23 hearty meals to really dig into

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If you’re in the mood for something that’s both fulfilling and enjoyable to eat, this collection of 23 dishes is just what you need. Each meal is thoughtfully assembled to ensure you get the full flavor and satisfaction in every bite. From quick weekday dinners to leisurely weekend meals, these dishes are versatile and cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. They’re easy to prepare, too, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, these meals will surely add some excitement to your cooking repertoire.

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheeseburger Casserole

A top-down shot of Cheeseburger Casserole with pickles and cheese nearby.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For those who love the classic taste of a cheeseburger, this casserole is a game changer. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and all the familiar burger toppings, baked into a hearty dish. It’s as comforting as it is filling, making it a great choice for a family dinner. Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional burgers, offering a satisfying meal in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. It’s a simple yet fulfilling meal that combines tender chicken, veggies, and rice, all stir-fried to perfection. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also offers a great way to use leftover rice. It’s a practical, filling meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bringing together the joy of pizza in a casserole form, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It layers your favorite pizza toppings, sauce, and cheese over a satisfying base, baked to gooey perfection. It’s a versatile dish that allows for endless customization, catering to all pizza preferences. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, it promises a deliciously filling experience.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pasta salad is a delicious variation that incorporates juicy rotisserie chicken. It’s both light and satisfying, combining the savory taste of chicken with fresh vegetables and pasta. The salad is coated in a creamy sauce, perfect for picnics or as a filling side dish. It perfectly balances indulgence and freshness, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Broccoli Casserole with Turkey

A casserole dish with broccoli and turkey.
Broccoli Casserole with Turkey. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Here’s a casserole that brings health and taste to the same plate. Featuring nutritious broccoli and lean turkey, it’s baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a great way to get your greens while enjoying a hearty, filling meal. This dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly tasty too.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Turkey

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining tender, juicy steak with pasta might be the ultimate comfort meal. This salad version is refreshing, offering a lighter yet fulfilling experience. Tossed with fresh greens and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for those who love a meaty yet balanced meal. It’s as suitable for a summer BBQ as it is for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Meatloaf Casserole

A Meatloaf Casserole.
Meatloaf Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a heartwarming meal, this casserole takes traditional meatloaf and turns it into a comforting bake. It’s rich, meaty, and topped with a savory sauce that complements the flavors perfectly. Ideal for chilly evenings, it’s a filling dish that brings back fond memories. Plus, it’s simple to make, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this dish that combines tender salmon with pasta. It’s dressed in a light, creamy sauce, offering a refreshing yet satisfying meal. Ideal for those who love seafood, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for a summer lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe takes the classic Cuban sandwich into a casserole for a fun and filling meal. It’s simple to make by layering ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of bread and baking it until golden. The unique twist on the traditional sandwich offers a unique dinner experience that will start a conversation at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a fan of pesto, this orzo salad is a must-try. It’s a light yet fulfilling dish, combining the nutty, herby pesto flavors with orzo pasta. Tossed with fresh veggies, it’s a great side dish or a main for a light lunch. This salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a wonderfully filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stuffed shells get a tasty upgrade with this recipe, filled with seasoned turkey and covered in a rich pesto sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Ideal for a family dinner, it offers a satisfying blend of cheese, meat, and pasta. It’s a creative way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new form.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish brings the vibrant flavors of Spain right to your dinner table. Baked to perfection, it combines rice with a medley of spices and vegetables, creating a filling and aromatic meal. It’s a great side dish or can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal. It’s an easy way to add some international flair to your cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn the classic Sloppy Joe into a hearty casserole for a new dinner favorite. It’s a meaty, saucy, and slightly sweet dish, topped with a layer of fluffy biscuits. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. This dish is a fun, filling twist on a traditional American staple.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate your fried rice game with tender, slow-cooked brisket. This dish combines the smoky flavor of brisket with the classic elements of fried rice, creating a unique and filling meal. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover brisket and turn it into something spectacular. This recipe is a testament to the delicious possibilities of fusion cooking.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Chicken Taco Casserole

A white plate with chicken Taco Casserole avocado on it.
Chicken Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This dish brings the vibrant flavors of tacos into a casserole form, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s made by layering chicken, beans, cheese, and tortillas and then baking until it gets bubbly and delicious. This family-friendly meal is both filling and packed with flavors. Additionally, it’s fun to assemble and even more enjoyable to eat
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Casserole

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet delicious rice dish. It combines rice with olives, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a light and filling side or main. It’s a great way to brighten up your meal with fresh, vibrant flavors. This dish is a testament to the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Enjoy the flavors of tacos in a hearty, baked casserole. It’s a layering of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, coming together for a satisfying meal. Great for a fun dinner or a party dish, it’s sure to please a crowd. This casserole is a delightful twist on a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This green rice dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. It’s a blend of rice, herbs, and green veggies, creating a light yet fulfilling side. Great with grilled meats or as a vegetarian dish, it’s versatile and easy to make. Arroz Verde adds a colorful and tasty twist to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Two skillets filled with chicken and vegetables on a white background.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This casserole combines chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing for a comforting and filling meal. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a family dinner. It’s easy to put together, and the result is always a hit. This dish is a wonderful blend of favorite flavors, all in one comforting bake.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This isn’t your ordinary spaghetti dish; it’s loaded with cheese, meat, and rich sauce. It’s as indulgent as it is satisfying, making it an ideal dish for when you crave something hearty. It’s a fun spin on traditional spaghetti and will surely be a hit at any gathering. This recipe is a decadent way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These stuffed shells are a cheese lover’s dream, filled to the brim with a rich, creamy cheese mixture. They’re baked in a savory tomato sauce, creating a warm, filling meal. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. It’s a simple yet impressive way to enjoy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a fun, rustic dish that combines the heartiness of a casserole with the comfort of cornbread. It’s layered with ground beef, beans, cheese, and topped with cornbread batter, baked until golden. Great for a casual gathering or a family meal, it’s a filling and enjoyable dish. This casserole is a nod to traditional Southern comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic fried rice, featuring savory ham. It’s a great way to use leftover ham, turning it into a quick and filling meal. Mixed with veggies and rice, it’s both a practical and tasty dish. Perfect for a simple yet satisfying dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

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