Inspired By: Ham and Swiss Sandwich
When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas
Inspired By: Corn Dogs
Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
Inspired By: Nachos
I have been serving this Mexican chicken with Doritos casserole for years and it's a favorite of my friends and family. It's sure to disappear quickly at potlucks. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Inspired by: Burritos
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Inspired By: Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Inspired BY: Macaroni and Cheese
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Inspired By: Chop Suey
Crispy chow mein noodles top this twist on chop suey that’s sure to be a family favorite. Willie DeWaard - Coralville, IA
Inspired by: Cabbage Rolls
I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
Inspired by: Supreme Pizza
I discovered this recipe in the reader's exchange page of our local electric cooperative's magazine. Serve it whenever you've got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky
Inspired by: Chicken Cordon Bleu
I got this recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Inspired by: Cheeseburgers & Fries
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Inspired by: Meatball Subs
We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a new plan for dinner. Turns out that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Inspired by: Reuben Sandwiches
Our Aunt Renee always brought this casserole to family picnics, and it became so popular that she started making two or three to bring. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Inspired by: Chicken Potpie
I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits, like I do, or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas
Inspired by: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
This is similar to a savory french toast casserole and combines two favorite dishes- grilled cheese with tomato soup. No dipping required! This is a great meat-free dinner that my picky-eater husband devoured!—Morgan Seger, Ansonia, Ohio
Inspired by: Taco Salad
This casserole tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas
Inspired by: Shrimp & Grits
On chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Inspired by: Hot Brown Sandwiches
If you've ever tried the Hot Brown Sandwich at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky you'll love this version. It can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; just adjust baking time accordingly if cold. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Inspired by: Stuffed Peppers
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Rolled Chicken Fontina
Eat it tonight, or freeze it for later. This cheesy casserole is still awesome months after you make it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Enchiladas Verdes
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Inspired by: Chicken & Dumplings
This savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy poured over them. The basil adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish cooks. —Sue Mackey, Galesburg, Illinois
Inspired by: Turkey & Stuffing
This is a plate full of love, comfort and goodness. —Debbie Fabre, Ft Myers, Florida
Inspired by: Lemon Pepper Chicken
I couldn’t say who loves this chicken and rice recipe best, because every time I serve it, it gets raves! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite of my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Inspired by: Pasta With Meat Sauce
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Inspired by: Soft Shell Tacos
Here's something a little different from the usual tacos—and it's special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska
Inspired by: Ratatouille
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Inspired by: Pork Chops
My family likes to make these chops for Sunday dinner. The recipe lets us spend more time having fun together and less time cooking. —Georgiann Franklin, Canfield, Ohio
Inspired by: Tamales
When I serve this Mexican-style casserole, everyone scrapes the plate clean. Offer fresh toppings like green onions, tomatoes and avocado. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Inspired by: Pasta Fagioli
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Inspired by: Oysters Rockefeller
I oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from Colonial Williamsburg's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia
Inspired by: Roast Lamb
This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Inspired by: Chiles Rellenos
My husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
Inspired by: Schnitzel
I lived in Germany for five years and ate a lot of schnitzel. I developed this recipe so it wasn't so time-consuming to make. I am asked for the recipe every time I make it. —Beth Taylor, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Inspired by: Eggplant Parmesan
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, unlike most eggplant Parmesan recipes, it’s much healthier! It takes a little extra time, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Inspired by: Beef Stew & Biscuits
This recipe was inspired by my family's love of two things—beef stew and biscuits. After years of making the two separately, I put the biscuits on top of the stew like a cobbler. This supper's as down-home as it gets. —Janine Talley, Orlando, Florida
Inspired by: Chicken Club Sandwiches
This chicken club casserole freezer meal is a warm, welcoming casserole that tastes as fresh and creamy after it's frozen as it does right out of the oven! — Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina
Inspired by: Chili Mac
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Inspired by: Chicken Mole
My Southwestern chicken casserole makes the perfect party dish when you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary. The mole sauce lends an authentic flavor, and folks are always pleasantly surprised to taste a little sweetness from the chocolate. —Barbara White, Livingston, Texas
Inspired by: Scallops
Tiny and tender bay scallops take center stage in these miniature dishes. They're reminiscent of potpies, very creamy and packed with flavorful veggies in every bite. Vivian Manary - Nepean, Oregon
The post 40 Classic Dinners That Taste Better as Casseroles appeared first on Taste of Home.
Amy Glander