Five Ingredient Casseroles

Casseroles are delicious, quick to make, and can serve as a one-dish meal. To me, they mean a combination of meat, pasta, rice, beans, or veggies with a sauce and perhaps a topping, baked in the oven until bubbly. These five ingredient casserole recipes make these wonderful dishes even better.

I have a large collection of casserole recipes and have altered many of them to use only five ingredients. You, of course, are free to add more ingredients!

To save even more time, most casseroles freeze very well. Think about doubling a favorite recipe and freezing half for a later time. Check make ahead casseroles for more information. Having a casserole ready and waiting for you is one of the best time savers in the kitchen, bar none.

• Shepherd's Pie
  This rich and comforting pie is super easy. You could use mashed potatoes made from the dry flakes if you'd like.
• Easy Lasagna
  Chunky pasta sauce with vegetables is the secret ingredient to this delicious lasagna. You can, of course, add more vegetables if you'd like.
• Chicken Manicotti
  I love making this casserole because it's so fun to assemble. And it tastes great too.
• Ziti Chicken Casserole
  Substitute any tubular pasta for the ziti in this easy recipe if you'd like. You could also use your favorite cheese if Muenster isn't your thing.
• Old Fashioned Skillet Goulash
  Condensed tomato soup adds a delicious tang to this super simple recipe. Kids love it!
• Chicken Tortellini Casserole
  This simple recipe is one of my favorites. You could use plain or garlic-flavored Alfredo sauce if you'd like.
• Meaty Hash Brown Potato Casserole
  Hash brown potatoes and frozen meatballs again come to the rescue in this wonderful casserole. Add a cup or two of frozen vegetables for more nutrition.
• Chili Rice Casserole
  Now this is a classic! If you like it really spicy, use canned jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese, plus add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Most of these recipes are very easy to make ahead (unless the meat has been only partially cooked). Just assemble them when you're in the kitchen, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to eat, just pull the dish out of the fridge and bake, adding 10-15 minutes to the recipe's baking time. All you need is a salad and some bread and you have an excellent meal on the table in minutes.