20 Easy & Budget-Friendly 5-Ingredient Casseroles for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Discover the magic of hassle-free cooking with these incredible one-dish meals! We’ve gathered 20 of the best 5-ingredient casserole recipes that promise to revolutionize your dinner routine. Imagine whipping up a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort, a short grocery list, and even shorter clean-up time. That’s the power of these easy casseroles!

When you prioritize recipes with just a few key ingredients, you unlock a world of convenience. Not only do these simple dinner recipes make meal prep a breeze, but they also keep your food budget firmly in check. These budget-friendly casseroles are an absolute lifesaver for those end-of-the-month meals when you need to be mindful of expenses, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Casseroles are truly a culinary marvel. They are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck with friends. Often synonymous with ultimate comfort food, these oven-baked delights offer warmth and satisfaction with every bite. And the best part? Casseroles often taste even better the next day, providing delightful leftovers for a quick and simple lunch or dinner.

So, if you’re on the hunt for stress-free weeknight dinners, looking to save money with cheap meals, or simply craving wholesome comfort food, look no further. Dive into this collection of super tasty 5-ingredient casserole recipes. Give them a try, and don’t forget to let us know which ones become your new family favorites!

Unlocking the Flavor: 20 Best 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipes

When we talk about “5 main ingredients,” we’re focusing on the core components that make up the bulk and character of these dishes. While you’ll still need pantry staples like seasonings, salt, pepper, and a bit of oil or cooking spray, these aren’t counted towards the five primary ingredients. This approach ensures that your grocery list stays short and sweet, making these easy casserole recipes truly budget-friendly and quick to prepare.

New & Exclusive Casserole Creations:

Wholesome Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole

This Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole is a fantastic example of a wholesome, one-dish meal that requires minimal fuss. Brown rice provides a hearty, fiber-rich base, perfectly complemented by tender chicken and sweet carrots. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: everything bakes together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks. It’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, ideal for a comforting family dinner.

5 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or use chicken breast for a leaner option)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp butter, sliced thin
• 5 large carrots, sliced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
• Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Evenly spread the uncooked brown rice on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Arrange the chicken pieces over the top of the rice.
• Generously season the top of the chicken with all the listed seasonings, ensuring even coverage.
• Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken and rice mixture.
• Place the sliced carrots in between the chicken pieces and around the rice.
• Distribute the thin slices of butter over the top of the casserole.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
• Bake for 90 minutes or until the brown rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C).
• Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the frozen peas. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 2 minutes to allow the peas to heat through before serving.

Delightful Hash Brown Casserole: Perfect for Breakfast for Dinner

Who says casseroles are only for dinner? This Hash Brown Casserole is a game-changer, making it perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to have breakfast for dinner. Featuring crispy hash brown patties as the base, it’s topped with a rich, savory egg mixture loaded with bacon (or sausage if you prefer!) and melted cheese. It’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will please everyone at the table. Easy to assemble, it’s a hearty meal for any time of day.

6 servings

Ingredients:

• About 9 hash brown patties (frozen works great)
• 9 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup bacon bits (or cooked and crumbled sausage for variety)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup Mexican style cheese, shredded

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spray a 9×13 baking dish generously with non-stick spray.
• Arrange the hash brown patties side by side to cover the bottom of the baking dish. You may need to overlap slightly.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined. Stir in the bacon bits (or cooked sausage).
• Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican style cheese over the top of the egg mixture.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the center of the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Effortless No Peek Chicken Casserole

The “No Peek” method is a true secret weapon for busy cooks, and this No Peek Chicken Casserole perfectly demonstrates why. It promises tender chicken and perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with absolutely no peeking required during baking! The creamy soup base, combined with savory onion soup mix and classic seasonings, infuses every component with incredible flavor. This casserole is the epitome of hands-off cooking, allowing you to get a delicious, satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort.

5 servings

• 2 cups instant white rice
• 20 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 10 oz water
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Add the instant rice, cream of chicken soup, and water into the baking dish. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Place the chicken tenderloins on top of the rice mixture.
• Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix and additional seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning) over the chicken.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for the “no peek” method to work its magic.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Resist the urge to peek!

Hearty Chili Pot Pie Casserole

This Chili Pot Pie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining a savory, hearty chili base with a tender, golden cornbread topping. It’s a wonderfully warming and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving robust flavors. The recipe is incredibly straightforward, utilizing pantry staples to create a dish that feels homemade and incredibly special. Don’t forget your favorite chili toppings to personalize each serving!

