Ah, the glorious casserole—a culinary masterpiece that manages to combine convenience with a hint of desperation. It’s an art form where a few sad ingredients pull together into a dish that looks like it survived a meteor shower. First up, they are almost embarrassingly easy to prepare, stretching just a handful of items into a banquet fit for… well, a family of four. Most are conveniently housed in a 9×13 pan, so if Martha Stewart drops by, you can pretend you’re catering to the masses. Bonus? Clean-up is a snap—unless, of course, you decide to go Gordon Ramsay on your kitchen, then all bets are off.
So, for folks who don’t want to spend three hours prepping or break out five mixing bowls, we present casserole recipes that require five ingredients or less (we won’t count oil, salt, and pepper—those are like the air you breathe for cooking). Scroll down to meet your new best friend for weeknight dinners—where the motto is always “mushy is gourmet.”
Bethany’s Frito(R) Pie
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This genius creation is everything you adore about traditional Frito pie, only made in a casserole pan, because who has time for finesse? Joyce Zimmerman, a culinary oracle in her own right, proclaims, “Never use chili that contains beans.” Because, apparently, we’re not making a five-star restaurant dish here; we’re just throwing things together and calling it dinner. And make sure you crush those corn chips like they owe you money before baking. It absorbs the chili flavors better—like a sponge for disappointment!
Easy Tuna Casserole
According to the culinary genius known as LMCDEVIT, all it takes is tuna, macaroni, creamy soup, cheese, and fried onions. Easy, right? Even the most culinary-challenged among us can jazz it up by just tossing in a few extra veggies as an effortless excuse for health. Remember, it’s all about the presentation—if it looks like a slop-fest, just call it rustic!
Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole
A casserole so filling that even your family pet might give you the side-eye for trying to convince them to partake. Home cook gabriel744s proudly declares it a “parent win,” as if this were the Last Supper of weeknight meals. Feel free to channel your inner chef and add broccoli or peas, just don’t expect Michelin stars for your efforts.
Enchanted Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Sour cream? You mean the dollop that’s topped on every enchilada? No, in this groundbreaking twist, it serves as a sauce for the chicken. Tinam describes it as “very easy, fast, and delicious,” because truly, no one has ever described sour cream as anything other than lifeless. You might just start a revolutionary trend with this recipe—because who doesn’t want to be the pioneer of mediocre enchiladas?
Simple Sausage Casserole
This top-rated recipe promises simplicity—because who has time for complexity in their culinary endeavors? A rich, creamy concoction of sausage and cream cheese is nestled between layers of crescent dough, almost like a hug from your oven. Don’t forget to toss in some veggies (seriously, thirty seconds of chopping doesn’t count as “work”).
Broccoli Noodles and Cheese Casserole
Ah, the ultimate in high-class cuisine: egg noodles, broccoli, cottage cheese, and Cheddar. The only thing it’s missing is a side of regret. Feel free to add your own flair because nothing says “I’ve made an effort” like slapping on some extra cheese.
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