If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than this hearty casserole recipe! It’s so good, I find myself making it every week without fail. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour.
Packed with flavorful veggies, protein, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your home. The best part? It’s super versatile, so you can switch up the ingredients to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
The Ultimate Easy Casserole Recipe
This casserole combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese, all layered on a bed of rice or pasta, depending on your preference. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a cozy dinner that will please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Method:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- If you haven’t already, cook the rice or pasta and set it aside. You can also use leftover rice or pasta for an even quicker assembly.
- Cook and shred or cube your chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great here for a quick shortcut.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice or pasta, frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that golden, melty finish.
- Optional Crunchy Topping:
- If you like a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you’ve added the breadcrumbs, they should be crispy and golden by now.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a big helping and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole:
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try using different vegetables, switching chicken for turkey or beef, or using a different type of cheese.
- One Dish, Less Cleanup: Everything is combined in one casserole dish, which means fewer dishes to wash—win-win!
Make It Your Own: Variations and Substitutions
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Different Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Fresh broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work wonderfully here.
- Try Different Cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for added flavor.
- Healthy Twist: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa. You can also use low-fat cheese and opt for a reduced-fat soup.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time on cooking and shredding chicken. It’s flavorful, juicy, and makes this recipe even quicker to prepare.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover rice, pasta, or chicken from another meal, this casserole is a great way to repurpose them!
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh Salad: Pair this hearty casserole with a light side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: For extra comfort food vibes, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts: A Weekly Favorite!
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and endlessly versatile. It’s so good that I find myself making it every week! The creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty ingredients make it a family favorite that never disappoints.
The next time you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal, give this casserole a try. I promise it will be a hit at your table, just like it is at mine!
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