In January I take it easy on meal prep. I make a big casserole on Sunday and slice it into squares that last me for 4 nights for dinner. Each square is pretty filling on its own but make sure you add in enough chicken, beef, beans, or cheese so it’ll last you until breakfast!
Pasta and noodle bakes
Baked Ziti
I always make this pasta bake when I’m feeding a big group after a Saturday game. There’s protein in every bite thanks to the lean ground beef and protein pasta. Ricotta and mozzarella cheese take it over the top. It also freezes really well so you can double the recipe and store one!
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is an inexpensive casserole recipe with old-fashioned flavor. This classic casserole is made with two cans of tuna (cheap source of lean protein!), egg noodles, peas, and a light cream sauce and topped with crushed crackers. It’s reminiscent of Friday night dinners in my childhood (my grandma made this dish every Friday!). I crave this casserole especially in February.
Baked Feta Pasta
This is the viral baked feta pasta recipe! Roasted cherry tomatoes and feta cheese come together to make the most creamy pasta sauce. Add grilled chicken to boost the protein! Takes about 30 minutes start to finish!
Classic Beef Lasagna
Lasagna is my Sunday cooking project. It’s packed with lean beef, ricotta cheese (I mix in Parmesan and an egg!), and lots and lots of mozzarella cheese. A square of lasagna has over 30 grams of protein! Just note you want to let lasagna sit for 15 minutes before slicing. Otherwise everything slides apart!
Baked Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese has a crispy breadcrumb topping and is made with sharp cheddar cheese and a little cottage cheese stirred into the mac for an added protein boost! Make it a full meal by adding in some shredded chicken!
Chicken Tetrazzini
After the holidays I always make this pasta bake with leftover turkey! Spaghetti, mushrooms, and chicken/turkey are baked with a light Parmesan cheese sauce (using milk instead of heavy cream to lighten it up a bit!) until bubbly and slightly crispy on top. I like to add in some frozen peas towards the end of cooking for some added color.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is made with chicken, pasta, and creamy Parmesan sauce, all baked in 1 pot! It’s high in protein and only 1 pot to wash! I like to add in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for some color. Heats up well for leftovers too!
Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Instead of beef stroganoff on the stovetop (hello, standing and stirring!), try making it in the oven! Sear your beef, and toss it into a casserole dish with egg noodles, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce (made with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream!). Rich and creamy without needing any attention!
Stuffed Pasta Rolls
These lasagna rolls are made with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and spinach baked with marinara sauce. Easier to portion out than lasagna! I like to add some ground turkey to the filling to make them even more protein packed. They also freeze well!
Chili Mac Bake
This casserole is like chili and mac and cheese had a baby! Ground beef, beans, and macaroni are baked in the oven with cheddar cheese. A hearty, protein packed meal the whole family will love! Serve with Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) and green onions!
Million Dollar Spaghetti
This casserole is sort of like baked spaghetti meets lasagna! Cooked spaghetti noodles are topped with a creamy sauce made with cottage cheese (my addition! No one will know it’s there!), meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
USDA FoodData Central supplies the protein values used for 90% lean ground beef, chicken breast and 93% lean ground turkey in these bakes; see how we calculate nutrition for details.
Layered with tortillas or chips
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Similar to lasagna, these enchiladas are made by layering tortillas, black beans, shredded chicken, and enchilada sauce. It’s loaded with protein from the chicken and beans. Top with avocado and Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream!).
King Ranch Chicken
This casserole is like a Texas take on chicken enchiladas! Layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, peppers, and creamy chile sauce are baked together until bubbly. Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on the prep work! I eat this straight out of the fridge (yes, cold!) after late night workouts.
Taco Casserole
Taco night but there’s only 1 dish to wash! Tortilla chips are topped with seasoned beef, beans, salsa, and cheese and baked together. I like to add in more tortilla chips (crushed up) during the last 5 minutes of baking for some added crunch. Serve with lettuce and tomatoes at the table!
Potato bakes
Shepherd’s Pie
This casserole is made with savory ground lamb (or beef), peas, and carrots and topped with mashed potatoes. For added protein, I like to add in some Greek yogurt to my mashed potatoes! Place under the broiler for a few minutes to get that top all nice and brown!
Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin
Thinly sliced potatoes are baked together in a creamy Gruyere sauce until bubbly and brown. Great as a side dish, or make it a complete meal by adding in diced ham. Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly thin so they’ll be cooked through!
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
All of a loaded baked potato’s toppings in a casserole dish. Potatoes, cheddar, bacon, and scallions are all baked together in this casserole (aka, a baked potato with all of its fixin’s, but in casserole form!). I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This is my go-to pot luck dish!
Meat and vegetable bakes
Cheeseburger Casserole
This puts a cheeseburger in a pan. Ground beef, pickles, mustard, and cheddar cheese are baked together until melty in this casserole that tastes just like a cheeseburger in a casserole dish! My kids devour this without fail! Serve with a green salad for a more well balanced meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
Flaky pie crust is placed over creamy chicken and veggies for this easy pot pie! Great weeknight meal using rotisserie chicken! I like to make mine with lots of chicken and not-so-much sauce so each serving is packed with even more protein. Totally okay to use a pre-made pie crust for this one!
Cheesy Chicken Bake
This is the meal I make when I only have 10 minutes worth of energy left. Chicken breasts are placed over a spinach mixture, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly. Each chicken breast is loaded with 40 g of protein!
Sausage Stuffing Casserole
Who says stuffing is just for the holidays? Stuffing can be a main dish of its own when browned sausage is tossed in! Bake until crispy on top and serve with your favorite green for a complete meal.
Stuffed Peppers
Instead of making stuffed peppers the traditional way, toss all of the ingredients (rice, lean ground beef, and tomato sauce) and bell peppers in one casserole and bake! Cheesy Stuffed Peppers Casserole makes great portions for meal prep, too! Top with cheese at the end. Try cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice!
Veal Parmesan Bake
Instead of frying chicken parmesan, this casserole version bakes breaded cutlets in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese until bubbly. Use veal (or chicken cutlets) for this traditional Italian dinner and serve over pasta or with a side salad.
Ham and Cheese Egg Bake
This casserole packs a protein punch! Eggs, ham, cheese, and vegetables bake together in one dish. Try it for breakfast or dinner! These can be made ahead of time and cut into squares and refrigerated for an easy meal later in the week.
Tomato Basil Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil top chicken breasts in this light, protein filled dinner. Serve with pasta or bread and dinner will be ready in 30 minutes!
Vegetable and rice sides
Each of these is a side on its own, with an option to add chicken or ham.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli, rice, and cheddar cheese are baked until brown and creamy in this casserole. It can be served as a side dish as is, or make it a main dish by adding in 2 cups of shredded chicken. Bonus: this rice casserole also reheats really well!
Broccoli Cauliflower Bake
Not all casseroles are pasta or potato based! Cauliflower and broccoli are baked in a cheese sauce until brown and bubbly. This can be served alongside chicken for dinner, or, make it a complete meal by adding in diced ham. Leftovers are also great topped with a fried egg!
Creamed Corn Casserole
This corn casserole is both sweet and creamy making it a great side dish for chicken or ham dinners. I keep mine a little lighter by using milk and a small amount of cream cheese. Bake until golden around the edges!
