Health

12 Retro Casserole Recipes Just Like Grandma Used To Make

Simply Recipes · Sep 12, 2025 12:02 · 3 min read

12 Retro Casserole Recipes Just Like Grandma Used To Make — Sally Vargas

If the word "casserole" elicits strong feelings of affection then you're in the right place.

I've loved casseroles as long as I can remember. Mom's tuna casserole was one of my favorite childhood meals.

As a mom, I get a deep satisfaction from serving classics like tamale pie and shepherd's pie to my family. They're always a big hit and make enough for leftovers the next day.

Let's dispel the myth that all casseroles use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. All the casseroles in this list are made with whole ingredients and can be tailored to your and your family's tastes.

Scroll through and find your childhood favorite or a new-to-you casserole to add to your dinnertime routine.

01 of 12

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

If you live in Ohio, you've probably had this beef and macaroni casserole. It's legendary. You can make it ahead of time if you know you're going to have a busy week.

Get Recipe: Johnny Marzetti Casserole

02 of 12

Shipwreck Casserole

This easy casserole uses shredded hash browns layered with a seasoned ground beef filling.

Get Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

03 of 12

Tamale Pie

My sister used to make tamale pie for dinner and I always loved it. The slightly sweetened cornbread tops a Southwestern seasoned ground beef filling.

Get Recipe: Tamale Pie

04 of 12

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that my family loves. Italian sausage is my favorite choice because of all the flavor it adds.

Get Recipe: Baked Ziti

05 of 12

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

While mom never used a cast iron skillet, I think it's a smart choice for tuna noodle casserole, leading to extra crunchy bits—my favorite part.

Get Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

06 of 12

Easy Shepherd's Pie

A slice of shepherd — Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

This is a hearty, cozy casserole that takes mere minutes to put together. I like repurposing leftover mashed potatoes for the topping whenever possible.

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07 of 12

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Skip the cream of mushroom soup and make chicken and rice casserole completely from scratch. Serve with roasted carrots.

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08 of 12

Turkey Noodle Casserole

Once the mashed potatoes are gone, what do you do with all the leftover turkey? Turn it into a satisfying egg noodle casserole, of course. This one has a nice crunch from breadcrumbs to complement the creamy, cheesy filling.

Get Recipe: Turkey Noodle Casserole

09 of 12

Cheesy Potato Casserole

A side view of a glass casserole dish of potato casserole without canned cream soup. A wooden spoon is partially in view and scooping a serving out of the casserole dish. — Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen|Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

Whenever I need an easy win, I turn to a cheesy potato casserole. It's the perfect side to ham or chicken and my whole family loves it.

Get Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

10 of 12

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken noodle is classic comfort food. You can swap out the poached chicken for rotisserie and save yourself some dishes.

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11 of 12

Chicken Pot Pie

A pot pie with a golden crust is in a ramekin with some of the crust removed to show the filling. — Elise Bauer

I’m team double crust when it comes to chicken pot pie. You can use store-bought pie crust to save some time.

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12 of 12

Mexican Lasagna

Swap out the lasagna noodles and ricotta for lightly fried corn tortillas and cheddar cheese. You can assemble it ahead of time and then bake it right before serving.

Get Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

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