Casseroles Archives - Midwestern HomeLife

Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes

Cara Lanz — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:52:37 +0000

Wondering what to do with all that zucchini? Bake it in a casserole! Check out these zucchini squash casserole recipe ideas including delicious lasagnas, pasta bakes, au gratins, cornbread casseroles, Bisquick bakes, and more.

Zucchini. The summer garden gift that keeps on giving .. and giving ... and giving.

Once you've made zucchini bread, zoodles, and then frozen some for later, you're still going to have plenty left.

Which is a good thing.

Because there are so many different ways to bake zucchini into a delicious casserole the whole family will devour. And request again and again.

The BEST Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes

Take a spin through the best zucchini casserole recipes from across the internet for some of the most delicious ways to turn your bumper crop of zucchini into a delicious dinner.

Easy Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: www.nourish-and-fete.com

This tasty Zucchini Casserole is an easy side dish brimming with fresh summer vegetables, garlic, feta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a perfectly golden brown breadcrumb topping. It bakes in about 30 minutes and is easy to prep ahead.

Best Zucchini Casserole – Super Creamy and Cheesy

Photo Credit: www.lowcarbspark.com

This Zucchini Casserole is an easy, cheesy side dish made with layered sliced zucchini and a rich, creamy parmesan cheese sauce. A delicious baked zucchini gratin recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes. It's also low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

This Chicken Zucchini Casserole is made with fresh zucchini and tender chicken baked in a rich pesto tomato sauce and covered in cheese. A delicious and healthy dinner you can make in one pan for easy clean-up.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Butternut Squash Lasagna is made with healthy vegetables like zucchini and spinach, creamy roasted butternut squash, and gooey melted cheese. Delicious way to get everyone to eat the veggies and a great recipe for meatless Monday.

Crispy Zucchini and Corn Casserole

Photo Credit: rainbowplantlife.com

Crispy Vegan Zucchini and Corn Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini and corn. It's made with zucchini, summer squash, and charred corn tossed in a fragrant basil sauce, then layered with marinara, vegan cheese, and crispy bread crumbs.

Cheesy Zucchini Yellow Squash Casserole

Photo Credit: littlespicejar.com

Cheesy Zucchini Yellow Squash Casserole is a vegetarian-friendly casserole loaded with sautéed onions, garlic, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping for amazing flavor and crunch!

Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Creamy, cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is made from tender zucchini slices baked with a creamy cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, and topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs. Easy zucchini squash bake and delicious way to put your abundance of summer garden squash to good use.

Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups

Photo Credit: debraklein.com

You’ll love these easy Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups. Low carb zucchini noodles are filled with dairy-free ricotta, set onto a pool of marinara, and baked to perfection. Vegan zucchini rollatini is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and super satisfying.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Photo Credit: www.themagicalslowcooker.com

This slow cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is a hearty meal loaded with fresh vegetables and all the flavors of a traditional enchilada. Made from simple ingredients, this easy zucchini casserole is a delicious vegetarian main dish you'll make on repeat during the summer months.

Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti

Photo Credit: marleysmenu.com

Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti is packed with zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, a flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta and topped with gooey, melty cheese. A hearty, comforting complete meal and a great way to make the most of delicious, fresh squash.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a delicious one pot meal that cooks in under 30 minutes. Loaded with savory ground beef, zucchini, corn, fresh herbs, and tender orzo in a rich tomato sauce, it's an easy recipe that gets dinner on the table fast.

Cornbread Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: zucchinizone.com

Cornbread Zucchini Casserole is a comforting summer side dish. It's like a moist cornbread in casserole form, filled with shredded zucchini, onion, and pepper jack cheese.

Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna

Photo Credit: theoregondietitian.com

Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna is the perfect summer dinner! It's healthy, high in protein, and has all the crave-worthy flavors of classic lasagna, but with zucchini noodles standing in for traditional pasta. Perfect way to get a healthy meal on the dinner table everyone will love.

Meat Stuffed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce

Photo Credit: www.fromachefskitchen.com

Beef Stuffed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce is filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese to perfectly complement the mild flavor of zucchini. Smothered in a lively red sauce, baked stuffed zucchini is sure to become one of your new favorite ways to make the most of fresh summer squash.

Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: butteryourbiscuit.com

Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Rice Casserole is loaded with smoked sausage and fresh zucchini for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in 30 minutes. Easy one-pot meal and great dish to use up that abundance of zucchini from your garden.

Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole

Photo Credit: www.jaroflemons.com

This Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole dish is full of indulgent, savory flavor and a secret ingredient that creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. Paleo-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free, this recipe is a wholesome weeknight dinner recipe for even the pickiest of eaters!

Zucchini Potato Casserole

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com

This Zucchini Potato Casserole is so simple to make with only minutes of prep time. Baked in the oven until vegetables are tender with a crispy top, this zucchini casserole can be served as a healthy main course or side dish.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: ifoodreal.com

Comfort meets healthy in Chicken Zucchini Casserole. Made with layers of taco-seasoned shredded chicken, zucchini noodle sheets, and easy homemade enchilada sauce, this Mexican chicken zucchini lasagna is sure to become one of your new favorite zucchini recipes.

Crustless Zucchini Pie

Photo Credit: brunchandbatter.com

This crustless Zucchini Pie with Bisquick is a simple recipe loaded with plenty of zucchini and Parmesan. An easy crowd-pleasing dish and the best way to showcase fresh summer zucchini.

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole (Keto, Low Carb, GF)

Photo Credit: wholelottayum.com

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a quick and easy dinner you can make on the stovetop that is sure to please your whole family. This cheesy casserole without pasta is low-carb, gluten-free, and a great way to get your veggies in at dinnertime.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole with Bisquick

This super easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole recipe tastes like summer with zucchini, tomatoes, pesto, and rotisserie chicken with a Parmesan, garlic, and herb Bisquick topping. Easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights the whole family will love.

Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Photo Credit: www.wholesomeyum.com

This fabulous Yellow Squash Casserole comes together with just 5 minutes of prep and 5 simple ingredients. Made with layers of roasted yellow summer squash and a homemade creamy, cheesy sauce this healthy, keto yellow squash casserole is a delicious side dish for chicken, pork chops, or grilled shrimp.

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

Photo Credit: www.smalltownwoman.com

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash is a luscious creamy cheesy medley of zucchini, yellow squash, onions, and garlic. It is quick and easy to prepare and will make a summer squash lover out of you!

Healthy Zucchini Tomato Bake

Photo Credit: thecleaneatingcouple.com

This Healthy Zucchini Tomato Bake recipe is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. Perfect side dish and an easy way to use up all your summer vegetables.

Garden Zucchini Squash Casserole

Photo Credit: thecarrotunderground.com

Garden Zucchini Squash Casserole is a healthy and colorful dish made with fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and ripe red tomatoes topped with toasted Italian breadcrumbs & vegan Parmesan cheese. Delicious and beautiful recipe to showcase your beautiful garden vegetables.

FAQs

How can you tell if zucchini is ripe?

When you're picking zucchini from your garden, look for zucchini that are firm, dark green (or yellow for yellow zucchini), about 6-8 inches long, and feel heavy for their size.

How do you store fresh zucchini?

The best way to keep zucchini fresh is to store it unwashed and in low humidity. Store freshly picked zucchini in an open plastic bag or plastic bag with holes in it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator set to low humidity.

How do you store cut zucchini?

If you cut up too many zucchini for your casserole, toss the leftover cut zucchini in a ziptop bag or airtight container and store it in the fridge for 4-5 days.

How long does zucchini last in the fridge?

Fresh zucchini, when properly stored in the crisper drawer in a ventilated plastic bag, can last in the refrigerator for about a week, maybe even two. Just keep your eyes open for signs of spoilage.

How can you tell if zucchini is bad?

Bad zucchinis are easy to detect. They're rubbery, soft, or mushy, and may have wrinkles, shriveled skin, or even moldy or decayed spots. Zucchini past its prime may have an offputting smell and the interior flesh may be stringy, spongy, or mushy.

More Easy Casserole Recipes

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The post Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Cara Lanz — Wed, 17 May 2023 18:23:05 +0000

One Pot Taco Spaghetti is an easy 30-minute dinner recipe that combines the delicious flavors of tacos and spaghetti. Easy, tasty dinner for taco night and busy weeknights.

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One-Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy meal packed with flavor.

Tender pasta in savory taco meat sauce with black beans, corn, and cheese is topped with your favorite taco toppings for an easy one-pot meal the whole family will love.

The best part? No need to cook the pasta separately -- uncooked spaghetti simmers right in the sauce! Which means the spaghetti noodles absorb all the rich flavor of the sauce AND less dishes!

For more easy Taco Tuesday recipes, try Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos, Chicken Taco Hashbrown Casserole, and Instant Pot Taco Pasta.

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Quick one-pot 30-minute dinner with easy clean up

Delicious combination of flavors -- like tacos in spaghetti form!

Easy to customize with ground beef or ground chicken

Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day

Ingredients

Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients.

Ground turkey. Lean ground beef or ground chicken will also work well.

Taco seasoning. Make my easy homemade taco seasoning or use store-bought packet taco seasoning -- you'll need 2 packets.

Low-sodium beef broth. You can also use beef stock, chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water.

Salsa. Undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chiles is a great substitute for salsa.

Corn. Canned, fresh or frozen and defrosted corn are all great options.

Black beans. Black beans help stretch a pound of ground turkey a looooong way. You can also use pinto beans, chili beans, or leave them out.

Shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese are our favorites. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend, pepper Jack, mozzarella cheese, or your favorite cheese.

Cilantro. If you're like me and can't do cilantro, use fresh parsley.

Mexican Spaghetti Variations

Spices. Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to crank up the heat.

Bell peppers. Give it a fajita flair and add diced bell peppers with the onions.

Pasta. Swap with any type of pasta with a similar cooking time as regular spaghetti. Or add more broth or water for pasta with a longer cooking time.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Store-bought packets of taco seasoning are handy, but the cost adds up. Homemade taco seasoning is super easy to make with simple ingredients you might already have!

Just combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

The best part about making your own taco seasoning is you can make it to your family's liking. Not a fan of cumin? Use less. Like heat? Dial it up with cayenne pepper.

Get my full recipe for taco seasoning here.

How to Make One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Step-by-Step

1. Brown the ground turkey.

Heat a large skillet, large stockpot, skillet, or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. If the turkey is very lean, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the cold pan.

When the pan is hot, brown the turkey and onion in the skillet until the turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Add a little bit of water or broth to the pan and use a spoon to loosen up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

2. Cook the spaghetti.

Add taco seasoning, salsa, tomato sauce, and 2 cups broth to the meat mixture. Break spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pan, covering them with the liquid.

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover pot and simmer, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Add more broth as necessary. Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked to al dente.

3. Add the beans, corn, and cheese.

Stir in the beans and corn. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese.

4. Serve and enjoy!

To serve, top with ½ cup cheese, chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro or parsley, and green onions. Serve with sour cream and your favorite taco toppings.

Storage & Freezing

Store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm or on the stovetop in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

One pot taco pasta is also a great freezer meal! Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

Success Tips

If you're using really lean ground beef or turkey, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan before heating it up.

No lid for your skillet or stock pot? That's ok! Just cover it with aluminum foil while the pasta cooks.

Add more broth or water as necessary to cook the pasta through and keep the sauce "saucy."

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for one pot taco spaghetti?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid for pasta that takes longer to cook.

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This is a great recipe for ground beef or ground chicken. You could even skip the meat altogether and add extra beans for a vegetarian version.

Can I make one pot Mexican spaghetti in advance?

Yes, this is a great one pot dish to make in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Can I freeze Mexican spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What toppings can I add to one pot taco spaghetti?

There are many toppings you can add to Mexican spaghetti, such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, sliced black olives, or sour cream. For fun, try serving it in a taco shell!

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📖 Recipe

One Pot Taco Spaghetti

One Pot Taco Spaghetti is an easy 30-minute dinner recipe that combines the delicious flavors of tacos and spaghetti. Easy, tasty dinner for taco night and busy weeknights.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 457kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey or ground beef or chicken
½ cup diced onion
2-3 cups beef broth
¼ cup taco seasoning
2 cups salsa
8 ounces tomato sauce
8 ounces spaghetti
1 cup black beans
1 cup corn canned, fresh, or frozen & thawed
1 ½ cups shredded cheese - cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup green onions
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. If the turkey is very lean, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. When the pan is hot, brown the turkey and onion in the skillet until the turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add a little bit of broth to the pan and use a spoon to loosen up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add taco seasoning, salsa, tomato sauce, and 2 cups broth. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pan, covering it with the liquid.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked to al dente.
Stir occasionally to keep the spaghetti from sticking to the pan and to break up any clumps of pasta. Add more broth as necessary.
Stir in the beans and corn. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese.
To serve, top with ½ cup cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with sour cream.

Notes

If you're using really lean ground beef or turkey, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan before heating it up.

No lid for your skillet or stock pot? That's ok! Just cover it with aluminum foil while the pasta cooks.

Add more broth or water as necessary to cook the pasta through and keep the sauce "saucy."

Nutrition

The post One Pot Taco Spaghetti appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos

Cara Lanz — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:24:04 +0000

Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos has all the flavors of delicious tacos in an easy one pan dinner you can make in about 25 minutes. A quick, simple casserole recipe that tastes anything but.

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This Walking Taco Casserole recipe is an easy one pan weeknight dinner the entire family is going to DEVOUR ... and then request every taco Tuesday.

The base of this Frito taco bake is a spicy, creamy mixture of ground beef, black beans, green chilis, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and cream cheese. Next, a layer of gooey melted cheese. And finally, the good stuff: Crunchy, salty Frito corn chips and all your favorite toppings like tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, and sour cream.

This delicious taco casserole comes together in one skillet for easy prep and easy clean-up.

For more delicious taco Tuesday recipes, try Chicken Taco Hash Brown Casserole, One Pot Taco Spaghetti, or Enchiladas Verdes.

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Delicious casserole version of yummy walking tacos
Easy weeknight meal you can make in one skillet in about 25 minutes
Great recipe for taco night or Cinco de Mayo

Ingredients

Ground beef. Regular or lean ground beef will both work well. You can also use leftover taco meat.

Taco seasoning. You can use a packet of taco seasoning mix or make your own taco seasoning. Homemade taco seasoning is really easy to make with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can my recipe here.

Green chilis. One 4 oz. can of diced green chiles -- mild or hot -- whatever you love.

Black beans. One can of drained and rinsed black beans add creamy texture and are in an inexpensive way to stretch a pound of hamburger.

Red enchilada sauce. Enchilada sauce is a smooth sauce made from tomatoes, chiles, and other spices. Choose mild, medium, or hot. You can even make your own homemade enchilada sauce.

Cream cheese. A little cream cheese melted into the meat mixture makes it creamy and delicious.

Sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and tastes great in this recipe for walking taco casserole. Use freshly shredded cheese, if possible.

Fritos. Walking tacos are traditionally made in a bag of Fritos. You can use plain or Chili Cheese Fritos or crushed up tortilla chips.

Toppings. Lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions are my go-tos. Use whatever your family loves on their tacos like guacamole, sliced olives, pico de gallo.

Substitutions

Ground beef. You can use ground turkey or ground chicken in this Frito taco casserole.

Black beans. Any kind of canned beans like kidney beans, chili beans, or pinto beans are great substitutes.

Enchilada sauce. Salsa, picante sauce, or taco sauce should all work well as substitutions for enchilada sauce.

Cheddar cheese. You can use your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese.

Fritos. Crushed tortilla chips, crunchy Doritos, or any kind of corn chips are all great options to use instead of Fritos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown ground beef, with diced onion, salt, and pepper in a large oven-safe skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Add the taco seasoning, green chilis, black beans, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has completely melted into the meat mixture.

Step 2: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Step 3: Add a layer of Fritos over the melted cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream.

Pro Tip: To drizzle the sour cream like I did in the photos, thin it with a little bit of water.

Make Ahead

To make walking taco bake ahead:

Prepare through the step of adding the shredded cheese, just don't bake it yet. Store covered in the refrigerator for a day or two.
When you're ready to heat it up, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Bake at 350 until the meat is warmed through and the cheese has melted -- you may need to add a few extra minutes. Add Fritos and taco toppings.

Expert Tips

No oven-safe skillet? Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a baking dish, add the cheese, and bake until melted.
To avoid leftovers with soggy chips and lettuce, add the Fritos and toppings to individual servings or the portion of the pan you know you'll eat right away. When you warm up leftovers, add fresh Fritos and toppings.
It's so easy to make your own taco seasoning with simple spices you probably already have. Here's my recipe.

FAQs

How long does leftover walking taco bake last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How do I keep leftover walking taco casserole with Fritos from getting soggy?

If you know you're going to have leftovers, don't cover the entire casserole with Fritos and toppings -- the chips and lettuce will get soggy overnight in the fridge. Instead top individual servings with chips and fixings as you go.

What is the best way to reheat walking taco casserole with Fritos?

Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Why is it called walking taco casserole?

A walking taco is a single-serve bag of Fritos filled with chili or taco meat, cheese, onions, and other toppings.

The casserole form of this popular portable dish, sometimes called Frito pie, is a skillet or baking dish with a layer of taco seasoned meat topped with Fritos and taco fixings. All the same flavors are in the casserole -- the only difference is you need a plate before you dig in.

Can I make a taco salad out of taco casserole with Fritos?

Sure! Just fill your plate with lettuce first, then top it with the meat, Fritos, tomatoes, cheese, onions, sour cream, and salsa.

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📖 Recipe

Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos

Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos has all the flavors of delicious tacos in an easy one pan dinner you can make in about 25 minutes. A quick, simple casserole recipe that tastes anything but.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 690kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 tablespoons taco seasoning, or one packet
1 4 oz. can green chilis, drained
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 10 oz. can enchilada sauce
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2-3 cups Fritos
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup sliced green onions
¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

Heat oven to 350.
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning, green chilis, black beans, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese has melted.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Top with Fritos, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions.

Notes

STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

REHEATING: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

MAKE AHEAD: To make walking taco bake ahead, prepare through the step of adding the shredded cheese, just don't bake it yet.

Store covered in the refrigerator for a day or two.

When you're ready to heat it up, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.

Bake at 350 until the meat is warmed through and the cheese has melted -- you may need to add a few extra minutes. Remove from oven and add Fritos and taco toppings.

Nutrition

The post Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Cara Lanz — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:58:18 +0000

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a delicious one pot meal that cooks in under 30 minutes. Loaded with savory ground beef, zucchini, corn, fresh herbs, and tender orzo in a rich tomato sauce, it's an easy weeknight dinner recipe that gets dinner on the table fast.

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Easy Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect way to make the most of fresh veggies from your garden or farmer's market,

I also love making this in the dead of winter to remind me that summer is still a thing.

This really easy one pot dinner comes together with ground beef, lots of zucchini, corn, and quick-cooking orzo in a thick tomato sauce.

Finished with a flavor blast of fresh Parmesan and feta cheese, this is a delicious and easy casserole the whole family will love.

This zucchini hamburger casserole is a complete meal in one pot made even better with a simple salad and a fresh loaf of French bread.

Get ready for this to become your favorite zucchini casserole recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy one pot meal that cooks in 30 minutes

Hearty and meaty zucchini casserole dish filled with fresh veggies

Great meal prep recipe -- leftovers make great lunches!

Easy recipe for a delicious casserole even picky eaters will eat

More Delicious Recipes

Ingredients

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full list of ingredients and exact quantities.

Ground beef. I use 80-85% lean ground beef, but you can use even leaner ground beef.

Chili powder. Chili powder adds mild, smoky, savory flavor to the tomato sauce.

Red pepper flakes. A little pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick. You can skip this or use more to your preferences.

Balsamic vinegar. A splash of balsamic helps give the tomato sauce more of a "homemade" taste.

Tomato sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.

Orzo pasta. Orzo is a small, oval, rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the pan.

Fresh zucchini. Cut the zucchini into thick slices to keep it from getting too soft in the casserole.

Corn. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn.

Fresh herbs. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, thyme. or oregano add flavor during cooking and after. Use whatever fresh herbs you have and love.

Beef broth. I like to use reduced-sodium beef broth so I can control the salt levels in the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Put your own spin on your zucchini ground beef casserole with these easy swaps.

Ground beef. Any ground meat like ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken

Fresh garlic. ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or more, to your taste)

Italian seasoning. A combo of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram

Diced tomatoes. Any canned tomatoes like crushed, stewed, or whole

Balsamic vinegar. Mix a little Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce with a bit of lemon juice and maple syrup.

Orzo. Ditalini pasta, a small tube-shaped pasta. It may need another minute or two to cook -- and a bit more liquid.

Zucchini. Yellow squash -- some larger yellow squash may become softer than zucchini when cooked

Cheese. Fresh mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or whatever cheese you love

How to Make Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

1. Brown the ground beef.

Brown ground beef, diced onions, salt, and black pepper in a deep large skillet or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat.

Cook for about 8 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink.

Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two. Drain any excess fat.

2. Make the tomato sauce.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs to the meat mixture.

Stir and cook for 3 minutes.

3. Mix in the vegetables.

Add the beef broth, orzo, corn, and thick-cut zucchini slices.

Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring a few times, until the pasta is cooked. Add more liquid as needed.

4. Add cheese, serve, and enjoy!

Remove from the heat.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and top with crumbled feta.

Serve with sliced tomatoes, sliced green onion, and more fresh herbs.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover ground beef zucchini casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze zucchini ground beef casserole in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Expert Tips

Cut the zucchini into thick slices so they don't become too soft.

This is a great recipe to experiment with flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings and herbs to suit your preferences.

Stir the orzo a few times as it cooks to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to see if you need to add more liquid

Freeze leftover tomato paste in one tablespoon portions and grab them as needed.

FAQs

Can you freeze ground beef and zucchini casserole?

Yes. Freeze leftover casserole in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Should zucchini be peeled before cooking?

No, there is no need to peel zucchini before adding it to your zucchini ground beef casserole. The thin skin is actually a good source of nutrition, so it's a great idea to keep it on.

What else can I make with zucchini?

Too much zucchini? Besides pawning it off on your neighbors and co-workers, there are tons of things you can do with your bumper crop of zucchini.

Zucchini is delicious in casseroles, soups, and stuffed bell peppers, shredded and mixed into cakes, breads, burgers, and meatballs, and diced raw and mixed into salsa and salads.

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📖 Recipe

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 390kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons chili powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme
¾ cup dry orzo
2 cups thick sliced zucchini
1 cup corn
1 ¼ cups beef broth
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup crumbled feta

Instructions

Place the ground beef and diced onion in a large deep skillet, pot, or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Brown ground beef until it is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat.
Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the broth, orzo, corn, and zucchini. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring a few times, until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Add more liquid as needed.
Remove from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and top with feta.
Serve with sliced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and more fresh herbs.

Notes

STORAGE: Store leftover ground beef zucchini casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZING: Freeze zucchini ground beef casserole in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

REHEATING: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition

The post Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole with Bisquick

Cara Lanz — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:40:25 +0000

This super easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole recipe tastes like summer with zucchini, tomatoes, pesto, and rotisserie chicken and a Parmesan, garlic, and herb Bisquick topping. Easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights the whole family will love.

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Chicken Zucchini Bisquick Casserole is a simple casserole that's super easy to make and jam-packed with FLAVOR.

The creamy casserole base is a delicious mixture of zucchini, onions, chicken, pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes. And the Bisquick topping is loaded with Parmesan cheese, green onions, Italian seasoning, and garlic.

It looks and tastes like a summer garden.

Chicken zucchini casserole is really a complete meal in itself made only more delicious with a little fresh salad or sides like Cucumber Salad or Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad.

Delicious Side Dish Recipes

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fresh meal that tastes like summer any time of year

Great recipe for leftover chicken

Easy and flavorful zucchini Bisquick casserole without a lot of steps

Ingredients

See recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

Fresh zucchini. You'll need 2-3 medium zucchini to get two cups of sliced zucchini.

Onion. Onion sauteed with the zucchini adds flavor and moisture to this chicken casserole. You can use white or yellow onion.

Cooked chicken. You can use leftover boneless skinless chicken breast meat, rotisserie chicken, or freshly poached chicken breasts or chicken thighs.

Mayonnaise. Mayo adds creaminess and tang to the chicken mixture.

Pesto. Pesto packs a flavor punch with basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts. You can use store-bought pesto or homemade.

Bisquick. Bisquick biscuit mix helps create the fluffy topping on the casserole.

Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty flavor to the Bisquick topping.

Green onions. Sliced green onions add wonderful flavor that's bright and fresh.

Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning, typically a combination of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, pairs perfectly with tomatoes and zucchini.

Garlic powder. A little garlic powder seasons the Bisquick to keep it from being bland.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Casserole with Bisquick

1. Prep the pan and oven.

Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a 3 quart baking dish ( 9 x 13 or similar) with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Saute the vegetables.

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, zucchini slices, salt and black pepper, and saute over medium to medium-high heat 5-8 minutes until softened.

3. Make the creamy casserole mixture.

In a large mixing bowl, stir the zucchini mixture, chicken, mayonnaise, pesto, and mozzarella cheese together until completely incorporated.

Spoon the chicken vegetable mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle the halved grape tomatoes on top.

4. Make the Bisquick layer.

Stir or whisk together the Bisquick, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, green onions, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and milk in a large bowl until completely combined.

Pour the Bisquick mixture over the chicken mixture.

5. Bake, serve, and enjoy!

Bake for 45 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve with more grated Parmesan cheese and sliced tomatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or uncovered in a 325 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through to 165 degrees.

Expert Tips

Use freshly grated cheese if possible. It tastes better, melts better, and is more economical.

Leftover skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken all work well in this zucchini casserole.

You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto.

FAQs

Do you leave the skin on zucchini when cooking?

Yes, zucchini has a tender skin that you can leave on. No need to peel -- easy, right?

What is Bisquick mix made of?

Bisquick is a baking mix that is made from flour, oil, baking soda, salt, and sugar. It's a handy mix for making pancakes or biscuits and makes a super yummy topping on this chicken zucchini bake.

What can I make with leftover rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver in the kitchen for making sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.

