Busy nights call for easy wins, and 5-ingredient casseroles are the definition of simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a cozy, satisfying meal or hearty side that requires minimal time in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or need to get dinner on the table fast, these recipes prove that low-effort dishes don’t have to be boring. They’re easy to remember, hard to mess up, and always worth making again.
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Tater Tot Casserole
ALLRECIPES/VICTORIA JEMPTY
Beef, condensed soup, Tater Tots, and cheese come together in a 9×13-inch casserole dish for an easy, family-friendly supper that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Dad’s 5-Ingredient Broccoli Casserole
Adobe Stock
“I grew up in New Jersey, not the Midwest, so casseroles were not really in our vocabulary or dinner rotation,” says senior editor Courtney Kassel. “Yet, he’d make a broccoli casserole that is now my definition of comfort food… Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, it’s endlessly comforting.”
4-Ingredient Cauliflower Alfredo Bake
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
“This creamy, savory 4-ingredient cauliflower Alfredo bake is an easy side dish that will go very well with almost any main entree, whether pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breast, or cooked salmon.” —TheDailyGourmet
I Don’t Know
fabeveryday
“I would always ask my mom ‘What’s for dinner?’ and the response would be ‘I don’t know.’ I said I was going to make up a dish called ‘I don’t know’ dish. It turned out pretty good. Ground beef, potatoes and cheese are layered with a few vegetables in this simple one dish meal.” —KRISTENS
Easy Tuna Casserole
Everyone needs a solid tuna casserole recipe in their stable and this gem is a winner for its short ingredient list. All you need is cooked macaroni, canned tuna, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded Cheddar, and French fried onions—but peas are also a great addition.
5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole
Allrecipes / Kim Shupe
“I’m very pleased with how this casserole came out. It took no time to throw together, and made for a nice weeknight supper. It was quite flavorful, even with no added herbs/spices. I served it alongside some sauteed zucchini and corn–and it was wonderful. Would definitely make again.” —Kim
Cheesy Buldak Ramen Casserole
Peyton Beckwith
This recipe is the casserole version of cheesy ramen, a comfort food with origins in Korea. Look for spicy Buldak brand ramen in the Asian aisle of your local supermarket or international grocery store.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Allrecipes / Sonia Bozzo
“This easy chicken Parmesan casserole made with cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and crispy bread crumbs is a delicious twist to homemade chicken Parmesan.” —morgens_aunt
Green Bean Casserole
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
While green bean casserole is a holiday favorite, the beloved dish plays well with a variety of entrées year-round. Serve it with pork chops, roast chicken, or even pizza.
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