18 Cheesy Casseroles That Are Comfort Food at Its Best

When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat a well-made cheesy casserole. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, combining rich flavors with simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, these cheesy casseroles hit the spot. With layers of cheese, pasta, meats, and veggies, they’re the perfect combination of hearty and delicious.

Baked Ziti Casserole

For this easy baked ziti, combine 1 pound of cooked ziti pasta with 2 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, and 1 cup of parmesan. Mix everything together in a large bowl, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with an extra layer of mozzarella for that irresistible cheesy crust. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. This comforting casserole is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Start by cooking 2 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of diced chicken breast. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir in the cooked broccoli and chicken, then spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This casserole is a cheesy, wholesome meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.

Mac and Cheese Casserole

For the ultimate mac and cheese, boil 3 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 2 cups of milk to create a creamy roux. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and pour into a casserole dish. Top with 1 cup of breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. This classic dish is the ultimate cheesy comfort food.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, combine 4 cups of diced potatoes, 2 cups of diced ham, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle with another cup of cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. This dish is a perfect way to use up leftover ham and is sure to please the whole family.

Spinach and Cheese Casserole

For a healthier take, this spinach and cheese casserole combines 2 cups of cooked spinach with 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan. Add 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs for texture, and mix everything in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with more mozzarella. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. This cheesy, veggie-packed dish is great as a side or a light meal.

Taco Casserole

Combine 1 pound of browned ground beef with 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Layer the mixture in a baking dish, add a layer of tortilla chips, and top with another cup of cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then serve with sour cream and guacamole. This cheesy taco casserole is a fun and delicious twist on taco night, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

For a simple and tasty broccoli and cheese casserole, mix 3 cups of cooked broccoli with 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of crushed crackers. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect as a side or a main course for veggie lovers.

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion. Add 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 2 cups of cooked pasta. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. This hearty casserole is a satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Layer 2 cups of breaded and baked eggplant slices with 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish. Repeat the layers, then top with more mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This cheesy eggplant casserole is a lighter but still indulgent version of the Italian classic.

Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

Cook 1 pound of Italian sausage and mix with 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish, top with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and more cheese, then bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. This savory casserole is packed with cheesy goodness and hearty sausage flavor, making it a great comfort dish for any occasion.

Cheesy Grits Casserole

For a southern twist, cook 2 cups of grits according to package directions and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of parmesan. Mix in 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of milk, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with more cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This creamy, cheesy grits casserole is perfect for breakfast or as a side dish at dinner.

Cheesy Chili Casserole

Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion, then stir in 1 can of chili beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 packet of chili seasoning. Spread the mixture in a casserole dish, top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. This cheesy chili casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold nights or casual get-togethers.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

For this loaded baked potato casserole, combine 4 cups of diced, baked potatoes with 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of green onions. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. This casserole is loaded with cheesy, bacon-y goodness, making it the perfect comfort food for potato lovers.

Cheesy Enchilada Casserole

For a quick enchilada casserole, start by layering 12 corn tortillas in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix 1 pound of browned ground beef, 1 can of enchilada sauce, 1 can of black beans, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the beef mixture over the tortillas, top with another layer of tortillas, and finish with a layer of 2 more cups of cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a cheesy twist on Mexican night.

Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Mix together 3 cups of cooked egg noodles, 2 cans of tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 cup of frozen peas in a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This cheesy tuna noodle casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

For a veggie-packed casserole, steam 4 cups of cauliflower florets until tender. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan. Stir in the cauliflower and spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with more cheddar and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. This cheesy cauliflower casserole is a low-carb, satisfying side dish or a light meal.

Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole

For a hearty breakfast casserole, start by cooking 8 slices of bacon and crumbling them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs with 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Add 4 cups of frozen hash browns and the crumbled bacon, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with an additional 1 cup of cheese and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. This cheesy breakfast casserole is perfect for starting the day on a delicious note.

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

For a twist on classic shepherd’s pie, start by browning 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots and 1 can of tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix 4 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the beef mixture in a greased casserole dish, layer the mashed potatoes on top, and sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. This cheesy shepherd’s pie casserole is the perfect comfort meal, combining hearty flavors with a cheesy twist.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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