25 casseroles you used to love as a kid

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Casseroles have a special way of bringing us back to our childhoods. There’s just something about a pile of mush in a casserole dish that screams “nostalgia.” Many of us have fond memories of these one-dish wonders that graced our family tables.

This list of 25 casserole recipes is a tribute to those beloved dishes we grew up with. They are simple, satisfying, and just as delicious as you remember them to be.

Head on to the kitchen now for a fresh dose of nostalgia. Dinner always tastes better with it!

A wooden spoon scooping out a portion of cauliflower chicken casserole.
Cauliflower Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Mushroom leek pasta casserole

A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill.
Mushroom leek pasta casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mushroom leek pasta casserole, with an hour and 10 minutes of preparation, is a savory nod to traditional noodle casseroles enjoyed during family celebrations. The earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks create a comforting flavor that many recall from festive meals shared with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom leek pasta casserole

Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole

A childhood favorite, Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole, combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and crispy hash browns. Ready in about 45 minutes, it offers a cheesy and meaty flavor that many remember fondly from their youth. It’s a reminder of those family breakfasts that started the day off right.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie was often the highlight of childhood dinners, with its rich layers of lamb and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make, this dish brings back the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal. The familiar flavors are as satisfying now as they were back then.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Pasta Primavera

Overhead of pasta with mushrooms and green goddess sauce.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pasta Primavera, which takes about 30 minutes to make, is a vibrant dish that harkens back to the vegetable-laden pastas of our youth. It’s packed with fresh veggies and pasta, offering a taste that’s both fresh and reminiscent of the garden flavors we grew to love.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

The Croissant Breakfast Casserole transforms a simple breakfast into a special treat, reminiscent of those weekend family brunches. Ready in about 55 minutes, the buttery croissants, paired with eggs and ham, create a creamy and indulgent flavor that many loved as kids.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

The Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta is a low-carb take on a dish that nods to the pasta bakes of childhood, ready in 30 minutes. Its combination of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes creates a tangy and creamy flavor that offers a comforting taste with a healthier twist.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Feta Pasta, taking about 35 minutes to make, has recently gained popularity, but its roots lie in the simple tomato pasta dishes from our childhood. The roasted tomatoes and feta create a comforting sauce that’s reminiscent of the pasta meals that were a staple at the family table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns was a sleepover favorite, prepared the night before and baked to golden perfection in the morning. With a total time of about 8 hours to set and 45 minutes to bake, this dish’s familiar taste of hash browns, eggs, and sausage is a throwback to those carefree mornings.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Brioche French Toast Casserole, ready in about 45 minutes, is a sweet start to the day that brings back memories of leisurely weekend breakfasts. The custard-soaked brioche and cinnamon evoke the cozy mornings of childhood with a taste that’s both decadent and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Brioche French Toast Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Pot Pie, with a prep time of about 1 hour, is a timeless classic that many remember from family gatherings. Its tender chicken, vegetables, and flaky crust provide a taste of nostalgia, reminding us of the warmth and love baked into every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Sloppy Joe Casserole

The Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready in about 50 minutes, reinvents the messy childhood favorite into a neater, but just as delicious, casserole form. The sweet and tangy flavor of the ground beef and tomato sauce, topped with a biscuit crust, is a playful homage to those fun-filled dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Cheddar Chicken Bake, ready in about 35 minutes, combines the simple joy of a cheesy casserole with the wholesomeness of chicken and quinoa. The rich cheddar sauce envelops the ingredients in a way that takes us back to the comforting meals of childhood.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes, with a baking time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, offers a taste that’s familiar yet exciting, much like the potato dishes that were a hit with kids. The cheesy interior and crunchy topping make it a casserole that’s as delightful now as it was back then.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, taking about 35 minutes to make, is reminiscent of the cabbage rolls that were a staple at many family dinners. This deconstructed version provides the same satisfying flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole form.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole, ready in about 30 minutes, captures the essence of the childhood treat in a dish that’s perfect for family game nights. The combination of seasoned beef, cheese, and chips is a festive taste that brings back memories of laughter and fun.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Turkey And Stuffing Rolls

Turkey rolls with stuffing and cooked carrots.
Turkey And Stuffing Rolls. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Turkey And Stuffing Rolls, taking about 1 hour to prepare, are a clever casserole that offers the flavors of Thanksgiving year-round. This dish is a reminder of holiday feasts, wrapping turkey and stuffing in a cranberry sauce that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Stuffing Rolls

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, requiring about 3 hours in the slow cooker, is a hands-off rendition of the beloved creamy pasta many enjoyed as kids. Its rich and comforting taste is a reminder of the simple joys of childhood meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Brussels Sprouts Casserole, ready in about 35 minutes, turns a once-controversial vegetable into a cheesy delight that even kids would love. The nutty and savory flavors create a sophisticated take on a dish that many have grown to appreciate more over time.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella, with about 1 hour of preparation, is a dish that may remind some of the exotic flavors occasionally introduced at family dinners. Its combination of sweet prunes, olives, and capers offers a savory taste with a hint of sweetness, much like the special meals that felt like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, ready in about 45 minutes, is a casserole that combines flavors many loved as kids: chicken, bacon, and ranch. The smoky, creamy taste is a comforting throwback to the simple, yet delicious meals enjoyed at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

French toast casserole

French Toast Casserole, requiring about 2 hours and 15 minutes in the slow cooker, is a sweet and comforting breakfast that harkens back to the indulgent French toast of childhood. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a taste that’s reminiscent of those special mornings when breakfast felt like dessert.
Get the Recipe: French toast casserole

Roasted cauliflower in green herb sauce

Cozy casserole featuring roasted cauliflower with pesto and parsley in a baking dish.
Roasted cauliflower in green herb sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce, taking about 25 minutes to make, brings a fresh and herbaceous taste to a childhood favorite vegetable. The green sauce adds zest to the roasted cauliflower, creating a light and flavorful dish that’s a far cry from the plain steamed side dishes of youth.
Get the Recipe: Roasted cauliflower in green herb sauce

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

Eating a casserole on a plate with fork.
Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef, with a baking time of about 1 hour, is a tangy and savory dish that may remind some of the unique flavors explored in childhood. Its hearty combination of sauerkraut and beef offers a taste that’s both familiar and intriguing, much like the adventurous meals from family cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Cauliflower Chicken Casserole, taking about 50 minutes to prepare, is a healthier twist on the creamy casseroles of childhood. It pairs tender chicken with cauliflower in a cheesy sauce, offering a comforting and satisfying taste. This dish is a reminder of home-cooked meals that were both nourishing and delightful.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Roasted cauliflower with tomatoes and capers

Roasted Cauliflower with Tomatoes and Capers, which takes about 30 minutes to prepare, offers a Mediterranean twist on the roasted vegetables many grew up with. The earthy cauliflower paired with tangy tomatoes and capers creates a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Get the Recipe: Roasted cauliflower with tomatoes and capers

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