Casseroles have a magical way of bringing comfort and warmth to any mealtime. They are often the hallmark of home cooking, evoking memories of Mom’s kitchen and the delicious aromas that filled the air. Here, we’ve gathered 8 of Mom’s best casserole recipes for you to enjoy. From creamy macaroni and cheese to hearty beef and potato bakes, these dishes are sure to become family favorites.
1. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
This timeless dish combines tender egg noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, and flaky tuna, topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and always hits the spot. Mom’s recipe includes a touch of celery for added crunch and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, celery, and half of the cheese.
- Stir in cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
2. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a complete meal in one dish. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce come together for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. Mom always adds a sprinkle of crushed crackers on top for extra crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
3. Beef and Potato Casserole
This hearty casserole is a comforting combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory gravy. Mom’s secret ingredient is a dash of Worcestershire sauce, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
4. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Mom’s recipe features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce with hints of garlic and thyme.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
5. Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Who says casseroles are just for dinner? This sausage and spinach breakfast casserole is a delicious way to start the day. Mom’s recipe combines savory sausage, nutritious spinach, and gooey cheese for a breakfast everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 6 slices bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, wilt spinach over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a greased baking dish, layer bread cubes, cooked sausage, wilted spinach, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
6. Vegetable and Quinoa Casserole
For a healthy and flavorful option, try Mom’s vegetable and quinoa casserole. Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and melted cheese, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
A classic comfort food, Mom’s shepherd’s pie casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes come together for a deliciously nostalgic dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables and tomato sauce to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Transfer beef and vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
8. Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Last but certainly not least, Mom’s macaroni and cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this dish is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
These 8 casserole recipes are a tribute to Mom’s kitchen and the delicious meals she always made with love. Whether you’re craving a comforting classic or looking to try something new, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy!