Casseroles usually get stuck in cold-weather territory, but that’s only because people keep packing them with heavy cream and root vegetables. Summer casseroles deserve a little more credit. They can be just as easy, just as filling, and way more seasonal when you use fresh produce and don’t drown everything in soup mix. These are the kinds of dishes you should be making when it’s hot out and you still want dinner on the table without a bunch of effort.
Briam
This Greek casserole uses summer vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes roasted until tender and caramelized. It’s an easy way to serve a lighter dinner that still feels complete and works perfectly in the warmer months.
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
With eggs, sausage, apples, and cheese, this casserole works for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner. It bakes in one dish and holds up well if you need to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and a mix of veggies make this an easy 40-minute meal that’s loaded with flavor. Great for when you want bold, summer-friendly food without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Zucchini and ricotta come together in this lasagna-style casserole, minus the noodles. It’s a great way to use up zucchini without turning on every burner in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This casserole makes use of cooked chicken and quinoa, cutting down on prep time and cleanup. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it great for weeknights when it’s hot out but you still need something filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Walking Taco Casserole
All the flavors of a taco night in one pan. Fritos give it crunch, the cheese melts into everything, and it’s a fun way to keep dinner easy without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole
Crockpot Funeral Potatoes
This one’s built for potlucks or laid-back weekends when you want something rich but don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Let the slow cooker do the work while you keep your summer plans.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Funeral Potatoes
Grain-Free Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Layers of ground beef, zucchini, and sweet potato noodles come together in a creamy tomato base. It’s a great prep-ahead dish that lets you use up summer produce and still have something filling.
Get the Recipe: Grain-Free Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Tomato Cobbler with Cornmeal-Cheddar Biscuits
Fresh tomatoes are the star here, baked down into a savory filling with buttery biscuits on top. It’s a smart way to let ripe summer produce shine without turning it into another salad.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Cobbler with Cornmeal-Cheddar Biscuits
Pizza Casserole
This casserole packs in all the pizza toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives—into a cheesy pasta bake. It’s family-friendly and perfect when you want the comfort of pizza without heating up a whole oven.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Zucchini Casserole
Made with yellow squash and zucchini, this cheesy casserole works well with grilled meats or as a meatless main. It’s easy to prep and a great way to use up a surplus of summer squash.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple, dairy-free cheddar, and a cracker topping bake into a side dish that somehow works. It’s sweet, a little savory, and surprisingly perfect next to grilled chicken or ribs at a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole
Southern Squash Casserole
Yellow squash and a creamy, dairy-free sauce make this an easy side dish when the summer garden’s in overdrive. It’s crowd-friendly and works well for both casual dinners and weekend gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole
Creamy Spinach Squash Casserole
Spaghetti squash fills in for pasta here, baked with spinach, peppers, and cheese. It’s lighter than your average baked dish but still gives you that baked-casserole comfort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Squash Casserole
Chicken, Broccoli, and Potato Casserole
This is a full dinner in one dish—chicken, veggies, and potatoes all baked in a creamy sauce. It’s practical for summer weeknights when you don’t want to juggle sides.
Get the Recipe: Chicken, Broccoli, and Potato Casserole
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Chicken, zucchini, and a stuffing topping make this one feel familiar without being boring. It’s easy to throw together and fits the summer theme without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Southwest Chicken Casserole
Salsa verde, black beans, and warm spices pull this chicken casserole into summer territory. Everything goes in one pan and bakes up with plenty of cheese and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Casserole
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
If you want something fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is it. Seasoned beef, cheese, tater tots, and a quick version of Big Mac sauce keep it simple and bold.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Loaded Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Potato Casserole
This bake is like a loaded potato in casserole form. Chicken, broccoli, and cheddar pull it together, and it’s great when you need one big pan to feed everyone.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Potato Casserole
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
This overnight breakfast bake uses fresh blueberries and rich egg custard to make morning meals easier. It’s great for summer guests or just a lazy weekend.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole with Creamed Corn
This side dish uses pantry ingredients to make something that feels like it took more effort. It pairs well with grilled meats or barbecue and comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Cornbread Casserole with Creamed Corn
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.