40 Best Clean Eating Casserole Recipes [Healthy Comfort Food Ideas] (2024)

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These clean eating casserole recipes are comfort food classics and family favorites for dinner. Easy to make ahead and freeze, or prep in minutes, you’ll want these healthy casserole recipes on standby for busy weeknights.

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Seriously, trying to spin too many plates (work, kids, diet, dinner) How are you supposed to slay at the office, be a mom-boss and eat healthy?

Look, when life gets overwhelming, and it always does – these clean eating casserole recipes will save your sanity, budget, and your diet.

Ingredient Swaps That Make Any Casserole Healthy

Clean Eating Pasta & Rice Swaps

The best swaps for white rice are quinoa, cauliflower, brown, or sweet potato rice. Substitute whole wheat, quinoa, or grain-free pasta or use butternut squash, zucchini or spaghetti squash zoodles.

Soup Swaps

Homemade condensed soups are easy to make in minutes, and when you go the DIY soup route you’ll avoid all of the unhealthy, hard to pronounce, unnecessary ingredients that canned soup contains.

Clean Casserole Protein Swaps

Opt for lean ground turkey over ground beef (Grass-fed preferred) – or use a half lentil, half beef combination.

Remember shredding cheese from the block is healthier (pre-shredded comes with more filler and preservatives)

As for cream cheese? I say everything is ok in moderation, but if you prefer a cleaner choice use ricotta, kefir or cottage cheese.

After you experiment with these healthy substitutions, and learn what works for you – you’ll be able to convert all of your favorite casserole recipes into a healthy dinner.

But before you go full out Martha Stewart on a classic, try a few of my favorite healthy versions of the best casseroles for dinner.

Skinny Mexican Casserole

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A tasty and guilt-free casserole recipe full of vegetables and cheese from Damn Delicious

Southwest Quinoa Bake

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Make it ahead or start now and have dinner on the table in 45 minutes via The Real Food Dietitians

Healthy Tetrazzini Casserole

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Swap whole wheat noodles for traditional spaghetti and make a cleaner version of the classic casserole for dinner.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole

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Butternut squash, quinoa and black beans ready in 30 minutes from Trial and Eater

Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli

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Healthy eating meets comfort food (from scratch) Via Pinch of Yum

Turkey Zucchini & Rice

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Make this healthy dinner casserole ahead on meal prep day – full of lean protein and vegetables – via Cookin Canuck

Zucchini & Squash Casserole

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If you’re in need of a Meatless Monday meal – check out this zucchini and squash combination via Evolving Table

Skinny Spinach Lasagna

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Sauce, noodles, ricotta, spinach and Mozzarella via Pinch of Yum

Teriyaki Tofu-Tempeh

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Here’s a gluten-free, vegan style casserole filled with healthy veggies in a teriyaki sauce – so much better than takeout via The Simple Veganista

Low Carb Chicken Divan

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Cauliflower rice stands in for white to make this chicken, broccoli & cheese casserole healthy and low carb – via Simply Stacie

Greek Turkey, Rice & Feta

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Healthy and simple weeknight dinner that’s low calorie, clean and WW approved via Cookin Canuck

Black Bean Quinoa Casserole

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Delicious Mexican casserole via iFoodreal

Kale and Wild Rice

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Easy to to make ahead or on the spot as a side or a meal with wild rice, kale, caramelized onions and Gruyere from Half Baked Harvest

Chicken Burrito Bowl Casserole

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Ground chicken, beans, rice and spices make this one-pot meal via Fit Foodie Finds perfect for family dinner.

Chicken Bacon Ranch

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With only 7 simple ingredients plus a 5 minute prep time this easy low carb casserole via Wholesome Yum is always a hit for family dinner.

Low Carb Shrimp & Grits

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Shrimp and grits – the ultimate Southern comfort food with all of the classic rich and cheesy, buttery flavor and texture you’d expect from the traditional recipe less carbs thanks to a one of a kind cauliflower rice.

