5-Ingredient Casseroles are the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, homemade meal without the hassle. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious, comforting casseroles that save time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these easy dishes will become your go-to recipes.
From cheesy baked pasta to savory chicken bakes, these 5-ingredient casseroles are designed for convenience. No complicated steps, no long ingredient lists—just quick, satisfying meals that come together in minutes. Perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!
Each recipe in this list is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, or protein-packed dish, there’s a casserole here for every taste. So grab your favorite ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a full week of stress-free dinners!
Monday: Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Start your week with a comforting Southern classic that has been loved for generations. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is packed with rich flavors while keeping the ingredient list short and simple. The base consists of ground beef, which provides a hearty and protein-packed foundation. Cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy, savory element, while shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, satisfying texture. Eggs help bind everything together, ensuring the casserole holds its shape, and a topping of buttery crackers adds the perfect crispy contrast to the soft, cheesy layers underneath.
What makes Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole so special is its ability to deliver incredible taste with minimal effort. Since all the ingredients are easily accessible, you won’t need to spend extra time grocery shopping or preparing complex elements. Simply cook the ground beef, mix everything, layer it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest. The result is a golden, bubbling casserole that fills the kitchen with warmth. Like other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this dish proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly satisfying.
For the best experience, serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that works well for family dinners, meal prep, or even a comforting weekend meal. Plus, you can customize it by swapping the mushroom soup for cream of chicken or adding extra cheese for more indulgence. No matter how you prepare it, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Tuesday: 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole
Taco night just got easier with this flavorful and satisfying 5-ingredient Mexican Casserole. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, shredded cheese, black beans, and corn tortillas to create a delicious meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. The layers of tortillas absorb all the rich seasonings, while the melted cheese creates a gooey, comforting bite in every forkful. Unlike traditional tacos that require multiple steps, this casserole simplifies everything into a single dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One of the best things about 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole is its versatility. You can use store-bought taco seasoning for convenience or make your blend with cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The salsa provides a tangy, slightly spicy kick, while black beans add extra protein and fiber. As with many 5-ingredient Casseroles, this recipe allows you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Want a little more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. Craving extra crunch? Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
Serving 5-ingredient Mexican Casserole is just as easy as making it. You can top it with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocados for added freshness. It pairs well with a simple side of Spanish rice or a crisp green salad. Since it reheats beautifully, this dish is also perfect for leftovers, ensuring you have a quick and delicious meal ready to go the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this casserole is a stress-free way to enjoy all the flavors of Mexican cuisine in one easy bake.
Wednesday: My Dad’s 5-Ingredient Broccoli-Cheese Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy dish with a touch of nostalgia, My Dad’s 5-Ingredient Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is the perfect midweek meal. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, combining steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, crushed crackers, and eggs to create a creamy, rich, and satisfying dish. The combination of tender broccoli and gooey melted cheese makes this casserole both nutritious and indulgent. As with many 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this one is incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers a bold, comforting taste that reminds you of home-cooked meals.
One of the reasons My Dad’s 5-Ingredient Broccoli-Cheese Casserole stands out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cream of mushroom soup provides a velvety base that coats every piece of broccoli, ensuring a smooth and delicious bite every time. The eggs help the casserole set properly, giving it a firm yet soft texture. To finish it off, a layer of crushed crackers adds a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Just like other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this dish proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something special.
Serving My Dad’s 5-Ingredient Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is easy and versatile. It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider mixing in a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Since this casserole reheats beautifully, it’s also a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have a quick and delicious side dish ready throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, this broccoli-cheese casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Thursday: Easy Tuna Casserole
For a quick and protein-packed meal, Easy Tuna Casserole is a classic recipe that never disappoints. This dish is made with canned tuna, egg noodles, cream of celery soup, shredded cheese, and crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly salty flavors makes it an ideal comfort food. Like all 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this one requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
What makes Easy Tuna Casserole special is its creamy, hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of canned tuna. The egg noodles soak up the rich sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The cream of celery soup adds a subtle depth that enhances the overall dish, while the melted cheese provides a satisfying gooeyness. The finishing touch is a crispy layer of crushed potato chips, which adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy noodles. Just like other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this dish is adaptable, so you can swap in different cheeses or even use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different twist.
