10 Five Ingredient Casseroles That Save Busy Weeknights

Busy weeknights call for dinners that are filling, quick, and stress-free. Casseroles shine in these moments because they bring together a handful of ingredients in one dish that bake into something warm and comforting. You do not need a long grocery list to put a wholesome meal on the table. With the right combinations, five ingredients are enough to create casseroles that are hearty, flavorful, and family-approved. Here are ten five-ingredient casseroles that prove dinner can be simple without sacrificing taste.

1. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole uses cooked rice, frozen broccoli, condensed cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. The ingredients combine into a creamy, cheesy bake that transforms basic pantry items into a hearty side or main dish. The rice provides substance, the broccoli adds freshness, and the cheese ties everything together with gooey richness. Families often serve it alongside chicken or fish, but it also stands on its own for meatless nights. With only five ingredients, this casserole delivers warmth and convenience in one dish.

2. Taco Casserole

Taco night becomes even easier with this simple five-ingredient casserole. All you need is ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips. The beef is browned and seasoned, layered with salsa, topped with cheese, and finished with a crunchy tortilla chip topping. It captures the flavors of a taco in a form that is easy to scoop and serve. This recipe is perfect for families looking for a fun twist on taco night without multiple pans or toppings. It is hearty, bold, and ready in little time.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

A true classic, chicken and rice casserole can be made with cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. Everything bakes together in the oven, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and soup while the chicken stays tender. The cheese creates a golden topping that adds richness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep and makes a complete meal in one dish. It is a crowd-pleaser that works well for both family dinners and leftovers the next day.

4. Chili Cheese Casserole

This easy casserole combines canned chili, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips. The pasta provides structure, while the chili brings hearty beans and meat together in a saucy base. Topped with cheese and chips, it bakes into a bubbling, crunchy dish that is both comforting and filling. With just five ingredients, it captures the bold flavors of chili in casserole form, making it a great option for weeknights when time is short but you still want a meal that feels hearty and homemade.

5. Sausage and Peppers Casserole

This recipe takes the classic combination of Italian sausage and peppers and turns it into a weeknight casserole. All you need are sliced sausage links, bell peppers, onions, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The sausage and vegetables are layered with the sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. It is a dish that offers bold flavors with minimal prep and captures the taste of an Italian favorite in a simplified form. Families love it because it is both hearty and colorful, with plenty of cheesy comfort in every bite.

6. Ham and Potato Casserole

Leftover ham finds new life in this hearty casserole. The five ingredients are diced ham, frozen hash browns, cream of celery soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Everything mixes in a baking dish and bakes into a creamy, cheesy potato casserole with plenty of savory ham. It is filling enough to serve as a main course and is particularly useful after holidays when leftover ham is abundant. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe turns everyday staples into a comfort dish that works perfectly on busy evenings.

7. Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole uses ground beef, red enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, shredded cheddar cheese, and black beans. The tortillas are layered with the beef, beans, sauce, and cheese, creating a stacked casserole that mimics classic enchiladas without the rolling. It bakes into a bubbling dish that is bold, smoky, and comforting. Served with a side of sour cream or salsa, it becomes a full dinner that satisfies a crowd. With just five ingredients, this casserole delivers big flavor while saving plenty of prep time.

8. Baked Ziti Casserole

This Italian American staple can be made weeknight-friendly with just ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is layered with sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. It offers all the flavors of a traditional baked pasta dish without requiring more than five simple ingredients. Hearty and filling, this casserole works as a main dish for family dinners and can be paired with salad or garlic bread if desired. It is simple, reliable, and always a crowd favorite.

9. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This five-ingredient breakfast casserole is perfect for mornings or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Using diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, and bread cubes, it bakes into a hearty, golden dish that feels both comforting and filling. The eggs are set into a soft, custard-like base, the ham adds savory depth, and the melted cheese ties everything together. Since it can be prepped ahead of time and baked when needed, it is a convenient option for busy families. Simple yet satisfying, this casserole proves you do not need a long ingredient list to make something that feels complete.

10. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

A simplified take on a comfort food classic, this casserole needs only ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, brown gravy, instant mashed potatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. The beef and vegetables form the base, the gravy keeps everything moist, and the potatoes create a fluffy topping. A layer of melted cheese gives it a golden finish. While traditional versions may be more elaborate, this streamlined casserole keeps the essence of shepherd’s pie intact while saving time. It is hearty, filling, and perfect for weeknight cooking.