5 Easy Weeknight Casserole Recipes
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: September 23, 2014

Casseroles can sometimes have a bad rap for being "hum drum" and unhealthy.  These easy casserole recipes are not only good but also good for you. They can be prepared in a flash, even on your busiest weeknights.  When I am creating a casserole, I think of the classic three parts of a meal - a protein, a starch and a vegetable, combined into one.  The starch component can be anything from rice, pasta, quinoa, or even potatoes.  You can use any protein for a casserole whether it's tofu, turkey, tuna, or tempeh.  As for the vegetables, casseroles are a great way to clean out the fridge and use up vegetables that you already have on hand.  Canned or frozen vegetables are always an option too.  These casseroles are meant to tempt the taste buds and inspire you to create something wonderful.
Chile Chicken, Kale and Quinoa Casserole
Recipe from ifoodreal
If anyone says casseroles can't be healthy, then they haven't tried this chile chicken, kale and quinoa casserole.  This Tex-Mex inspired casserole combines with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro, salsa and more.  The best part about this recipe is that no pre-cooking is required.  Everything is thrown together in a casserole dish and baked.

Pesto, Sweet Potato, Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Recipe from Inspiralized
Pesto, sweet potato and broccoli casserole is a vegetarian dish that even meat eaters will love.  The recipe includes two different versions of the casserole - one that is Paleo and the other is not thanks to the generous sprinkling of mozzarella cheese.  Feel free to experiment with other vegetables in this casserole.  Kale, cauliflower, and tomato would all be good in this dish.

 
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Recipe from Renee's Kitchen Adventures
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic and this version is made totally from scratch.  Instead of using a canned cream soup, this recipe encourages home cooks to make their own cream sauce.  It's a bit on the lighter side because it uses 1% milk and low fat cheese and is generous with the vegetables.  Your family is going to love this new and improved tuna casserole.

Pizza Casserole
Recipe from The Midnight Baker
Pizza is a favorite in most households and this pizza casserole is a fun way to serve this comforting dish.  Seasoned ground beef is cooked with tomato sauce and topped with herb biscuits.  The casserole is then covered with cheese and pepperoni before being baked until bubbly.

Lemon Chicken Casserole
Recipe from Gimme Some Oven
Lemon chicken casserole is a simple yet elegant meal.  This comforting meat and potatoes kind of dish is made by mixing chunks of boneless, skinless chicken breast with onion, lemon, and potato.  A combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup to create the luscious sauce.  Serve with a sprinkling of freshly chopped Italian parsley for a bit of freshness.