12 Retro Casserole Recipes Just Like Grandma Used To Make and Love
If the word "casserole" elicits strong feelings of affection then you're in the right place.
If the word "casserole" elicits strong feelings of affection then you're in the right place. I've loved casseroles as long as I can remember. Mom's tuna casserole was one of my favorite childhood meals.
As a mom, I get a deep satisfaction from serving classics like tamale pie and Shepherd's pie to my family. They're always a big hit and make enough for leftovers the next day.
Let's dispel the myth that all casseroles use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. All the casseroles in this list are made with whole ingredients and can be tailored to your and your family's tastes.
Scroll through and find your childhood favorite or a new-to-you casserole to add to your dinnertime routine.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole
If you live in Ohio, you've probably had this beef and macaroni casserole. It's legendary. You can make it ahead of time if you know you're going to have a busy week.
Shipwreck Casserole
This easy casserole uses shredded hashbrowns layered with a seasoned ground beef filling.
Tamale Pie
My sister used to make tamale pie for dinner and I always loved it. The slightly sweetened cornbread tops a Southwestern seasoned ground beef filling.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that my family loves. Italian sausage is my favorite choice because of all the flavor it adds.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
While mom never used a cast iron skillet, I think it's a smart choice for tuna noodle casserole, leading to extra crunchy bits—my favorite part.
Easy Shepherd's Pie
This is a hearty, cozy casserole that takes mere minutes to put together. I like repurposing leftover mashed potatoes for the topping whenever possible.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Skip the cream of mushroom soup and make chicken and rice casserole completely from scratch. Serve with roasted carrots.
Turkey Noodle Casserole
Once the mashed potatoes are gone, what do you do with all the leftover turkey? Turn it into a satisfying egg noodle casserole, of course. This one has a nice crunch from breadcrumbs to complement the creamy, cheesy filling.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Whenever I need an easy win, I turn to a cheesy potato casserole. It's the perfect side to ham or chicken and my whole family loves it.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken noodle is classic comfort food. You can swap out the poached chicken for rotisserie and save yourself some dishes.
Chicken Pot Pie
I’m team double crust when it comes to chicken pot pie. You can use store-bought pie crust to save some time.
Mexican Lasagna
Swap out the lasagna noodles and ricotta for lightly fried corn tortillas and cheddar cheese. You can assemble it ahead of time and then bake it right before serving.