Are you tired of making the same old dinner every night? Look no further! Mini casseroles are a great way to mix things up and try new flavors without committing to a full-sized dish. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll share 18 delicious mini casserole recipes that are easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and shepherd’s pie, to international flavors like taco and lasagna, we’ve got you covered. And with ingredients like sausage, bacon, and spinach, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover your new favorite mini casserole recipe!
Cheesy Mini Taco Casserole
This recipe is a twist on traditional taco casserole, but in mini form! Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these bite-sized casseroles are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
4. In a separate pan, warm tortilla quarters over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. Assemble casseroles by layering cooked ground beef, tortillas, cheese, cilantro, and black beans in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This recipe is perfect for a crowd or a quick weeknight dinner. Mini chicken enchiladas wrapped in tortillas, smothered in creamy sauce and melted cheese will become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 can (10 oz) of enchilada sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the mini enchiladas by spooning the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, then rolling and placing seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, followed by the shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
This mini version of the classic shepherd’s pie casserole is perfect for small gatherings or as a comforting snack. With its rich beef filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy topping, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, broth, flour, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
3. Transfer the filling to mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins.
4. Top each with mashed potatoes and grated cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Mac and Cheese Casserole
Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized macaroni and cheese casseroles, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. mini pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, bringing mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In small ramekins or mini muffin tin cups, place cooked pasta and top with cheese sauce. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Start your day off right with these bite-sized breakfast casseroles, packed with sausage, eggs, and cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 6 eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 12 mini muffin tin cups
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and parsley. Set aside.
4. Grease mini muffin tin cups with butter.
5. Divide cooked sausage among cups, followed by egg mixture and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is melted.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Lasagna Casserole
Satisfy your lasagna cravings with this compact and easy-to-make mini casserole, perfect for snacking or as a meal portion. Each bite packs the flavors of classic lasagna in a convenient, individual-sized serving.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of lasagna noodles (6-8 sheets)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Assemble the mini casseroles by layering cooked lasagna noodles, the sauce mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese in small ramekins or cups.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pizza Casserole
This Mini Pizza Casserole recipe is a fun twist on traditional pizza night. With a mix of mini pizzas, pasta, and cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 pound mini pizza crusts (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
4. Arrange mini pizza crusts in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spoon the pasta mixture over the crusts, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mini Cornbread Casserole
A sweet and savory twist on traditional cornbread, these bite-sized mini casserole are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. With a crunchy pecan topping and a moist, buttery center, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, milk, egg, and baking powder; stir until just combined.
4. Pour mixture into mini muffin tin cups, filling 3/4 of the way full.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of each casserole.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Green Bean Casserole
This recipe brings the flavors of traditional green bean casserole to individual portions, perfect for parties or potlucks. These adorable mini casseroles are easy to make and just as delicious as their larger counterparts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen green beans, thawed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/4 cup french-fried onions
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine green beans, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Butter the insides of mini muffin tin cups (12-15 cups).
4. Fill each cup with the green bean mixture.
5. Top each cup with a sprinkle of french-fried onions.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Potato Casserole with Bacon
This classic comfort food gets a mini makeover, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Crispy bacon and golden-brown potatoes combine in a rich, creamy casserole that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup diced cooked potatoes (about 2 medium-sized)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the mini bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together potatoes, bacon, cheese, and butter.
4. Fill each bell pepper with the potato mixture, dividing it evenly.
5. Place the filled bell peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
These bite-sized casseroles are perfect for parties or gatherings. With a creamy spinach and artichoke filling, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted mozzarella cheese, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Grease mini muffin tin cups with cooking spray.
4. Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the cups.
5. Top each cup with breadcrumbs and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Beef and Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep. This recipe yields individual servings of tender beef, flavorful rice, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a pan until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cooked rice, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Divide mixture evenly among mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
A deliciously easy-to-make snack or appetizer that combines the flavors of broccoli and cheese in a bite-sized package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 mini muffin tin cups
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded cheese, milk, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Divide the mixture evenly among the mini muffin tin cups.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Sweet Potato Casserole
Mini sweet potato casseroles are the perfect size for a holiday gathering or potluck. This recipe yields 12-15 mini casseroles that are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1/2 cup crushed pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add heavy cream and melted butter to the sweet potato mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the sweet potato mixture into each mini casserole dish or ramekin.
5. Top with crushed pecans if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are heated through and the tops are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Zucchini Casserole
This bite-sized casserole is a perfect solution for a quick and delicious side dish or snack. With its tender zucchini, creamy cheese, and crunchy topping, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, grated
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine zucchini, cheese, milk, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour mixture into mini muffin tin cups (about 12-15 cups).
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each cup.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until casserole is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
This bite-sized casserole is a twist on the classic Italian-American favorite, perfect for parties or potlucks. Mini eggplants are breaded and fried to perfection, then layered with creamy ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini eggplants
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the mini eggplants in half lengthwise and bread them with the breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Layer the fried eggplant slices, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
A twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, this mini casserole is perfect for parties or snacks. Tender beef, gooey cheese, and soft bread come together in a bite-sized treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 mini bread rolls (about 2 inches long)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and vegetables until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed. Drain excess fat.
3. Split mini bread rolls in half lengthwise.
4. Stuff each roll with about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture.
5. Top each roll with cheese and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Satisfy your cravings with these bite-sized buffalo chicken casseroles that are perfect for snacking or as a game-day appetizer. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon buffalo wing sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– 12-15 mini muffin tin cups
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce until well combined.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the mini muffin tin cups.
4. Top each cup with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the joy of mini casseroles with these 18 delicious and easy-to-make recipes! From classic comfort foods like Mac and Cheese to international flavors like Taco Casserole and Philly Cheesesteak, there’s something for everyone. Mini Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is perfect for a weekend brunch, while Mini Green Bean Casserole makes a great side dish. Mini Lasagna and Mini Pizza Casserole are sure to please kids and adults alike. Try making one (or two, or three…) today and enjoy the convenience of individual-sized casseroles!
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