Looking to make your home-cooked dinner work a little harder? These light-ish casserole recipes are delicious one-dish dinners, and every one of them is good leftover for lunch the next day (even cold!)
30 Light Casseroles for Tonight’s Dinner and Tomorrow’s Lunch
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
1/29
2/29
Chicken Amandine
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 297 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
3/29
Zucchini Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
4/29
Mexicali Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like Mexican food but are watching your diet, try this tasty bake. It takes advantage of ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor. —Gertrudis C. Miller, Evansville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
5/29
Roasted Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
6/29
Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 252 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
7/29
Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 357 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
8/29
Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped Cajun cabbage that I adapted from a friend's recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, but I also get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
9/29
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
10/29
Unstuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
11/29
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
12/29
Beef, Potato & Egg Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To keep my family going strong throughout the day, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed dish. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
13/29
Chicken Tetrazzini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend shared a version of this recipe with me 35 years ago. I pay it forward by bringing the second casserole to friends when they are unable to cook. —Helen McPhee, Savoy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 576 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 814mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
14/29
Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
15/29
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 481 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1174mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
16/29
Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am fond of this lighter version of my shrimp casserole. It has only half the calories and sodium and less fat than my original recipe. —Marie Roberts, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 318 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/29
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
18/29
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 385mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/29
Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
20/29
Greek Zucchini & Feta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to highlight your meal with something light, indulgent and golden on top? Turn to this Greek-style egg bake. —Gabriela Stefanescu, Webster, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 231 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
21/29
Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 341 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
22/29
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
23/29
Southwest Vegetarian Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/29
Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 445 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
25/29
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
26/29
Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Balsamic Vegetables
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The veggies can be prepared while the squash is in the microwave, so I can have this satisfying low-carb and low-fat vegan spaghetti squash recipe on the table in about half an hour. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup bean mixture with 1 cup squash: 386 calories, 16g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
27/29
Chicken Tamale Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I serve this Mexican-style casserole, everyone scrapes the plate clean. Offer fresh toppings like green onions, tomatoes and avocado. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 364 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
28/29
Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 230 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
29/29
Crouton Tomato Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned side uses lots of delicious tomatoes and seasonings that give it an Italian twist. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. —Norma Nelson, Punta Gorda, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 197 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.