A Brief History of Casseroles
Casseroles have been a cornerstone of home cooking for centuries. The term “casserole” comes from the French word for “saucepan,” referring to the vessel in which these layered, baked dishes were traditionally made. By the 20th century, casseroles became a household favorite in America thanks to their simplicity, versatility, and ability to stretch ingredients to feed large families. From pasta bakes to hearty vegetable medleys, casseroles remain a comforting staple, especially during fall and winter months.
Hearty Fall Casseroles – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Nothing says cozy autumn dinners like hearty fall casseroles. These dishes are warm, filling, and perfect for crisp evenings. With golden melted cheese, savory sauces, and seasonal vegetables, casseroles are the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings or weeknight meals. Whether you’re baking a cheesy pasta casserole, a veggie-packed dish, or a meat-lover’s delight, these recipes bring together the rich, satisfying flavors of fall. Ideal for potlucks, Thanksgiving sides, or simply enjoying around the dinner table, they’re as practical as they are delicious.
Ingredients
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12 jumbo pasta shells (or 3 cups cooked pasta of choice)
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup cheddar cheese
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1 cup spinach leaves, chopped
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1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
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Cook pasta shells until al dente; drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
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Add diced tomatoes, corn, and spinach; cook 5 minutes.
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Mix ricotta with half the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Stuff pasta shells with ricotta mixture and arrange in casserole dish.
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Pour marinara sauce over stuffed shells, top with remaining cheeses.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Swap spinach with kale for a more robust fall flavor.
For extra protein, add cooked ground beef or turkey
Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze casseroles before baking?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen by adding 15–20 extra minutes to the cook time.
2. What pasta works best in casseroles?
Jumbo shells, penne, and rigatoni hold sauce and cheese well. Short pasta shapes are ideal because they bake evenly.
3. How do I prevent casseroles from drying out?
Cover with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese. Adding a bit of extra sauce also helps keep it moist.
