5 Ingredient Casserole Recipes

It's time to introduce some of the best tasting 5 ingredient casserole recipes from creamy to healthy! Casseroles are easy recipes made with little to no prep time and can often be made ahead of time and baked later. They also make great freezer meals!

Casseroles are delicious any time of year! Warming up to a warm casserole in the colder months is the end to a perfect night. But I'll show you that not only are they perfect for warm weather, but also good for breakfast or the hot summer months too!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Top tips for Making 5 Ingredient Casserole Recipes
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

While 5 ingredient casserole recipes can vary widely in specific ingredients, there are some common elements that often form the backbone of the dish:

Base:

• Starchy Staples: Pasta (macaroni, penne, noodles), rice, potatoes, dumplings, breadcrumbs, or even cornbread can provide the foundation for the casserole.
• Grains: Couscous, barley, or quinoa can add a nutty flavor and textural interest.

Protein:

• Ground meat: Beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or sausage are popular choices.
• Seafood: Tuna, salmon, shrimp, or crab can add a lighter, fishy twist.
• Beans and lentils: A vegetarian or vegan option that packs protein and fiber.
• Tofu or tempeh: For a plant-based protein option with a chewy texture.

Vegetables:

• Fresh or frozen: Broccoli, peas, carrots, corn, spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini are common picks.
• Canned: Cream of mushroom soup, corn, or diced tomatoes can add flavor and liquid.

Binding Agent:

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta cheese can contribute creaminess and savory flavor.
• Eggs: They help to solidify the casserole and add richness.
• Creamy Soups: Condensed cream of chicken, mushroom, or celery soup can act as a binder and flavor base.
• Tomato Sauce: For a pasta-based casserole, tomato sauce can provide a tangy base.

Seasoning:

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil are commonly used.

Substitutions

Here are some handy substitutions for various elements of a casserole:

Base:

• Pasta: Swap macaroni for penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options like chickpea pasta or quinoa.
• Rice: Brown rice can replace white rice for extra fiber, or try barley, bulgur, or lentils for a hearty twist.
• Potatoes: Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, yams, or even cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a lighter texture, while crushed crackers or tortilla chips can add crunch.

Protein:

• Ground meat: Substitute beef with ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or even sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Seafood: Swap tuna for salmon, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Beans and lentils: Black beans can replace kidney beans, chickpea can replace pinto beans, or try lentils for a different texture.
• Tofu or tempeh: Substitute baked tofu with tempeh for a firmer texture, or use crumbled seitan for a meaty alternative.

Vegetables:

• Fresh or frozen: Most vegetables are interchangeable based on availability and preference. Try broccoli for cauliflower, mushrooms for zucchini, or green beans for peas.
• Canned: Cream of mushroom soup can be swapped for cream of chicken or celery soup, or use vegetable broth for a lighter option.

Binding Agent:

• Cheese: Mozzarella can replace cheddar, ricotta can replace cream cheese, or try nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Eggs: Chia seeds mixed with water can replace one egg, or substitute with flaxseed meal and water for a vegan option.
• Creamy Soups: Use vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Tomato Sauce: Marinara sauce or salsa can be used in place of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.

Equipment

Here's a list of the common tools you'll need for most casserole-making adventures:

Mixing Essentials:

• Mixing bowls: A large bowl for combining all the ingredients, and maybe a smaller one for prepping sauces or toppings.
• Spoons and spatulas: A sturdy mixing spoon for stirring and folding, and a spatula for scraping the sides of the bowl and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
• Whisk: For whisking eggs, sauces, or dry ingredients.

Cooking and Baking:

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch oven-safe baking dish is usually the default size, but adjust based on your recipe and number of servings.
• Cutting board and knife: To chop vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.
• Stovetop pot or skillet (optional): Some casseroles require pre-cooking ingredients like browning ground meat or sauteing vegetables.
• Aluminum foil (optional): For covering the casserole during baking or preventing browning.

Additional Utensils (depending on recipe):

• Grater: For cheese, vegetables, or spices.
• Can opener: If using canned ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measuring.
• Food processor or blender (optional): Some recipes may call for pureeing ingredients or making sauces.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]: