It doesn’t take stellar cooking skills to become a casserole making connoisseur. Just one pan, some yummy ingredients and an oven. So don’t let the term “casserole” throw you. The recipes featured here are not your mom’s hodgepodge of leftovers. Each one features delicious (and good for you!) ingredients that will make you want to keep going back for more. And that’s a good thing, because all you have to do is put a dish together, bake it and voilá…lunch or dinner for the rest of the week. To save you time and money — without skimping on taste — check out these nine comforting casserole recipes.
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9 Healthy Casserole Recipes for Easy Weekday Meals
1. Loaded Veggie & Chorizo Egg Breakfast
If you don’t usually munch on veggies until dinner, this delectable breakfast bake will start your day on a colorful, nutrient-packed note. Bell peppers and kale bring the vitamin C, while chorizo, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes round out the flavor. Photo and recipe: Kristen Stevens / The Endless Meal
2. Green Bean and Wild Rice
The thought of green bean casserole probably brings Thanksgiving to mind. But you don’t have to save this recipe until November. Featuring fresh ingredients and wild rice, this dish goes from a side to a main — and one you’ll want to devour all year long. Add protein like chicken or salmon for a more satisfying meal. And opt for fresh scallions or onions instead of fried to keep things light. Photo and recipe: Becca Mill / Fork in the Kitchen
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3. Caprese Chicken & Quinoa
Think you’re too busy to cook? This dish proves otherwise. By using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken you save some prep time. Then all you have to do is toss in the fresh tomatoes, basil, cheese and quinoa. Top with red pepper flakes for extra zing. Photo and recipe: Kelly Hunt / Eat Yourself Skinny
4. Zucchini Pizza
A hot slice of pepperoni pizza is pretty irresistible — and so is this healthy take on the crowd favorite. Thinly sliced zucchini ‘noodles’ and protein-packed eggs and turkey pepperoni will keep you feeling full, while satisfying your cravings for carby ‘za. Photo and recipe: Blair Lonergan / The Seasoned Mom
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5. Paleo Cajun Cauliflower
You’ll get plenty of protein and flavor from the Cajun-spiced sausage, chicken and shrimp in this recipe, but the unsung hero: cauliflower. Thanks to the vegetable’s versatile consistency, you won’t even think twice about rice — just the deliciousness of the dish. Photo and recipe: Taylor Kiser / Food, Faith, Fitness
6. Jalapeno Shrimp Veggie Bake
This sizzling bake is full of delicious vegetables including squash and tomatoes, but the real kicker comes from jalapeno slices. The shrimp cooks up fast and delivers a dose of iron, protein and vitamin B12, which helps keep your metabolism revved. Skip the parmesan and opt for almond flour and coconut cream to keep your recipe grain- and dairy-free. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Cotter / Cotter Crunch
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7. Thai Chicken Cauliflower
Curb your late night takeover cravings with this Thai-influenced recipe. It incorporates traditional ingredients with coconut milk, peanut butter, fish sauce and Sriracha. In other words, you’ll get bold and spicy bites that burst with flavor. Photo and recipe: Taylor Kiser / Food, Faith Fitness
8. Mozzarella Meatball
Extra lean ground turkey paired with spicy Italian turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta keep this meatball-centric meal healthy. Reduce the sugar content by crushing tomatoes and blending your own sauce, instead of opting for a canned variety. Bake today; love those leftovers tomorrow. Photo and recipe: Erin Clarke / Well Plated
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9. Cheesy Enchilada Quinoa
Subbing quinoa for tortillas keeps this traditionally heavy recipe light and nutritious. You’ll still use typical ingredients, like mild enchilada sauce, beans, corn, tomatoes and green chiles to get that Mexican-inspired fare. Top with cheese and avocado slices for indulgence and a dose of satisfying fats. Photo and recipe: Lynn April / Fresh April Flours