When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, hotdishes are a staple in many households. A comforting casserole-style dish that combines protein, vegetables, and starch, hotdishes are perfect for busy families or individuals looking for a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. And the best part? They can be made in no time at all!
In this article, we’re sharing 20 delicious easy hotdish recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From classic comfort foods like ground beef and tater tots to more adventurous options like vegetarian lentil and vegetable, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a fork and get ready to dive into the world of hotdishes!
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Beef
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Beef Recipe
This comforting hotdish is a staple of Midwestern cuisine, combining ground beef, canned condensed cream of mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying casserole that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk; bring to a simmer.
4. Arrange tater tots in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spoon meat mixture over tater tots.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until hotdish is hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Creamy Chicken and Rice Hotdish
A comforting and satisfying casserole that combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
3. In a separate pot, combine the cooked rice, peas and carrots, and cream of chicken soup. Heat over medium heat until well combined.
4. Add the milk, thyme, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine the cooked chicken and rice mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Hotdish
A comforting and flavorful hotdish perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender.
5. In a separate bowl, mix cooked rice with milk and stir until combined.
6. Combine cooked rice mixture with the broccoli mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the hotdish to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with grated cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Potato Hotdish
This hearty hotdish combines spicy sausage with tender potatoes and a hint of smoky flavor, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its bold flavors and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as Andouille or chorizo), sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sliced potatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked sausage, potato mixture, chicken broth, shredded cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegetarian Lentil and Vegetable Hotdish
This hearty hotdish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with nutritious lentils, colorful vegetables, and a hint of spice. It’s an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s also great for meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, combine lentils and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir cooked vegetables into the lentil mixture with cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer hotdish to a baking dish and top with spinach and cheese (if using). Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Beef and Cornbread Hotdish
A hearty, comforting hotdish that combines the rich flavor of beef with the warm, crumbly texture of cornbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in corn kernels, diced tomatoes, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions using milk. Spoon over beef mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Easy Turkey and Stuffing Hotdish
A comforting and satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of roasted turkey and savory stuffing with a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb leftover cooked turkey, diced
– 1 cup stuffing mix
– 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, stuffing mix, peas and carrots, milk, and chicken broth. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
4. Pour the turkey mixture into the prepared dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Hotdish
A comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 8 oz pasta noodles (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine tuna, chicken broth, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.
4. Add cooked pasta noodles to the skillet and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the noodle mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Shepherd’s Pie Hotdish
Elevate your comfort food game with this savory twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. This hearty hotdish is perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, and peas and carrots; cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the hotdish.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mexican-Inspired Taco Hotdish
A flavorful twist on a classic hotdish, this Mexican-inspired version combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes; stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, taco mixture, and shredded cheese in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with sour cream and sprinkle with cilantro. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potato Hotdish
A comforting, flavorful twist on traditional hotdishes, this recipe combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and tangy BBQ sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sweet potato mixture, and BBQ sauce. Mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Hotdish
A creamy, flavorful hotdish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and grated cheddar cheese.
3. Stir in chopped onion until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hotdish is bubbly and slightly golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan Hotdish
Take the flavors of Italy and turn them into a hearty, comforting hotdish perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender eggplant slices with melted mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced 1/4 inch thick
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant slices in batches; cook until tender and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer cooked eggplant to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spoon tomato sauce over eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ham and Cheese Potato Hotdish
A hearty and satisfying hotdish that combines the flavors of ham, cheese, and potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine potatoes, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine milk, diced ham, and shredded cheese. Heat over low heat until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
4. Add the potato mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the hotdish to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Hotdish
This hearty hotdish combines the earthy flavors of wild rice with the savory goodness of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until tender.
3. Add cooked wild rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. In a separate saucepan, whisk together heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Pour the creamy mixture over the mushroom-rice mixture and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the hotdish to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Hotdish
A creamy, spicy twist on traditional hotdish, this recipe combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with the richness of ranch dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce and stir to combine.
3. In a separate pot, heat ranch dressing and cream of mushroom soup over medium heat. Stir in milk and paprika.
4. Combine cooked chicken mixture with the ranch dressing mixture. Add diced onion and bell pepper.
5. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed crackers.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Quinoa and Black Bean Hotdish
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian hotdish made with quinoa, black beans, and a blend of sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to bring to work.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the cumin, cooked quinoa, and black beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Hotdish
This comforting hotdish combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of a one-pot meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 slices of processed American cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up meat into small pieces.
3. Stir in peas, carrots, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese, American slices, and milk.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Ziti-Style Hotdish
This classic hotdish is a hearty, satisfying twist on traditional baked ziti. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese come together to create a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir well.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers of pasta, meat sauce mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hotdish is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pumpkin and Sage Hotdish with Crumb Topping
Warm up to the flavors of fall with this comforting hotdish, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground sage
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumb topping (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Crumb Topping:
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the pumpkin, onion, and garlic in butter until tender.
3. Stir in sage, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with crumb topping (see below).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Crumb Topping:
1. Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle evenly over the hotdish.
Summary
Looking for a quick and delicious meal to spice up your weeknights? Look no further! This article features 20 easy hotdish recipes that are perfect for busy households. From classic tater tot hotdishes to vegetarian lentil and vegetable options, there’s something for everyone. Try out the creamy chicken and rice hotdish, cheesy broccoli and rice hotdish, or spicy sausage and potato hotdish for a flavorful twist on traditional comfort food. Whatever your taste buds desire, these easy recipes are sure to satisfy!
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