5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 15 oz can chili beans (undrained for extra flavor)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp chili seasoning
• 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix – plus the ingredients the mix calls for (typically 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• To a large pot or skillet on the stove, add the ground beef. Break the ground beef up with a spoon and cook it through over medium heat until no longer pink.
• Carefully remove any excess grease from the pan to ensure a less oily casserole.
• Add in the chili beans (including their liquid), tomato sauce, and chili seasoning. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Pour the prepared chili mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the box of Jiffy corn muffin mix with the ingredients specified on the package (usually 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk). Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
• Carefully spread the corn muffin mixture over the top of the chili in the baking dish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Top with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions and serve warm.

Beloved Casseroles: Family & Friends’ Top Picks

Beyond the new recipes, we have a collection of timeless favorites that have won over countless hearts and stomachs. These cherished casseroles are renowned for their comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing appeal. Each one brings its unique twist to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect casserole for every taste and occasion. Explore these proven recipes that have become staples in many homes.

• Cheesy Pierogi Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Cheesy Pierogi Casserole is one of those meals that uses just a handful of ingredients but tastes amazing. You will love this unique casserole for its incredible ease and hearty, comforting appeal. It perfectly blends soft, savory pierogies with rich, melted cheese, often featuring a creamy sauce and sometimes caramelized onions. This one-dish wonder is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a warm, filling meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

  40 votes 4.1
  Cuisine: American, European

• Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

  Difficulty: Easy

  This Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is an easy yet impressive option for a Sunday dinner with family. It features layers of tender chicken, nutritious spinach, creamy ricotta, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This casserole delivers sophisticated Italian-American flavors with minimal fuss, making it perfect for both special occasions and comforting weeknight meals. It’s a satisfying and wholesome dish that everyone will adore.

  10 votes 5.0
  Cuisine: Italian, American

• Five-Ingredient Mexican Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Spice up your dinner table with this vibrant Five-Ingredient Mexican Casserole. This incredibly easy recipe brings together classic Mexican flavors in a single dish, often featuring seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, cheese, and tortillas, all baked with a zesty sauce. It’s perfect for satisfying those Mexican food cravings on a busy weeknight and is highly customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado. Simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family meal.

  4 votes 5.0
  Cuisine: Mexican

• Baked Ziti (5- Ingredient)

  Difficulty: Easy

  Indulge in a classic Italian favorite with this incredibly simple 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti. This comforting casserole features perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, all creating a bubbling, cheesy dish that’s a joy to eat. It’s an ideal recipe for a quick family dinner or when you need to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and a short grocery list. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete and satisfying Italian feast that’s sure to be a hit.

  Cuisine: Italian

• Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Brighten your dinner with this flavorful Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole. This inviting dish combines tender chicken pieces with aromatic yellow rice, often infused with savory spices and sometimes vibrant vegetables like peas or peppers. It’s a wonderfully easy and hearty one-pan meal that brings a touch of sunshine to your table, perfect for a cozy family dinner. The convenience of a single dish makes clean-up a breeze, adding to its appeal for busy cooks and making it a fantastic easy dinner solution.

  8 votes 4.3
  Cuisine: American

• French Onion Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Experience the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup transformed into an easy casserole. This French Onion Casserole typically features deeply caramelized onions, tender beef (or a suitable substitute), savory broth, and a golden, cheesy bread topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cooler evenings. Despite its gourmet taste, this casserole is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it a fantastic choice for a comforting yet effortless meal that will impress your family and friends.

  9 votes 4.6
  Cuisine: American

• Chicken Stuffing Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year with this incredibly comforting Chicken Stuffing Casserole. This dish usually features layers of tender cooked chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s a beloved family favorite for its hearty and satisfying qualities, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or providing delicious leftovers. The simplicity of using pre-made stuffing mix makes this recipe a breeze to prepare on any busy night, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss.

  31 votes 4.0
  Cuisine: American

• Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make, this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delicious dish that’s sure to please a crowd. Savor all the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a convenient casserole format. This dish typically includes thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, all baked together into a creamy, savory masterpiece. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a game night or a casual family dinner, offering a taste of a classic sandwich without the need for rolls. Easy to make, it’s a surefire hit with everyone, especially those looking for simple ingredients and maximum flavor.

  25 votes 4.6
  Cuisine: American

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an easy layered casserole dish that gives you all the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu without all of the fuss. Discover the elegance of this classic dish in a simplified, comforting casserole form. This casserole perfectly layers tender chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese, often combined with a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. It delivers all the sophisticated flavors of the classic dish without the hassle of individual rolling and frying. Ideal for a special family meal or when you want to impress without the stress, this casserole is both easy to make and incredibly delicious, making it a perfect easy dinner option.