To serve Easy Tuna Casserole, simply scoop a generous portion onto a plate and pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for families, as it’s both kid-friendly and packed with protein. It also makes great leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time, making each reheated serving just as delicious as the first. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic meal or just need something quick and delicious, this tuna casserole is a must-try.
Friday: Tater Tot Casserole
When Friday rolls around, it’s time for a fun, comforting meal like Tater Tot Casserole. This dish layers crispy tater tots, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and frozen peas for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner. The golden, crispy tater tots on top create the perfect contrast to the creamy, savory beef mixture underneath. Like all 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this one keeps things simple while delivering bold, satisfying flavors that the whole family will love.
The key to Tater Tot Casserole is the layering technique. The ground beef is first cooked and seasoned before being spread in a baking dish. Next, a rich and creamy layer of soup coats the beef, ensuring a moist and flavorful base. Shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top, adding a gooey, melty texture that binds everything together. Finally, the frozen peas bring a touch of sweetness and color, while the crispy tater tots form a crunchy, golden topping that makes this dish irresistible. As with other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying.
To enjoy Tater Tot Casserole, serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions for added flavor. This dish is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the weekend, as it reheats beautifully. If you’re looking to customize it, you can swap in ground turkey or add some bacon for extra smoky flavor. No matter how you prepare it, this casserole is a fun and filling way to end the workweek on a delicious note.
Saturday: Meatball Sub Casserole
Saturday calls for something hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, and Meatball Sub Casserole is the perfect weekend comfort food. This dish takes everything you love about a classic meatball sub—juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy bread—and transforms it into an easy-to-make casserole. Just like other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this one requires minimal ingredients but delivers bold, satisfying flavors in every bite. The base layer consists of thick slices of French bread that soak up the marinara sauce while keeping a soft yet slightly crispy texture. The meatballs, covered in sauce and cheese, create a rich, indulgent filling that’s both comforting and filling.
The magic of Meatball Sub Casserole lies in its perfect balance of textures. The French bread on the bottom absorbs the sauce, becoming deliciously soft, while the top stays slightly crisp, mimicking the crust of a freshly baked sub. The meatballs are tender and packed with flavor, while the melted cheese creates a stretchy, gooey layer that makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Since it’s one of the easiest 5-ingredient Casseroles to prepare, it’s a fantastic option for a no-fuss weekend meal. You can use store-bought meatballs for convenience, or if you have extra time, homemade meatballs can take this dish to the next level.
To serve Meatball Sub Casserole, simply scoop a portion onto a plate and enjoy it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you love extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners, game nights, or gatherings with friends. Since it reheats well, you can also enjoy the leftovers the next day without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a meatball sub lover or just want a quick, cheesy dish, this casserole is the ultimate weekend indulgence.
Sunday: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
End your week with a simple yet satisfying dish like 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole. This no-frills recipe combines ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese to create a comforting and hearty meal. While most 5-Ingredient Casseroles include an extra ingredient, this one keeps things even simpler while still delivering a big flavor. The pasta provides a soft, chewy base, the seasoned ground beef adds richness, and the tomato sauce gives the dish a tangy, slightly sweet depth. A generous layer of melted cheese on top ties everything together, creating a gooey, delicious finish.
The beauty of 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is its ease of preparation. The pasta is cooked until al dente before being mixed with browned ground beef and tomato sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Everything is then layered in a baking dish and topped with cheese, which melts into a golden, bubbly topping as it bakes. Like other 5-Ingredient Casseroles, this dish is all about convenience, making it a great choice for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Since the ingredients are pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime without needing a special grocery trip.
To enjoy a 4-ingredient Hamburger Casserole, serve it straight from the oven with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. If you want to customize it, add seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This casserole also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop overnight. Whether you’re looking for a quick Sunday dinner or an easy meal prep option for the week ahead, this hamburger casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to wrap up your week of 5-Ingredient Casseroles.
