventional rice? If not, then you must try the baked ziti this season. But note that if you don’t already have the pasta at home, you would need to go shopping for some ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and of course, some melted mozzarella. This dish is also perfect if you’re having people over. Not only is the baked ziti casserole delicious and creamy, but it also gives an Italian feeling to your plate. For the simplest recipe, take a look at Mid Get Momma‘s.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole
This is another nutritious option for those with a knack for healthy foods. Full of fresh ingredients like black beans, shredded cheese, chunky salsa, numerous spices, and diced sweet potato, this Mexican-inspired dish is the sort of savor you need on your plate. In less than 30 minutes, you can make Fresh Simple Home’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole recipe.
6. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Besides chicken and rice, this is another classic casserole recipe, but you’d be surprised how many people still don’t know how to make it. To prepare this classic dish, you’ll need tuna (of course), egg noodles, and any sort of creamy mushroom sauce (which some people love to make at home). You’ll also need to sacrifice 40 minutes of your time in the kitchen for this lovely dish. Last of all, follow Hungry Hobby’s recipe to the letter, and there you’ll have it—your own tasteful tuna noodle casserole for those colder winter mornings.
7. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Craving for something creamy yet crunchy? Then you must try this broccoli and cheese casserole. Still the same method for preparation, but with a little hint of uniqueness from the others. While you can add some rice like the one in Chef Savvy’s recipe, or you can decide to make it a simple broccoli and cheese, the deliciousness is the same. However, this perfect Christmas side dish needs almost an hour to prepare—but it’s certainly worth it!
8. Sausage and Potato Casserole
Another cozy, comforting, and filling casserole dish is the one from Home Made Interest. Comprising of cheesy sausages, potato, and onions, this meal will surely leave you craving more. Nonetheless, it’s preferable and sweeter to go for sweet potatoes than the others. Also, don’t forget to dice the potatoes before mixing, and add some Worcestershire sauce and mushroom soup for taste.
9. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
In a single dish of spinach, you’ll get loads of protein, a good amount of carbohydrates, potassium and calcium, vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6, Magnesium and so many more good food classes. Imagine pairing this delicacy with Artichoke chicken with no frying and nothing but creamy baking. That’s why it’s a big must for you to try Recipes To Nourish’s Spinach and Artichoke chicken casserole. Great for any occasion, it’s also perfect for warming you up during the cooler time of December.
10. Mexican Enchilada Casserole
Inspired by the spicy, tasty, and flavorful Mexican dish, this casserole mix comprises a creamy layer of tortillas, seasoned ground beef (and you can also use chicken if you want a tender bite), enchilada sauce, and, of course, lots of cheese. While this dish is best for dinner by the fireplace, it’s also a great side dish after a family brunch gathering. To make one of these, simply follow the recipe from Gracie Like Rain Blog, and you’ll have a tasty one on your pan in 45 minutes.
11. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Do you have lots of eggplant and you have no idea what to do with it? Or are you simply looking to try a colorful, tasty option as a vegetarian? Then pull out those freshly washed eggplants and dice them into crunchy tiny bits. Add some marinara sauce and melted plant cheese. You are also free to add some of the spices you have at home for a little uniqueness to your taste or even pasta (zucchini, too is great), and that’s it. For step-by-step instructions on this flavorful dish, follow the recipe from The NY Melrose Family.
12. Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
Who does not love mac and cheese? It’s not just an international classic but also a great recipe to mix and bake for your December season casserole. There’s no need to worry if you don’t know how to make this creamy deliciousness. 12 Tomatoes has a complete step-by-step guide to making the perfect Chili mac and cheese casserole. Go to the store and get yourself the freshest ingredients you can find, and don’t forget chili, macaroni, and cheese.
13. Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole
Like spinach, sage also has a packed nutritional quality including it being a very functional antioxidant. Mixed with butternut squash, this creamy combo will make the seasonal delight you’ll crave for the coolness of the winter season. Luck for you, it also takes less than an hour to prepare than most casserole dishes. You only need to pull out your pan and follow Cheff recipes. Remember that if you can’t get sage, you can achieve the same dish with either black bean or zucchini.
14. Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
This list cannot be complete without mentioning the classic Thanksgiving inspiration, turkey and stuffing. Shredded and stuffed with gravy and sweetness, this casserole dish is the best for anyone who doesn’t want to do much but also wants a warm flavour-packed dish for winter. Cooking With Janica has the recipe to help you achieve this dish.
15. Ham and Potato Casserole
As the final recipe on our list, Life Made Simple Bakes’ Ham and Potato casserole is a must-try especially if you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish for you and your family during the snowy evening. Add some diced potatoes to washed ham, and pour in some cheesy cream sauce and there you have it.
Make sure you try any one of these recipes immediately and don’t forget to share with us in the comment about how your tasty exploration turned out. Catch you in the next post.
15 Delicious Casseroles Perfect For Winter
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g of lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 1 packet, 1 oz or approximately 28 g of low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 can, 15 oz or approximately 425 g of pinto beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup 150 g of sweet corn (you can use frozen or canned corn with no added sugar)
- 1 cup 150 g of diced tomatoes
- ½ cup 75 g of chopped onions
- ½ cup 75 g of chopped bell peppers (you can use various colored peppers)
- ½ cup 60 g of grated low-fat queso fresco
- 2 whole wheat tortillas, approximately 6-7 inches in diameter, cut into thin strips
- ¼ cup 60 ml of low-fat Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a suitable-sized baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until thoroughly cooked and browned. Add the low-sodium taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Then, remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and bell peppers.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the mixture of beans and vegetables and mix everything together.
- In the greased baking dish, place a layer of the thin strips of whole wheat tortillas on the bottom. Pour half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the grated low-fat queso fresco over the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Add another layer of tortilla strips and top with the remaining meat and vegetable mixture.
- Finish with a layer of grated low-fat queso fresco on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve individual portions with a teaspoon of low-fat Greek yogurt on top as a dressing.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
