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Sometimes the whole family needs a meal that fills their bellies and warms their souls. That’s when you’ll want to dig into some world-class comfort food, and nothing is better than a bubbling baked pasta casserole. These easy-to-make one-pot meals let you feed a crowd family-style without much fuss. Each recipe is short on time and prep, but long on flavor. When you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, or just plain full of carbs, grab some pasta to get on your way to making a crave-worthy meal.
Loaded Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This loaded bacon ranch mac and cheese casserole adds bacon and ranch, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, chicken, and broccoli to boxed mac and cheese for a rich, full, all-in-one dinner casserole,” says culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin.
Easy Spaghetti Pie
Allrecipes / Diana Chistruga
Spaghetti, margarine, eggs, and Parmesan cheese combine to form the “crust” of this pie, with a cheese, beef, and tomato sauce filling and a mozzarella topping. Reviewer Mab 178 says, “This is the definition of what great comfort food should be.”
Best Tuna Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This rich and creamy casserole relies on pantry staples, including canned cream of mushroom soup and tuna. A layer of cheese, green peas, and a crumbled potato chip topping takes this dish to the next level.
Kim’s Lasagna
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This famous Italian casserole relies on Italian sausage and a combination of Italian seasoning, fennel, and nutmeg to boost the flavor. You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Baked Ziti Alfredo with Cajun Chicken
Cajun-seasoned chicken breast, Roma tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese mixed with ziti noodles make an irresistible combination in this filling casserole. Recipe creator Taunte Sara suggests serving it with a glass of white wine.
Baked Ziti
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Layered like lasagna, this hearty casserole is a bubbling wonder of meaty spaghetti sauce, ziti noodles, and a creamy cheese blend. Reviewer Jillian says, “Simply delicious! This is very easy to throw together and perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.”
Pizza Pasta
There are only six ingredients in this comforting baked entrée that satisfy a craving for both pizza and pasta. “This was VERY easy to make and tasted great! My husband and five-year-old son absolutely loved it,” says reviewer Runner Jenn.
Beefy Baked Ravioli
This wildly popular dish is a simplified version of lasagna. Frozen cheese ravioli, meat sauce, and even more cheese are layered for a hearty casserole that everyone will love. The best part? You don’t even have to cook the ravioli first.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This Sloppy Joe casserole is a great comfort food recipe that I love to make on a cold winter day. It’s always a hit at potluck dinners,” says Allrecipes member Theresa Harnar.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Spaghetti and meat sauce get the millionaire treatment, with plenty of gooey cheese, for a spectacular casserole. Slices of butter help prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan, and butter adds richness. Feel free to add a dash of Italian seasoning or garlic, as some recipe reviewers suggest.
Easy Tuna Casserole
This tuna noodle casserole has only five ingredients and bakes in just 30 minutes. A crispy French-fried onion topping makes it especially crave-worthy. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, any other cream soup will work instead.
4-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini Bake
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
Turn a package of cheese tortellini into an easy weeknight meal by using prepared pesto and prosciutto. Reviewer Jessica L says, “Super easy and delicious. I added a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top and broiled it for the last couple [of] minutes.”