I like to use rotisserie chicken in Chicken Taco Hashbrown Casserole, Swiss Chicken Casserole, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, and Chicken Corn Chowder.

More Easy Chicken Dinners

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📖 Recipe

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

This super easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole recipe tastes like summer with zucchini, grape tomatoes, pesto, and rotisserie chicken with a Parmesan green onion Bisquick topping. Easy casserole recipe for busy weeknights the whole family will love.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings

Calories 354kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 cups sliced zucchini
½ cup diced onion
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked chicken
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup pesto
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 ⅓ cups Bisquick biscuit mix
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup sliced green onions
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
4 eggs
1 ½ cups milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 3 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the zucchini, onion, salt, and pepper and saute until tender, 5-8 minutes.
In a large bowl, stir the sauteed zucchini and onions, chicken, mayonnaise, pesto, and mozzarella cheese together.
Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the halved grape tomatoes on top.
Stir or whisk together the Bisquick, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, green onions, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and milk until completely combined.
Pour the Bisquick mixture over the chicken mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve with additional Parmesan cheese and sliced tomatoes.

Notes

STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

REHEAT: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or uncovered in a 325 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition

The post Chicken Zucchini Casserole with Bisquick appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Chicken Taco Hash Brown Casserole (Oven Recipe)

Cara Lanz — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:49:37 +0000

Chicken Taco Hash Brown Casserole is a delicious, creamy casserole recipe loaded with tender chicken, corn, and tomatoes, topped with cheesy hash browns.

Easy recipe you can throw in the oven and about an hour later have a comforting dinner on the table the whole family will devour.

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This Taco Hashbrown Casserole recipe is a fun way to take Taco Tuesday in a cozy new direction.

It all starts with a creamy layer of cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, rotisserie chicken, corn, green onions, Rotel with green chilies, and lots of cheese.

This yummy taco casserole is topped with cheesy taco seasoned hashbrown potatoes and baked in the oven to golden brown perfection.

You'll notice there's no condensed soup in the base of this casserole -- cream cheese and sour cream are all you need.

Serve with side dishes like a fresh vegetable salad or slaw and salsa, sour cream, and all your favorite taco toppings for a family-favorite fiesta-worthy dinner.

More Easy Dinners with Rotisserie Chicken

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Comfort food casserole with tons of flavor, very little prep time, and no condensed soup

Easy oven hashbrown casserole recipe -- throw it in and it's ready about an hour later

A great way to serve a complete meal in one delicious casserole

Ingredients

This cheesy chicken hashbrown casserole comes together with simple ingredients.

Cream cheese. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so it's easy to stir into the chicken taco mixture.

Sour cream. Sour cream goes into the creamy chicken mixture AND the cheesy hashbrown mixture -- it's also delicious dolloped on top of the casserole.

Taco seasoning. The taco seasoning is divided between the base layer and the hash brown layer. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make this easy recipe for taco seasoning with spices you probably already have.

Rotel tomatoes. One can of undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chiles adds a little bit of spiciness to this Mexican hashbrown casserole.

Cooked shredded chicken. You can use freshly poached chicken or leftover baked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

Corn. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed corn. You'll need 1 ½ cup corn.

Green onions. Sliced green onions add bright freshness to the rich flavors in this oven baked hashbrown casserole.

Cheddar cheese. I use sharp cheddar cheese for the bolder flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar cheese. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese if you can. It tastes better, melts better, and is less expensive.

Monterey Jack cheese. Monterey Jack cheese is a lovely melting cheese. If possible, use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Refrigerated hash browns. I use one 20 oz. bag of Simply Potatoes in this taco hasbrown casserole. You can also use frozen defrosted hash browns -- if they have a lot of moisture, you can squeeze it out with paper towels.

How to Make Taco Hash Brown Casserole in the Oven

1. Prep the pan and oven.

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 3 quart casserole dish (9 x 13 pan or similar size) with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the taco chicken mixture.

In a very large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, 1 ½ cups sour cream, 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, and undrained can of Rotel until completely combined.

Add the chicken, drained can of corn, green onions, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until combined.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the cheesy hash brown layer.

In a large bowl, stir together the hash browns, 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and black pepper.

Evenly spread the potato mixture over the chicken layer.

4. Bake & add more cheese.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes until bubbly and the top starts to turn golden brown.

Add the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes or just until the cheese has melted.

5. Serve and enjoy.

Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, green onions, tomatoes, sliced black olives, hot sauce, and guacamole.

Storage & Reheating

Storage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Reheating. Reheat until warmed through to 165 degrees in the microwave or oven.

Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Oven: Cover in foil and place in a 325 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If desired, add a fresh layer of shredded cheese and uncover for the last 5 minutes.

Expert Tips

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and meltiness.

Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so it stirs together easily with the sour cream.

Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver in this already easy taco hashbrown casserole recipe.

FAQs

Can you freeze this taco hash brown casserole?

No. Because it contains sour cream and cream cheese, it does not freeze well.

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning?

Homemade taco seasoning is really easy to make with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Get the full recipe and instructions here.

Why is freshly shredded block cheese better than pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store?

When you buy a bag of pre-shredded cheese, you're getting a little more than just the cheese -- you're also getting preservatives that are added to keep it from clumping together. These preservatives also keep the cheese from melting smoothly and having that fresh, creamy taste.

Easy Dinner Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Chicken Taco Hashbrown Casserole (Oven Recipe)

Taco Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a delicious casserole recipe loaded with tender chicken, corn, cheese, taco seasoning, and sour cream. Easy recipe you can throw in the oven and about an hour later have a comforting dinner on the table the whole family will devour.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 15

Servings

Calories 371kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream, divided
3 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
1 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 15.25 oz. can corn, drained
½ cups sliced green onions
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
20 oz. refrigerated shredded hash browns such as Simply Potatoes
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 3 quart baking dish (9 x 13 pan or similar size) with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups sour cream, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, and undrained Rotel until completely combined.
Add the chicken, corn, green onions, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese. Stir to combine.
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the hash browns, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, and salt and pepper together in a large bowl.
Evenly spread the hash brown mixture over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 60 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese on top of the hash browns and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, green onions, tomatoes, sliced black olives, hot sauce, and guacamole.

Notes

STORAGE. Store leftover taco chicken hashbrown casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

REHEATING. Reheat until warmed through to 165 degrees in the microwave or oven.

Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Oven: Cover in foil and place in a 325 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes.

Nutrition

The post Chicken Taco Hash Brown Casserole (Oven Recipe) appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

13 Delicious Dinner Ideas with Cornbread

Cara Lanz — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:59:11 +0000

Looking for delicious recipes with cornbread? I've got you covered with 13 of the BEST!

I asked top food bloggers to share their best dinner ideas featuring CORNBREAD, and, boy oh boy, did they come through!

