Casseroles are not just for the oven anymore. These super easy crockpot casserole recipes can be made in your trusty slow cooker and help you get dinner on the table even easier!
Crockpot Casserole Recipes
I’m always looking for meals that are delcicious and hassle-free. And if you are like me, crockpot casseroles are about to become your new weeknight best friend!
These pour in and go recipes include all the necessitites: protein, veggies, starch, and gooey cheese. And magically, they turn into a delicious dinner without much work.
I’ve rounded up my favorite recipes to help make your meal planning, prep, and clean up even easier. The crockpot does all the work while you’re out running errands, at work, or enjoying your day.
By dinnertime, you’ll have a yummy dinner ready and waiting that the whole family will love. And fewer dishes to wash which is always a plus for me.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing
With just chicken, stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth, you can whip up this super simple, tasty casserole.
It makes for a great weeknight meal, but it’s special enough to serve guests too. The creamy sauce from the soup and heartiness from the stuffing gives this classic recipe the best of everything.
2. Crock Pot Taco Casserole
If your family loves tacos, they will love this! Seasoned ground beef, onions, rotel tomatoes, tender potatoes and a cheesy sauce make this filling and delicious.
Top it with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes or whatever other favorite taco toppings when serving for an extra fun twist.
3. Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Pierogis, kielbasa, and cheese come together for an thick and hearty dinner. Fluffy and cheesy pierogies make every bite heavenly!
Serve it with a salad or some steamed veggies for a delicious dinner!
4. Crockpot Pizza Casserole
If pizza is a favorite in your household like ours, transform it into a fun and delicious casserole. Layer rotini pasta, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, and tons of cheese and let it cook for a few hours.
The result is a bubbly, ooey-gooey dish everyone adores. Top with basil, oregano or red pepper flakes for some spice. I love this one with a slice of garlic bread!
5. Macaroni and Corn Casserole
For many, casseroles hit the spot when they include pasta or cheesy ingredients. Good thing this one has both!
Elbow macaroni, corn, and melty cheddar cheese come together for a creamy, dreamy dish.meal. I consider it a meal on it’s own but you can add chicken or ground beef if you like.
Or serve it as a side dish with pork chops.
6. Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice are always a great combination! This recipe has just a few ingredients and no extra water added. It comes out thick and creamy and delicious.
Toss in some extra veggies if you prefer!
What makes a good crockpot casserole?
The key ingredients to great crockpot casseroles are tender protein, cheesy or creamy elements, hearty veggies or starches like rice or pasta, and some seasonings.
Once they mix and simmer in the slow cooker they get even better!
What protein works best?
Chicken is a great option that pairs well with just about any flavor. I like using leftover chicken to save money. You can also use ground beef or ground turkey.
And for vegetarians, beans provide plenty of protein. My personal favorites are black beans or kidney beans.
Do I need to thaw frozen ingredients first?
Nope! Part of the beauty of the slow cooker is you can toss in frozen foods right from the freezer.
The long cook time gives everything plenty of time to thaw and cook through.
Is there a lot of prep beforehand?
Chopping or slicing vegetables beforehand helps them cook more evenly. But for simple casserole recipes, it’s often not necessary if using small frozen vegetables.
You can also chop or shred your protein. If using ground beef I like to brown or sear it before adding it for more flavor.
What are good mix-ins?
Popular mix-ins are white rice, pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, potatoes, and stuffing or breadcrumbs.
To make them creamy I like to stir in some softened cream cheese or sour cream depending on the casserole flavors.
Do I need to have a topping?
You don’t have to but one of my favorite things about a casserole is a cheesy or crunchy cracker topping. Cheese is a favorite and works well in the slow cooker.
Tater tots and hashbrowns are also great. You might need to add them toward the end or crisp them up afterwards.
How do I prevent burning?
Use a liner! Slow cooker liners are inexpensive and help protect against burning on the sides or bottom of the crock. Stirring halfway through and keeping the liquid level higher helps too.
Can I add my favorite spices and flavorings?
Absolutely! Part of the fun of casseroles is experimenting with spice blends, herbs, Worcestershire, hot sauce, etc. to add your own spin on it.
I feel that you can’t go wrong with taco seasoning. But if you have specific meats, try my chicken seasoning or a steak seasoning.
What do I serve with a casserole?
Bread, cornbread or biscuits are perfect for dipping in all the delicious juices. A fresh green salad adds some veggie balance. For easy one-pot meals, casseroles shine on their own too. Best side dishes
Can I make these in the oven?
You can always make these in a casserole dish and bake in the oven. Cooking time and prep work might change slightly. Slow cooker version,
I hope this gives you plenty of cozy, creamy, cheesy crockpot casserole inspiration for your weekly meal planning! Let me know if you try any that become new favorites.
Some of other favorite casserole crock pot recipes include this slow cooker john wayne casserole, this cheesy crockpot mexican casserole, this crockpot breakfast casserole to make mornings better, and this hearty crock pot cowboy casserole for when the kids are super hungry!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
As soon as the cold weather sets in, make meal time easy with these crock pot casserole recipes. Not only are they easy meals to prep, I bet at least one of these will become a new family favorite. Mine is the pizza one!
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