Turkey Taco Casserole

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Swap ground beef for lean turkey and you’ve got a healthy family dinner in an hour via Eat, Live, Run

Caprese Chicken & Quinoa

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A fabulous and fresh casserole everyone will love via Eat Yourself Skinny

Tomato Eggplant Zucchini Bake

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Fresh vegetables lightly seasoned with garlic – an incredibly healthy casserole for your main meal or a side via Well Plated

Turkey Meatballs in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

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You won’t miss the cream or cheese in this healthy casserole via Little Broken

Kale, Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Au Gratin

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Sweet potato, cauliflower and kale in coconut milk via Foraged Dish

Tuna Noodle Casserole

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Dairy-free, gluten-free and only 7 ingredients via Cotter Crunch

Spinach Artichoke Casserole

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This one is like a spinach artichoke dip – if it was a casserole:) Easy & delicious – iFoodreal

Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa

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Cajun shrimp in a cast iron skillet via This Gal Cooks

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

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Way better than loaded mashed potatoes and just as yummy from Wholesome Yum. (Keep it clean by using grass-fed butter and uncured bacon)

Layered BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada

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Ever tried combining BBQ and sweet potatoes? Now is the time! Via Ambitious Kitchen

French Onion Zoodle Bake

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A healthy spin on the classic French Onion soup via Climbing Grier Mountain

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole

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Sweet Potato Chili has just the right amount of sweetness and flavor – make it leaner with ground turkey via Dear Crissy

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

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No noodles = less carbs via Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

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A Buffalo chicken casserole that’s Whole30, Paleo and family approved via Wicked Spatula

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

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A clean eating casserole that doubles as comfort food – without the potatoes via Primavera Kitchen

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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A healthy and simple side dish ready in just over an hour via Give Recipe

Quinoa Chicken Pot Pie

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A healthy version of the classic comfort food with a quinoa crust via iFoodreal

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole

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Packed with veggies and easy to make ahead or put together now for a healthy dinner casserole that’s ready in just over an hour.

Chicken & Celeriac Rice

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Coconut milk, chicken broth and eggs combine to make this clean easting casserole recipe a creamy hit that’s super healthy (and Paleo) via Inspiralized

Chicken & Zucchini Noodle

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A healthier chicken and zucchini casserole that makes a perfect family dinner

Skinny Chicken Parmesan

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The healthier version of the traditional comfort food via SkinnyMs

Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole

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Let your crockpot do the work with this easy, healthy family dinner recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet

Italian Zucchini Spaghetti Bake

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Low carb zucchini noodle bake with mushrooms, roasted peppers and turkey sausage via Little Broken

Instant Pot Sausage & Chicken Casserole

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A low carb comfort food casserole made in your Instant Pot via Adventures of Mel

Now that you have over a month’s worth of clean eating casserole recipes, which one will you put on repeat? I’d love to know your favorites.

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Don’t Forget To Save!

40 Best Clean Eating Casserole Recipes [Healthy Comfort Food Ideas] (42)

Today’s Quote: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

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40 Best Clean Eating Casserole Recipes [Healthy Comfort Food Ideas] (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 possible advantages to preparing your own casseroles? ›

Why You Should Be Cooking More Casseroles
  1. They're versatile. For every set of tastebuds, there's a casserole to match. ...
  2. They can be nutritious. ...
  3. They're easy, from prep through cleanup. ...
  4. They feed a crowd. ...
  5. They're transportable and gift-able.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Is homemade food cheaper than store bought? ›

For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out. The reason so many people can get stuck on the question is the human psychology variable. People don't always spend wisely, and it isn't as if prices are always the same at a supermarket or a fast food restaurant.

What are 5 components of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

What are five basic components of most casseroles? ›

According to food blog High Heeled Homemaker, your basic casserole requires five ingredients: a protein, starch, vegetable, sauce, and cheese. If you have those five ingredients in your casserole dish, congratulations; you just made a casserole, whether it's a beloved recipe or a concoction of your own creation.

What are the advantages of casserole? ›

Most casseroles contain a combination of protein, grains and vegetables. Reduce your time spent cooking multiple dishes by serving a one-dish meal. The cleanup is also easier! Instead of rushing home or hitting the drive-thru, prepare a casserole ahead of time to pop in the oven when you arrive home.

What are the advantages of casserole cooking? ›

Casseroles are deemed great comfort food and has the benefits of being easy to put together as well as filling. More ingredients than required can be cooked in a casserole, and the left overs can be eaten through the subsequent days.

What are 3 benefits pros to preparing one dish meals? ›

One-pot meals are dishes that are easy to make and easy to clean up, while still providing the same nutritional value as a normal dinner that would take much longer to cook and clean up. Preparing everything in one dish makes it easier to ensure that several food groups are included on everyone's plate.

What are the benefits of preparing your own food? ›

Health Benefits of Home-Cooked Meals
  • You Can Control Portions. ...
  • You Control Value and Cost. ...
  • You Can Choose the Quality. ...
  • You Can Maintain Nutrition. ...
  • You Decide How to Prepare Your Food. ...
  • You Can Control Hygiene and Food Safety. ...
  • You Learn More About Food. ...
  • Your Entire Family Can Be Involved in Food and Nutrition Choices.
Mar 25, 2024

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