Take a scroll through these 13 dishes that turn a favorite cornbread recipe, simple box of Jiffy cornbread mix, or leftover cornbread into tempting side dishes and mains.

You'll find everything from cornbread stuffing, waffles, pancakes, salads, and cornbread casseroles.

And if you're still hungry for corn bread, try a warm slice of this super moist sweet Jiffy cornbread with sour cream slathered with cinnamon honey butter.

13 Delicious Dinner Recipes with Cornbread

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting hot dish made with tangy, savory sloppy joe meat with bell peppers and onions, then piled with a sweet cornbread layer top. Fast and easy casserole recipe for the whole family.

Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Photo Credit: thefeatherednester.com

This Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread is a perfect mix of moist, fluffy, spicy, and cheesy flavor! Jiffy corn muffin mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeno peppers come together in this easy Mexican inspired cornbread recipe you can make in a baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

Photo Credit: meaningfuleats.com

Gluten-free homemade cornbread stuffing with sausage and fresh herbs is a delicious comfort food favorite you can enjoy any time of year!

Easy Jiffy Tamale Pie

Photo Credit: getonmyplate.com

Easy Jiffy Tamale Pie is a hearty cornbread casserole filled with flavorful ground beef mixture with green chiles, red bell pepper, taco seasoning, corn, and enchilada sauce. Topped with a cheesy cornbread mix, baked to golden brown perfection in a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet, this is an easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights.

Green Chile Cheese Waffles

Photo Credit: www.newmexicanfoodie.com

Green Chile Cheese Waffles come together with a savory cornbread waffle, green chile cheese queso, huevos, and bacon. An easy weeknight meal that just might become a new favorite.

Fluffy Cornbread Pancakes With Cherry Compote

Photo Credit: dailydish.co.uk

Cornbread Pancakes are the perfect recipe for when you're craving breakfast for dinner! These fluffy, buttery cakes have a dense cornbread crumb with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and a perfectly crunchy exterior. Delicious served with cherry compote topping.

Mexican Cornbread with ground beef {VIDEO}

Photo Credit: www.missinthekitchen.com

This Mexican Cornbread casserole recipe is filled with ground beef, cheddar cheese, onion, and jalapeños. This is my grandma's signature dish and one of my family's favorite recipes. An easy recipe for dinner any night of the week!

Cornbread Salad Recipe - Without Beans

Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

This Cornbread Salad with cherry tomatoes, green onions, and BBQ ranch is great side dish that's full of veggies and flavor! No lettuce needed for this salad (although optional) and you may be surprised at how hearty it really is!

Cornbread Salad

Cornbread salad is a layered salad that’s just as delicious as it is pretty. Layers of cornbread, beans, veggies, cheese, and a zippy Southwestern salad dressing come together for an easy and delicious salad -- the perfect side dish for a family reunion, potluck, or church dinners.

Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing

Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing is the unique, delicious side dish for holidays and special occasions you’ve been looking for. With a store-bought or homemade cornbread base, and nice balance of sweet and heat from chorizo and cherries, this cornbread dressing will have people coming back for a second scoop.

Chili Cornbread Casserole

Photo Credit: www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com

Chili Cornbread Casserole is a deliciously comforting and hearty meal. This simple dish combines chili, beans, cheese, and cornbread in one dish, baked until the chili is hot and bubbly and the cornbread is golden brown. Easy meal the entire family will beg you to make over and over again.

Mini Keto Corn Dog Muffins

Photo Credit: www.lowcarbspark.com

These easy keto corn dog muffins are the ultimate snack or appetizer that everyone loves. Made with just 7 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, these low carb corn dog muffins are completely grain-free and sugar-free. Tasty dish for game day, breakfast, or even school lunch for your kids.

Paula Deen Corn Casserole

This Paula Deen Corn Casserole recipe is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s soft and fluffy, sweet and decadent, crazy easy to make, and only 6 ingredients.

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Dinner Ideas with Cornbread: Paula Deen Corn Casserole

Paula Deen Corn Casserole recipe is a classic comfort food side dish. It’s soft and fluffy, sweet and decadent, crazy easy to make, and only 6 ingredients.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Servings

Calories 371kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 15.25 oz. can corn, drained
1 14.75 oz. can creamed corn
1 cup sour cream
1 stick melted butter ½ cup
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 and spray an 8x8, 9x9, or similar sized baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine the drained can of corn, can of creamed corn, Jiffy mix, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until combined.
Pour the corn mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the top and bake for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage

Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Microwave. Reheat covered in a microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Oven. Cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven until warmed through. It may take up to 20-25 minutes for a whole casserole.

Make Ahead

Unbaked

Prepare the corn casserole mixture and place it in the baking dish. Do not add the cheese. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake as directed until set and golden brown-- it may need a few extra minutes of baking time. Add the cheese and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

Baked

Refrigerator. Prepare and bake as directed, except for the cheese. Let it cool completely. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover it in foil and warm it in a 350 degree oven until warmed through to 165 degrees, 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the cheese and bake for 5-10 more minutes until melted.

Freezer. Prepare and bake the casserole as directed, except for the cheese. Let it cool completely and cover it in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover it in foil and warm it in a 350 degree oven until warmed through to 165 degrees, 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the cheese, and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese has melted.

Nutrition

The post 13 Delicious Dinner Ideas with Cornbread appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake

Cara Lanz — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:11:32 +0000

Easy Cheesy Baked Chicken is a delicious comfort food meal with juicy chicken breasts, creamy garlic ranch sauce, and gooey cheesy topping. It bakes in about 30 minutes for a fast, easy weeknight dinner.

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When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, you can't go wrong with chicken. We especially love Crispy Baked Thin Chicken and Oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs -- and this recipe for Cheesy Baked Chicken.

It's just one of those easy recipes you'll make again and again. The tender chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned, the garlic ranch creamy sauce is full of flavor, and the melted cheddar cheese topping adds even more gooey cheesy goodness.

This cheesy chicken casserole is such an easy dinner -- it takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its finest
Fast and easy casserole with simple ingredients
Perfect meal for a busy night or lazy weekend family dinners

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender, juicy, and moist.

Seasonings. The secret to any flavorful dish is seasoning all the layers. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika is an easy and delicious seasoning blend for chicken.

Cream cheese. Let the block of cream cheese soften at room temperature so it's easy to stir together with the rest of the cheese sauce ingredients.

Mayonnaise. A little bit of mayo softens the texture of the cream cheese mixture and adds a little tang.

Dry ranch dressing mix. Ranch seasoning is made with herbs and spices like onion powder, onion flakes, dill, parsley, garlic powder, and chives.

Shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese adds gooeyness to the cheese sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese, if possible. You can also use Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, or your favorite melty cheese.

