Casseroles are a classic dinner option for many reasons. They only take up one pan, they're hearty and filling, and they're the ultimate comfort food. However, it's easy to get stuck in a casserole rut once you've perfected a few recipes. Shake things up with one of these eight casseroles and they'll become instant classics in your home.
These range from healthy to totally decadent, and from down-home delicious to elegant and elaborate. Pick one to make tonight and you'll have dinner ready in an hour, and your whole house will smell amazing when it starts bubbling in the oven.
These dishes are also great to bring to a potluck or a dinner party, and they'll shine in a sea of salads and desserts.
Ground lamb seasoned with tomato and lots of spices mixes with a creamy sauce in this dish, and it's all topped with cheese. A little bit of mint throughout brightens up the whole affair.
2. Spinach and Meatball Baked Ziti.
This is true Italian-American comfort food, and it's a great way to get your kids to eat some spinach. They'll never notice that it's there when it's hidden in a pan with cheese, meatballs and pasta. If you're dealing with exceptionally picky eaters, blend the spinach into the tomato sauce.
3. Ham and Leek Baked Gnocchi.
Baking gnocchi is a great way to take the pillowy potato clouds to the next level. Ham and leeks make for a fancy combination, and binding it all together is a cheesy, creamy sauce.
Mac and cheese becomes elegant when you dress it up with sage.
5. Cajun Shrimp Casserole.
This spicy, hearty dish is perfect for a winter evening.
6. Spinach Ravioli Lasagna.
This dish is made with mostly pre-made ingredients so it comes together in a flash. Instead of lasagna noodles, raviolis are lined up in a casserole dish and layered with cheese and alfredo sauce. Another Italian-American classic.
This genius casserole requires some night-before prep, but it means that all you have to do in the morning is throw it in the oven. 35 minutes later, you have a super-hearty breakfast dish for the whole family.
8. Chili Chicken Kale Quinoa Casserole.
This Tex-Mex casserole uses quinoa as a healthy alternative to rice, adding protein and cutting carbs.
