I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Casserole Recipes
Reviewed by Dietitian Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD
There are few things as comforting as a casserole. They're warm, usually gooey and easy to assemble and bake. But just because something is cozy and comforting to eat doesn't mean it can't be nutritious—and these dishes are proof.
Each casserole recipe on this list boasts at least 15 grams of protein per serving, which meets EatingWell's parameters for a high-protein dish. That means these casseroles are not only filling for your stomach, but your soul, too—as any good comfort food should be.
While we often think "dinner" when we think "casserole," we've included casseroles for any mealtime—from breakfast to dinner and anything in between. Recipes like our Blueberry-Almond Overnight French Toast casserole and Eggs Benedict Casserole are perfect to prep ahead for a satisfying brunch gathering. Savory mains like our Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole and Cabbage Roll Casserole are just as delicious fresh out of the oven as they are for leftovers the next day.
Whether it's casserole season or not, these recipes help make getting something on the table flavorful and nourishing. For more budget-friendly recipes, plus cooking and shopping tips, check out Thrifty.
Sweet Potato, Sausage and Goat Cheese Egg Casserole
The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days—just bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy, easy dinner on the table in no time. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand; just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners, and this enchilada version is no exception. The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days—just bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy, easy dinner on the table in no time. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand; just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce.
Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
This Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole tastes just like the classic sandwich version but in casserole form. We swapped out the beef for ground chicken and added pasta to bring this quick one-skillet dinner together.
French Onion Dip Chicken & Rice Casserole
This creamy French onion dip chicken and rice casserole topped with crispy potato chips is perfect for game day or whenever you want a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
This casserole has all the elements of cabbage rolls—ground beef, onion and rice cooked in tomato sauce—and skips the fuss of rolling. The cabbage is chopped instead and layered with the saucy filling, then topped with cheese, for a satisfying and easy casserole. Feel free to substitute other ground meats, such as turkey, for the ground beef—this recipe would also be great with a vegetarian meat substitute.
Eggs Benedict Casserole
An eggs Benedict casserole is not only delicious, hearty and filling, but it also gives you the ingredients and taste you love from eggs Benedict in an easy, make-ahead form. We suggest making the sauce while your casserole cooks and serving the final product with some fresh fruit.
Spinach & Mushroom Tortellini Bake
This cheesy tortellini bake is a dish the whole family will love—it's filled with sweet-tasting marinara, mushrooms and spinach and topped with melted cheese. Complete the meal, plus get in another vegetable serving, by adding a side of broccoli or a small green salad.
Blueberry-Almond Overnight French Toast
This breakfast casserole goes straight from the oven to the table, so pick your favorite table-worthy baking dish for this healthy French toast recipe. Serve with pure maple syrup.
Spinach & Feta Strata
This breakfast casserole is a natural make-ahead choice, as the egg mixture needs plenty of time to soak into the bread before baking. Plus, it's equally delicious hot, room temperature or cold, so guests can help themselves as they wake up.
Veggie Lasagna
Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Every layer of this delicious veggie lasagna has its own flavor profile. Cooking the vegetables before assembling the lasagna ensures the dish won’t be soggy. Be sure to squeeze the spinach well—spinach holds a surprising amount of water that will make your lasagna soupy. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray before covering the lasagna to prevent the cheese from sticking. Serve with a mixed green salad and crusty garlic bread.
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Think of this vegetarian enchilada casserole as a veggie-packed Mexican-inspired lasagna with corn tortillas standing in for the noodles! If your peppers are mild and you like heat, opt for spicy pico de gallo. This easy vegetarian dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy ground beef and broccoli casserole is comfort food the whole family can get behind. It's assembled and baked all in one skillet and finished in 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