Green onions. Sliced green onions flavor the cheese sauce and the top of the cheesy casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese. I like the full flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, but mild cheddar also works. Use freshly shredded if you can, it melts much creamier than bagged cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken

Step 1: Place the chicken in a ziptop bag or between two layers of plastic wrap.

Pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness.

Step 2: Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh garlic, and dry ranch seasoning together. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and sliced green onions.

Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 4: Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cover in foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165.

Step 5: Sprinkle the top with sliced green onion.

Step 6: Serve easy cheesy chicken bake with a fresh salad and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it bakes evenly so it's tender and juicy throughout -- not dry on one end and raw on the other.
Use freshly grated cheese if possible. It has better flavor, melts better, and is more economical than pre-shredded cheese. I love this cheese grater because it comes apart and stores flat in my utensil drawer!
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature so it combines well with the rest of the creamy cheese mixture.
Covering the cheesy chicken bake for the last 10 minutes keeps the cheese topping soft and melty.

FAQs

How long is cheesy baked chicken good for?

Store leftover garlic cheddar chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

What is the best kind of cheese to use in this easy cheesy chicken casserole recipe?

I like to use one for meltiness and one for flavor. Mozzarella adds gooeyness to the cream cheese mixture, and the sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chicken adds flavor.

How do you add flavor to bland chicken casserole?

The key to making this easy cheesy chicken recipe that's filled with flavor is to season every layer. Season the raw chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. Season the cheesy sauce with herbs and aromatics like garlic and onion. And finally, top the melted cheddar cheese topping with fresh herbs or sliced green onions.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake

Easy Cheesy Baked Chicken is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with garlic and ranch, smothered in three kinds of cheese, and baked to perfection -- a ridiculously delicious comfort food meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 597kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 sliced green onions, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Place the chicken breasts in a ziptop bag or between two layers of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness.
Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, and ranch mix together until completely combined. Stir in 2 sliced green onions and mozzarella cheese.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
Bake for 20 minutes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer is 165.
Sprinkle the top with one sliced green onion.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese if possible. It has better flavor, melts better, and is more economical than pre-shredded cheese.

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature so it combines well with the rest of the creamy cheese mixture.

Covering the cheesy chicken bake for the last 10 minutes keeps the cheese topping soft and melty.

Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your oven. Check for doneness early to avoid dry overcooked chicken.

Nutrition

The post Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Cara Lanz — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:49:39 +0000

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is an easy, hearty crock pot chili recipe loaded with tender chicken, white beans, black beans, corn, hominy, salsa verde, and cream cheese.

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Ready for a change from traditional chili? This creamy white chicken chili is the best chili recipe ever.

It's thick, hearty, super creamy and loaded with FLAVOR.

The chicken is fall-apart tender, the beans, corn, and hominy add interesting texture and flavor, the salsa verde brings bright freshness, and cream cheese makes it extra decadent.

So if you're looking for a stick-to-your-ribs satisfying kind of chili recipe, this slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili is definitely it.

And it's SO EASY! You don’t even have to brown the chicken. This is one of those slow cooker recipes where you just dump everything in and walk away.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy white chicken chili recipe -- just dump everything into the Crock Pot!

Creamy chicken chili filled with delicious flavors the whole family will love.

A one-pot complete meal that's sure to be a new family favorite.

Great meal prep recipe — the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Try These Easy Dinner Recipes Next

Ingredients

White chicken chili with cream cheese comes together with simple ingredients.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts. I use 3 large fresh chicken breasts, about 8-10 ounces each.

Black beans. Black beans add color, rich flavor, and creamy texture.

White beans. You can use any kind of white bean you like such as cannellini beans, navy beans, or Great Northern beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the cream cheese chicken chili.

Hominy. Hominy adds a soft and chewy texture to this white chicken chili.

Sweet corn. You can use fresh, frozen, or drained canned corn.

Chili powder and cumin. The combo of chili powder and cumin bring all the classic chili flavors you expect. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking.

Salsa verde. I use mild salsa verde, which still has a little kick to it. Go as mild or spicy as you want here.

Chicken broth. We like our chili nice and thick so I only use ½ cup of broth. If you like your chili "brothier" add more. You can also use chicken stock.

Cream cheese. One block of cream cheese makes this whole pot of white chicken chili creamy and delicious.

Optional Ingredients

Chili is great because it's so easy to customize with your favorite flavors. Try

Green chilies. Throw in a can of drained green chilis for a little extra zing.

Rotel. If you're missing tomatoes, go ahead and add a can of Rotel tomatoes.

Beans. If you're not a fan of black beans or white beans, swap them out for your favorite kind of beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or chili beans.

Seasonings. Adjust the seasonings to your preference and add even add more like onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper

Step by step Instructions

1. Prep the CrockPot.

Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Assemble the white chicken chili.

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt over the chicken.

Add the onion, garlic, drained and rinsed beans, hominy, and corn.

Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

3. Heat.

Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

4. Break up the chicken and add the cream cheese.

Use tongs or two forks to gently pull the chicken breasts apart into chunks-- no need to remove them, just reach right into the CrockPot.

⭐Pro Tip: This is a great time to give the chili a look and a taste and see if it needs more broth or more seasonings.

Place cream cheese cubes in the CrockPot and stir.

5. Warm until cream cheese melts.

Warm for an additional 30 minutes or until the cream cheese is completely melted.

Stir cream cheese into the chili mixture.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Serve your creamy chili with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and tortilla chips or corn bread.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a saucepan on the stove top until heated through.

Freeze leftover cream cheese chicken chili in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat

Expert Tips

This chili is hearty and thick. If you like "soupier" chili, add more chicken broth.

When you break apart the chicken, take a taste to see if it needs more seasonings.

Rinse and drain the beans and hominy before adding them to the rest of the ingredients. If you're using canned corn, it should also be drained.

FAQs

How do you thicken a cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

To thicken cream cheese chili, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple tablespoons of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry. Stir the slurry into the chili until thickened. Repeat one more time, if necessary.

Can you freeze cream cheese chicken chili?

Yes. This easy white chili recipe freezes really well. Place it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

How do I thin cream cheese chicken chili?

This white chicken chili recipe is hearty and THICK. If you prefer a soupier or thinner chili, just add more broth! You can add more right away with the rest of the ingredients or wait until you break up the chicken to see what the consistency is like and if you want to add more. The additional broth will warm up while the cream cheese melts.

What to Serve with White Chicken Chili

Looking for the best sides to serve with Crock Pot chicken chili with cream cheese? Check out my all-time favorite sides to serve with chicken chili, including dishes like:

Baked Avocado Fries
Corn Salad
Coconut Lime Rice
... and more!

