Make-ahead casseroles are a lifesaver for busy days or when you need a quick meal. These recipes are not only convenient but also delicious and perfect for freezing. In this compilation, we’ll explore four of the best make-ahead casseroles that you can prepare, freeze, and enjoy whenever you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients for 4 Best Make & Freeze Casseroles
Each casserole has its own unique set of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for each:
1. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded
- Corn tortillas
- Enchilada sauce
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sour cream, optional
2. Beef and Mushroom Lasagna
- Ground beef
- Lasagna noodles
- Tomato sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
3. Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Egg noodles
- Canned tuna
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Frozen peas
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bread crumbs
- Onion, chopped
- Butter
4. Vegetarian Quinoa and Spinach Casserole
- Quinoa, cooked
- Fresh spinach
- Cottage cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
How to Make 4 Best Make & Freeze Casseroles
Follow these steps to prepare and freeze each casserole:
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Layer the ingredients: Start by layering corn tortillas, cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tortillas and cheese on top.
- Bake or freeze: Bake immediately or cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Beef and Mushroom Lasagna
- Prepare the filling: Cook ground beef with garlic and mushrooms until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake or freeze: Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden brown, or freeze covered for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Cook the noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in cooked noodles.
- Bake or freeze: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and bake until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, freeze covered for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Vegetarian Quinoa and Spinach Casserole
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, fresh spinach, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
- Bake or freeze: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake until set and golden brown. Let cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
About the Main Ingredients
Each casserole uses wholesome ingredients that are perfect for freezing and reheating:
- Proteins: Whether it’s chicken, beef, tuna, or quinoa, the protein-rich ingredients in these casseroles provide essential nutrients and hearty flavors.
- Vegetables: From spinach and tomatoes to peas and mushrooms, vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutritional value to these dishes.
- Dairy: Cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese not only add richness but also help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a creamy and satisfying texture.
- Carbohydrates: Ingredients like noodles, quinoa, and tortillas serve as hearty bases that absorb flavors and provide comforting layers to these casseroles.
By preparing these make-ahead casseroles in advance and freezing them, you’ll have delicious meals ready to enjoy whenever you need them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for busy weekdays, these casseroles are sure to become family favorites for their convenience and delicious flavors.
