29 Freezer-Friendly Casseroles

Casseroles that freeze well are like a cheat code for quick, easy dinners. Prep them anytime, then pop one in the oven when you're ready to eat.

I used to rely on takeout and frozen dinners to save time when life got busy. And while it’s quick and easy to order Chinese food or hit the drive-thru, the added cost and extra sodium weren’t so kind to my wallet or my waistline. Luckily, I discovered that when I want a quick homemade dinner, casseroles that freeze well are the answer.

This collection has a wide range of freezer meals for every taste and dietary preference. From veggie-forward stratas to baked pastas and old-school casseroles like tuna noodle and chicken divan, these make-ahead dinners couldn’t be more versatile. There are family-friendly trays of hot dish, one of my favorite frozen Tater Tot recipes, and spicy casseroles with peppers when you’re craving something more robust. Many recipes can even be made vegan by using plant-based cheese and veggie crumbles.

To freeze a casserole correctly, assemble and bake the casserole, then let it cool to room temperature before freezing. Prevent freezer burn by placing the casserole in an airtight container or cutting it into individual portions and wrapping well.

1/29

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 439 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 804mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
2/29

Tater Tot Hot Dish

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I grew up enjoying this dish. My mother always saw smiles around the table whenever she served it! —Victoria Mitchell, Salem, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 353 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
3/29

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/29

Church Supper Hot Dish

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was in my mother's church cookbook, and now it's in my church cookbook! Apparently it was too good to miss a generation. I often make this dish to take along to potlucks...and it seems that if I don't, someone else will! It's hearty and so tasty! —Norma Turner, Haslett, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 339 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
5/29

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 374 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
6/29

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 324 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
7/29

Best Lasagna

Total Time:1 hour 50 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
8/29

Artichoke Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
9/29

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 318 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
10/29

Taco Noodle Casserole

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty Taco Noodle Casserole. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 402 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
11/29

Chicken Biscuit Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Golden biscuits cover this homespun dish laden with chicken, broccoli and cheese. It's then topped with a celery seed mixture. My family requests this all-in-one dinner once a month. —Karen Weirick, Bourbon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 527 calories, 31g fat (9g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 1245mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
12/29

Chinese Casserole

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Crispy chow mein noodles top this twist on chop suey that’s sure to be a family favorite. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, IA
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 461 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1233mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
13/29

Vegetable Strata

Total Time:1 hour 55 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
14/29

Chicken Divan

Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Frozen broccoli and leftover chicken get an easy—but elegant—treatment in this. I dress things up with a saucy blend of cream soup and mayonnaise, then cover it all with a golden, cheesy crumb topping. —Bertille Cooper, California, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 629 calories, 49g fat (14g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
15/29

Deep South Jalapeño Cheese Grits

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Grits are a true Deep South staple that warms the soul. I've made these spicy, cheesy baked grits for family, friends and church potlucks for many years. They’re always a hit! —Tamera Hazen, Daphne, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 295 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
16/29

Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Total Time:50 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I’m making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 449 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
17/29

Southwestern Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:2 casseroles (6 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 321 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
18/29

Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Total Time:3 hours 40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love this super easy chicken slow-cooker recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It's such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 500 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
19/29

Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For this all-in-one breakfast casserole, I sandwich pork sausage between layers of hash browns flavored with creamy soup and French onion dip. Cheddar cheese tops it all off. —Esther Wrinkles, Vanzant, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 382 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
20/29

Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My daughters don’t care for the usual green peppers stuffed with a meat-and-rice mixture, so one of the girls dreamed up this alternative. The peppers are simply chopped and combined with the other ingredients in a casserole. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 276 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
21/29

Mushroom Sausage Strata

Total Time:55 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 296 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
22/29

Fiesta Chicken

Total Time:55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It's a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 324 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
23/29

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Total Time:50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With onions, peppers, beef and cheese, this pasta casserole has all the fixings of your favorite sandwich. The only thing missing is the bread! —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 702 calories, 37g fat (20g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
24/29

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 489 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
25/29

Carnitas with Orzo and Peppers in Red Mole Sauce

Total Time:2 hours 15 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a tasty way to stretch your grocery dollar. Pork shoulder roast is combined with orzo, peppers and mole sauce to make a spicy Mexican comfort food. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 559 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1509mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein.
26/29

Chicken Tetrazzini

Total Time:50 min
Servings:2 casseroles (4 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A good friend shared a version of this recipe with me 35 years ago. I pay it forward by bringing the second casserole to friends when they are unable to cook. —Helen McPhee, Savoy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 576 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 814mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
27/29

New England Lamb Bake

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 356 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
28/29

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 428 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
29/29

Sausage Manicotti

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:7
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

Casseroles That Freeze Well FAQ

How do you freeze casseroles without them getting soggy?

To prevent having a soggy or wet casserole after freezing, some ingredients may need to be drained or separated before adding them to the main dish. For example, vegetables with high water content, such as spinach or mushrooms, may need to be cooked or squeezed dry to remove excess water before being added to the recipe. Freeze crunchy toppings, like seasoned bread crumbs or crushed chips, separately in a freezer-proof container. Then, sprinkle them over the top during baking.

Should you bake a casserole before freezing it?

Most casseroles should be baked before freezing. To prevent casseroles with rice or pasta from becoming overcooked, you can slightly undercook the casserole so these ingredients are al dente. This will prevent the reheated casserole from getting mushy. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping well and freezing so you don’t trap extra moisture and change the texture of the recipe.

How long can you keep a casserole in the freezer?

Casseroles will last in the freezer for two to three months. Casseroles with dairy don’t freeze quite as well as those without, so plan to thaw those first. For the best texture and flavor when reheating, follow our best tips to prevent freezer burn.