The cure to a busy day? One of these easy, good-for-you casseroles. Bonus: You can prep them ahead of time, so all you have to do now is set the table and round up your family!
33 Healthy Make-Ahead Casseroles
Updated on Feb. 27, 2023
Southwest Vegetarian Bake
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It’s a healthy canned vegetable recipe that’s perfect anytime I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
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Hamburger Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hamburger casserole recipe is such a hit it's traveled all over the country! My mother invented the recipe in Pennsylvania, I brought it to Texas when I married, I'm still making it in California, and my daughter treats her friends to this oldie in Colorado. It's hearty, yet simple to prepare. —Helen Carmichall, Santee, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
3/33
Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
4/33
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.
5/33
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.
6/33
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.
7/33
Tortilla Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
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Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 304 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
9/33
Pastry-Topped Turkey Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends tell me this is the best potpie they've ever had. Hearty and full-flavored, my comforting classic never lets on that it’s also low in fat and a good source of fiber. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 280 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
10/33
Chipotle Turkey Chilaquiles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a frugal mom, I try to use leftovers in a way that provides good nutrition. This recipe does just that and it’s also a great way for my children to learn to enjoy the flavors of their Mexican heritage. —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice and sour cream): 364 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein.
11/33
Chicken Brunch Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
12/33
Vegetarian Egg Strata
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this with turkey or chicken sausage, but I adapted it for a vegetarian friend, and it was a huge hit. I serve it for brunch with fresh breads or bagels and a big mixed salad featuring arugula, apples and walnuts. It also works well for lunch, served with tomato bisque. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
13/33
Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 339 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a breakfast casserole that is very easy on the cook. I can make it the night before and it's ready in the morning. It's the perfect recipe when I have weekend guests. —Ella Stutheit, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 272 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
15/33
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of frozen potatoes makes this hash brown egg casserole simple to prepare. Featuring bacon and cheddar cheese, this easy egg bake is tasty breakfast or brunch fare. You can even make it the night before, keep in the fridge and bake the next morning—so convenient! —Cheryl Johnson, Plymouth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 227mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
16/33
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.
17/33
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.
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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.
19/33
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.
20/33
Black Beans with Bell Peppers & Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My meat and potatoes husband goes for this cheesy, hearty black beans and rice recipe, and the kids gobble it up. For extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce. —Stephanie Lambert, Moseley, Virgina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 347 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
21/33
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.
22/33
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.
23/33
Greek Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great dish for a Sunday brunch, or you can cut it into six pieces and freeze it to have as a quick and easy breakfast any day of the week. I also like to make it with broccoli, carrots, green onions, Canadian bacon and sharp cheddar cheese; the variations are nearly endless! —Lauri Knox, Pine, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 179 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
24/33
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.
25/33
North African Chicken and Rice
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
26/33
Turkey Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this creamy and comforting dish while I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple yet tasty meal. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 284 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/33
Light Mexican Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A must-try dinner: Here's a healthy layered casserole using whole wheat tortillas, lean beef and more veggies than traditional recipes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without lettuce and tomatoes): 367 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
28/33
Mini Scallop Casseroles
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiny and tender bay scallops take center stage in these miniature dishes. They're reminiscent of potpies, very creamy and packed with flavorful veggies in every bite. —Vivian Manary, Nepean, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
29/33
Garden Veggie Egg Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a healthy day-starter? Children will actually enjoy eating their veggies when they’re baked into this cheesy, nutrition-packed egg dish. —JoAnne Wilson, Roselle Park, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/33
Zucchini Enchiladas
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this enchilada recipe because it helps me serve a healthy but tasty meal to my family. When my garden is bursting with zucchini, I turn to this dinner to make the most of it. My family loves the freshness of this tasty classic. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 326 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
31/33
Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
32/33
Three Bean Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are retired farmers. Our main crop was wheat, and we began growing beans when our son joined the operation. When our church cookbook was revised a couple years ago, this recipe was included among the favorites. —Georgia Hennings, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 19g protein.
33/33
Makeover Husband’s Dinner Delight
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 343 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
