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.

A dish of stuffed zucchini with tomatoes and ricotta cheese.
Zucchini Ricotta Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Briam

Briam. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

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

Cheesy potato and sausage casserole in a baking dish on wooden surface.
Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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 ricotta bake in a white baking dish.
Zucchini Ricotta Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

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

Crockpot Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

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

Grain-Free Beef and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

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

Tomato Cobbler with Cornmeal-Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

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

Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

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

Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

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

Southern Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

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

Southern Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

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

Creamy Spinach Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Life, Love, and Good Food.

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

Chicken, Broccoli, and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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 Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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

Southwest Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

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

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

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

Loaded Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: West Coast Kitchen Garden.

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

Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Crayons & Cravings.

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

Jiffy Cornbread Casserole with Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Crayons & Cravings.

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

Founder and Writer at  | About

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.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *