Updated: Mar. 01, 2021
A casserole is the perfect make-first-eat-later dish. Get tips for how to freeze it for meal planning perfection.
What’s easy to throw together, takes almost no prep timeandmakes a solid, hearty meal for the whole family? You guessed right—it’s a casserole!
This dish is every cook’s best friend, especially when you’ve had a long day or have too much produce or meat in the refrigerator. You can stash the leftovers for later, too, especially when you know these simple tips for how to freeze casseroles.
1. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy casseroles
Yes, dairy-heavy casseroles are delicious, but cottage cheese, sour cream or creme fraiche won’t hold up in the freezer. Instead, polish this kind of casserole off right away—or store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Learn more about freezing food with our helpful guide.
2. Freeze crunchy toppings separately
Crunchy toppings add a lot of texture to a casserole but will get soggy in the freezer. That doesn’t mean you need to skip them, though—just add them on the day you’re eating the casserole, or freeze them separately in a zip-top bag and sprinkle them on after defrosting your main dish.
3. Separate the casserole into smaller portions
If there are only one or two people in the house, or you want to save the leftovers for work/school lunches, cut your casserole into smaller portions instead of freezing the whole dish. If you’re looking for a new recipe, we’ve rounded up ourfavorite casseroles.
4. Label everything
You’ve taken the casserole out of the freezer, stuck it in the oven and—wait, how long is it supposed to bake for? Stick a label on the casserole with the recipe name, directions for baking and the use-by date. Most casseroles will last in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Find our favorite labels (and containers) onthis list of freezer organization tools.
5. Line the dish with parchment paper
We use our favorite13×9 baking dish for everything, and we definitely don’t want it tied up in the freezer for months. Instead of freezing your casserole directly in the dish, line it with parchment paper before filling it. Pop it into the freezer, let the casserole become solid, then pop the parchment paper out and load everything in a separate container before putting it back into the freezer until you’re ready to bake.
6. Thaw before baking
Before you pop your casserole into the oven, don’t forget to thaw it. The safest way is to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, so make sure to plan ahead.
Now that you have these helpful tips, you can use them when making and storing one of our favorite make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes.
13x9 Casseroles to Keep in the Freezer
1 / 38
Artichoke ChickenRosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give this chicken a wonderful, savory flavor. I've served this healthy canned vegetable recipe for a large group by doubling the batch. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Layered Beef CasseroleOn my busy days, I treasure meal-in-one recipes like this. Toss together a salad and dinner is ready in no time. —Dorothy Wiedeman, Eaton, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Find out how to freeze any casserole recipe!
Texas-Style Lasagna Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Texas-Style LasagnaWith its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It's wonderful with side servings of picante sauce, guacamole and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas
Go to Recipe
Avoid freezer burn with these simple tips.
Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean EnchiladasMy hearty, delicious and nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I've made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You'll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
These 15 products are must-haves when making freezer meals.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken EnchiladasI love spicy food, but I think the creaminess of these enchiladas' topping makes them more friendly to a variety of tastes. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Discover 19 other foods that are a breeze to freeze.
Artichoke Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Artichoke ChickenRosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give this chicken a wonderful, savory flavor. I've served this healthy canned vegetable recipe for a large group by doubling the batch. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Go to Recipe
Double-Duty Layered Enchilada CasseroleHere's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
I always get rave reviews when I bring this casserole to my son's Cub Scouts meetings. It's the perfect comfort meal after a long day. —Sarah Phillips, East Lansing, Michigan
Go to Recipe
Vegetable StrataWe always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Make-Ahead Cabbage RollsI've relied on this recipe for years, and my cabbage rolls never fail to impress. As the host of a number of holiday parties, my guests have come to expect this main entree. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Deluxe Hash Brown CasseroleMy son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Zippy Chicken EnchiladasLeftover chicken gets an awesome makeover in this rich and creamy casserole. This colorful dish is loaded with flavor. It's a nice change of pace from beef enchiladas. —Julie Moutray, Wichita, Kansas
Go to Recipe
Chicken Broccoli ShellsThis cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Perfect Four-Cheese LasagnaLasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I’ve been making since I was a teenager. It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Beef Noodle CasseroleThis beef noodle casserole is perfect when there's a busy day coming up, because you can prepare it ahead of time. It's ideal for a potluck, too. The flavors blend together to create a delicious combination. —Grace Lema, Winton, California
Go to Recipe
Chicken Tortilla BakeMother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Go to Recipe
TASTE OF HOME
Five-Cheese Ziti al FornoAfter having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I'm making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Go to Recipe
Potluck Taco CasseroleThis is the dish I most often take to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Go to Recipe
Cornbread Chicken BakeTo make the most of leftover cornbread, try this hearty main dish casserole. It's moist, delicious and good on any occasion. —Madge Britton, Afton, Tennessee
Go to Recipe
Taco SpaghettiI came up with this kid-friendly Southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Carnitas with Orzo and Peppers in Red Mole SauceHere's a tasty way to stretch your grocery dollar. Pork shoulder roast is combined with orzo, peppers and mole sauce to make a spicy Mexican comfort food. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Mushroom Sausage StrataThis flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Sausage ManicottiThis classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Fiesta ChickenChili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It's a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
Penne and Smoked SausageThis pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Go to Recipe
Pizza Noodle BakeHere’s a family-pleasing casserole that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze one for later! —Bernice Knutson, Soldier, Iowa
Go to Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu BakeI got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Turkey Enchilada LasagnaEveryone will devour this layered southwestern casserole when you bring it to the table. It boasts familiar enchilada flavors in every mouthwatering bite. Feel free to use ground beef in place of the ground turkey if you'd like. —Julie Cackler, West Des Moines, Iowa
Go to Recipe
Hearty Chicken Spaghetti CasseroleThis creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California
Go to Recipe
Chicken Enchilada BakeYour family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Deep-Dish PizzaMy family devours this crusty pan pizza with easy-to-swap toppings. Use a combination of green, red and yellow peppers for extra color. —Patricia Howson, Carstairs, Alberta
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Cajun Beef CasseroleYour little ones who refuse to eat veggies won’t complain one bit when you bring this cheesy casserole with a cornbread crust to the table. For picky eaters, try using less Cajun seasoning. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Make-Ahead Spinach ManicottiWhen I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Go to Recipe
Pasta fa*gioli al FornoThe name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
New England Lamb BakeThis dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Go to Recipe