  28 votes 4.6
  Cuisine: American

• Chicken Wrapped in Crescent Rolls with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

  Difficulty: Easy

  Tender seasoned chicken is enveloped in pastry and smothered with rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This Chicken Wrapped in Crescent Rolls is easy, delicious, and feels fancy! Experience a truly gourmet-feeling meal with minimal effort. This delightful casserole features seasoned, tender chicken pieces elegantly wrapped in flaky crescent roll pastry, then smothered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a dish that looks and tastes fancy, making it perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner, yet remains incredibly easy to prepare with just a few main ingredients. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, proving quick meals can be elegant.

  1 vote 5.0
  Cuisine: Italian, American

• Salsa Verde Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Infuse your dinner with a zesty kick by preparing this vibrant Salsa Verde Casserole. This dish typically combines chicken (or another protein) with tortillas, plenty of cheese, and the bright, tangy flavors of salsa verde, all baked until bubbly and delicious. It’s a refreshing take on a Mexican-inspired casserole, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying flavor profile compared to red sauce versions. Simple to assemble and bursting with fresh taste, it’s a fantastic weeknight option that brings excitement to your dinner table with minimal ingredients.

  Cuisine: Mexican

• Chicken Alfredo Casserole with Broccoli

  Difficulty: Easy

  Enjoy a rich and creamy Italian-American classic transformed into an easy casserole with this Chicken Alfredo Casserole with Broccoli. This comforting dish features tender pasta, succulent chicken, and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a decadent Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that effortlessly brings together protein, vegetables, and pasta in one dish, ideal for a hearty family dinner. The simplicity of preparation makes it a go-to for busy evenings, offering robust flavor with simple ingredients.

  8 votes 4.1
  Cuisine: American

• Chicken Parmesan Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Savor the beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a convenient and fuss-free casserole. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole layers tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, often with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, all baked together until bubbly and golden. It delivers all the iconic taste of the classic Italian-American dish without the need for individual breading and frying. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, making it a stellar addition to your quick dinner repertoire.

  101 votes 4.3
  Cuisine: Italian, American

• No Peek Pork Chop Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Discover the magic of hands-off cooking with this incredibly simple No Peek Pork Chop Casserole. This hearty dish features tender pork chops nestled over a bed of rice and a creamy sauce, all baked together without needing to lift the lid. The “no peek” method ensures perfectly cooked rice and juicy pork chops with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner when you want a delicious meal with little supervision. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder that delivers big on flavor and convenience.

  77 votes 4.3
  Cuisine: American

• Black Bean Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  For a flavorful and satisfying meatless meal, look no further than this versatile Black Bean Casserole. This hearty dish typically combines protein-rich black beans with corn, salsa, rice, and cheese, creating a vibrant and wholesome vegetarian option. It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or extra veggies, making it a flexible choice for diverse tastes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it proves that meatless meals can be utterly delicious and filling, and best of all, budget-friendly.

  24 votes 4.3
  Cuisine: American

• Cheesy Ham and Noodle Casserole

  Difficulty: Easy

  Delight in classic comfort with this incredibly easy Cheesy Ham and Noodle Casserole. This family-friendly dish combines tender pasta noodles, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s an ideal way to use up leftover ham and create a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Simple to prepare and deeply comforting, it’s a perfect option for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, providing a delightful and easy dinner solution.

  4 votes 5.0
  Cuisine: American

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Dinner Casseroles

While the casseroles shared above are often complete meals on their own – offering a fantastic, easy way to feed a crowd – you can always enhance your dinner with some tasty side dishes. These simple additions can complement the rich flavors and textures of your casserole, rounding out the meal perfectly. Here are some of my go-to side options that pair wonderfully with almost any casserole:

• Veggies: Brighten up your plate and add extra nutrition with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, sweet peas, or roasted carrots are all excellent choices that add freshness and color without overpowering the main dish. A light vinaigrette on a salad can cut through the richness of a creamy casserole.
• Bread: Nothing quite completes a comforting casserole like a warm piece of bread for soaking up all the delicious sauces. Consider soft dinner rolls, crusty garlic bread, a rustic French bread, or even sweet Hawaiian rolls for a touch of contrast.
• Dessert: After a satisfying casserole, a sweet treat is always a welcome finish. Keep it simple with classic chocolate chip cookies, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or for something a bit more substantial, a fruit pie or crumble. The options are endless, so pick whatever brings you joy!

Once you’ve decided on your perfect casserole and complementary sides, all that’s left is to get cooking and dig in! Let us know which easy 5-ingredient casserole you choose to make and enjoy – we love hearing about your culinary adventures!

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• Watch Our Cooking Videos on YouTube

If you decide to give any of these incredible 5-ingredient casserole recipes a try, make sure to share your creations and tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking! We love seeing how much you enjoy our easy dinner recipes and hearing your feedback. Happy cooking!