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Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is an easy, hearty crock pot chili recipe loaded with tender chicken, white beans, black beans, corn, hominy, salsa verde, and cream cheese.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 10

Servings

Calories 169kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can hominy, drained
1 ½ cups corn fresh, frozen & thawed, or I can of corn (drained)
16 ounces salsa verde
½ cup chicken broth Use more if you like "soupier" chili
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt over the chicken.
Add the onion, garlic, drained and rinsed beans, hominy, and corn.
Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Use tongs or two forks to gently pull the chicken breasts apart into chunks.
Add the cream cheese cubes and stir.
Warm for an additional 30 minutes or until the cream cheese is completely melted. Stir cream cheese into the chili mixture.

Notes

This chili is hearty and thick. If you like "soupier" chili, add more chicken broth.

When you break apart the chicken, take a taste to see if it needs more seasonings.

Rinse and drain the beans and hominy before adding them to the rest of the ingredients. If you're using canned corn, it should also be drained.

Nutrition

The post Cream Cheese Chicken Chili appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Easy Swiss Chicken Casserole

Cara Lanz — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:36:33 +0000

Swiss Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner recipe that's loaded with juicy chicken, gooey Swiss cheese, and a cozy stuffing topping. Hearty, satisfying creamy chicken bake recipe -- perfect dinner for a busy night.

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Delicious creamy Swiss chicken casserole with stuffing is a classic comfort food casserole that comes together with tender cooked chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, ooey-gooey cheese, and flavorful herb stuffing.

This Swiss chicken recipe is super warm and cozy and a great reason to throw an extra rotisserie chicken in your cart!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Cozy and delicious dinner recipe for cold winter nights

Perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken

Simple weeknight dinner the whole family will love

Swiss chicken bake is an easy recipe with simple ingredients

Try These Delicious Casserole Recipes Next

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card for the full list of ingredients and exact quantities.

Dry stuffing mix. You can use your own homemade stuffing or store-bought boxed stuffing mix. I like Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing or Brownberry Herb Seasoned Cube Stuffing. You can also use your favorite flavor of Stove Top stuffing.

Butter. A little bit of butter goes into and on top of the stuffing to keep it nice and moist and super flavorful.

Cremini mushrooms. Baby bella mushrooms add earthy flavor to the stuffing.

Chicken broth. I use reduced sodium chicken broth.

Diced cooked chicken. Use cooked white meat or dark meat chicken like freshly poached chicken breasts or chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken.

Cream of chicken soup. Swiss chicken casserole with cream of chicken soup has tons of chicken flavor.

Sour cream. Sour cream mixed with cream soup creates a rich and creamy casserole filling.

Poultry seasoning. Poultry seasoning is filled with cozy, earthy herbs that obviously taste great with POULTRY, like sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and nutmeg.

Paprika. Paprika adds a mild, peppery flavor.

Swiss cheese. Freshly shredded Swiss cheese adds a gooey, cheesy layer right in the middle. You can also use slices of Swiss cheese.

Substitutions

Mushrooms. If you're not into mushrooms, you can skip them or swap them out with carrots or celery.

Cooked chicken. This would also be a great recipe for leftover holiday turkey.

Cream of chicken soup. Any "cream of" soup will work like cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery, cream of onion --- use whatever you have and whatever you like.

Poultry seasoning. You can make up your own blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and nutmeg or use Italian seasoning. If you should happen to have zaatar or herbs de Provence, those are also great swaps.

Swiss cheese. I know this is a Swiss chicken casserole recipe, but you can use cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, mozzarella, or your favorite melty cheese.

Seasonings. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference by adding garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

How to Poach Chicken

Poaching chicken is a fast and easy way to get soft and tender chicken breasts for Swiss chicken casserole with stuffing -- and sandwiches and salads for your lunches the next day.

See just how easy it is to poach chicken!

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a large skillet or saucepan. Season the chicken with a big pinch of salt.
Pour enough water or chicken broth over the chicken breasts to completely cover them by about an inch.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165.

Total cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but will usually take around 10-15 minutes.

Start checking it a few minutes early so you don't overcook the chicken.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it cool, and slice, shred, or dice as needed.

Store leftover poached chicken in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Make Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 2-3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

1. Prep the stuffing.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add the onions and mushrooms to the melted butter and cook until the onions are translucent, 3-4 minutes.

Add the chicken broth; bring to a boil.

Remove from heat, add the stuffing mix, and stir. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

2. Make the creamy chicken filling.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, poultry seasoning, and paprika together.

Add the cooked chicken and stir to combine.

3. Assemble the casserole.

Place the chicken and soup mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.

Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the chicken.

Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture on top of the cheese. Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the stuffing.

4. Bake.

Tightly cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The internal temperature should read 165.

Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Reheat the entire casserole in a 350 oven covered with foil until warmed through.

Freeze leftover Swiss chicken casserole in a freezer-safe container wrapped in plastic wrap and a layer of foil for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350 oven covered with foil. If desired, remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Expert Tips

You'll need about two large chicken breasts for 3 cups of cooked chicken.

For a fast and easy shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Use your favorite flavors of stuffing, cream soup, and cheese to make this dish your own.

FAQs

Should you cover Swiss chicken casserole when baking?

Yes. And no. This chicken Swiss cheese stuffing casserole is covered during the first half of the baking time to keep the stuffing nice and moist, then uncovered to let the top of the stuffing get slightly crispy.

What is the difference between a casserole and a hotdish?

Some have surmised the difference is in the ingredients, while others say it's the dish it's cooked in. But I have a different theory. I even ran a poll to prove my point.
Read about it in my post, Hotdish vs. Casserole: What's the Difference?

Can I freeze Swiss chicken casserole?

Yes. Cover the cooled, baked Swiss cheese chicken stuffing casserole with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat covered in foil at 350 degrees until heated through. If desired, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Swiss Chicken Casserole

Swiss Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner recipe that's loaded with juicy chicken, gooey Swiss cheese, and a cozy stuffing topping. Hearty, satisfying creamy chicken bake recipe -- perfect dinner for a busy night.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 630kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups dry stuffing mix
½ cup diced onion
1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 2-3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and mushrooms and cook until the onions are translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the broth; bring to a boil.
Remove from heat, add the stuffing mix, and stir. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir the soup, sour cream, poultry seasoning, and paprika together. Add the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
Place the chicken mixture in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top of the chicken. Spoon the stuffing mixture on top of the cheese.
Dot the top of the stuffing with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The internal temperature should read 165.
Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You'll need about two large chicken breasts for 3 cups of cooked chicken.
For a fast and easy shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Use your favorite flavors of stuffing, cream soup, and cheese to make this dish your own.

Nutrition

The post Easy Swiss Chicken Casserole appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.