12 Retro Casserole Recipes Just Like Grandma Used To Make and Love

If the word "casserole" elicits strong feelings of affection then you're in the right place.

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht turned her home baking into a career in 2016 when she began working as the head baker at The Greenbean Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA. Afterwards, she started Baking with Rachel (her blog), began teaching kids' cooking classes, and recipe tested for the cookbook "Let's Stay In" by Ashley Rodriguez.
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Published April 25, 2024
Rachel Knecht
Serving turkey noodle casserole from a baking dish

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

If the word "casserole" elicits strong feelings of affection then you're in the right place. I've loved casseroles as long as I can remember. Mom's tuna casserole was one of my favorite childhood meals.

As a mom, I get a deep satisfaction from serving classics like tamale pie and Shepherd's pie to my family. They're always a big hit and make enough for leftovers the next day.

Let's dispel the myth that all casseroles use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. All the casseroles in this list are made with whole ingredients and can be tailored to your and your family's tastes.

Scroll through and find your childhood favorite or a new-to-you casserole to add to your dinnertime routine.

  • Johnny Marzetti Casserole

    Serving of Johnny Marzetti casserole and mixed greens on a plate at a table setting with more casserole in a casserole dish, another plate with another serving and two glasses with a drink

    Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

    If you live in Ohio, you've probably had this beef and macaroni casserole. It's legendary. You can make it ahead of time if you know you're going to have a busy week.

  • Shipwreck Casserole

    shipwreck casserole in a casserole dish at a table setting with a bowl of scallions, plate, and glass of water

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    This easy casserole uses shredded hashbrowns layered with a seasoned ground beef filling.

  • Tamale Pie

    A casserole dish with a tamale pie and a piece missing.
    Annika Panikker

    My sister used to make tamale pie for dinner and I always loved it. The slightly sweetened cornbread tops a Southwestern seasoned ground beef filling.

  • Baked Ziti

    Plated serving of baked ziti

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Bakes

    Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that my family loves. Italian sausage is my favorite choice because of all the flavor it adds.

    Continue to 5 of 12 below

  • Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

    Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole in cast iron skillet

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    While mom never used a cast iron skillet, I think it's a smart choice for tuna noodle casserole, leading to extra crunchy bits—my favorite part.

  • Easy Shepherd's Pie

    A slice of shepherd's pie on a plate with a fork.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

    This is a hearty, cozy casserole that takes mere minutes to put together. I like repurposing leftover mashed potatoes for the topping whenever possible.

  • Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Chicken and rice casserole, ready to serve

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

    Skip the cream of mushroom soup and make chicken and rice casserole completely from scratch. Serve with roasted carrots.

  • Turkey Noodle Casserole

    Serving turkey noodle casserole from a baking dish

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Once the mashed potatoes are gone, what do you do with all the leftover turkey? Turn it into a satisfying egg noodle casserole, of course. This one has a nice crunch from breadcrumbs to complement the creamy, cheesy filling.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below

  • Cheesy Potato Casserole

    A side view of a glass casserole dish of potato casserole without canned cream soup. A wooden spoon is partially in view and scooping a serving out of the casserole dish.
    Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

    Whenever I need an easy win, I turn to a cheesy potato casserole. It's the perfect side to ham or chicken and my whole family loves it.

  • Chicken Noodle Casserole

    Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole in a white baking dish with a silver spoon.
    Sally Vargas

    Chicken noodle is classic comfort food. You can swap out the poached chicken for rotisserie and save yourself some dishes.

  • Chicken Pot Pie

    A pot pie with a golden crust is in a ramekin with some of the crust removed to show the filling.
    Elise Bauer

    I’m team double crust when it comes to chicken pot pie. You can use store-bought pie crust to save some time.

  • Mexican Lasagna

    Mexican Lasagna or taco lasagna recipe
    Elise Bauer

    Swap out the lasagna noodles and ricotta for lightly fried corn tortillas and cheddar cheese. You can assemble it ahead of time and then bake it right before serving.