13 Summer Casseroles That Prove Hot Dishes Aren't Just for Wintertime

Creamy Corn and Macaroni Bake

Wondering how to take your homemade macaroni and cheese to new flavor heights? Stoke the mix with 2 cups of corn and crispy, salty pancetta (bacon's thinner, quicker-cooking cousin). With all that flavor plus two different cheeses in the mix, you only need 2 cups of pasta to whip up 10 servings of this surprisingly light-tasting summer casserole recipe.

Enchilada Verde Casserole

Go green with this easy summer casserole. Diced green chiles, green onions, green enchilada sauce, and avocado are the stars in this saucy and sassy stack. Corn kernels and black beans lend a lovely texture boost.

Test Kitchen Tip: Feel free to pump up the protein of this Mexican-inspired dish using whatever leftover meat you have handy—chicken, turkey, or pork—or double up on the beans for a vegetarian option.

Tuscan Tuna-Mac Casserole

Just because it's summer doesn't mean you can't indulge in your favorite rich, cheesy comfort food. Give classic tuna noodle casserole a seasonal makeover by stacking fresh tomato slices and basil leaves on top. Hiding underneath in the base of this easy summer casserole recipe is a DIY spice blend that helps balance out the rich pasta and cheese sauce.

Tortellini-Vegetable Bake

Take a break from pasta salad and scoop up a garden-fresh vegetable casserole instead. This easy summer casserole recipe proves that meatless meals can be incredibly hearty, healthy, and colorful all at once. With the help of juicy tomatoes, sugar snap peas, peppers, and mushrooms, you'll have a dreamy summer dinner that's like a vegetable salad and entrée all in one.

Sausage and Veggie Keto Breakfast Casserole

Light in carbs yet heavy on flavor, this savory summer casserole recipe is the ideal centerpiece for a keto-friendly The dream duo of sausage and eggs get a seasonal upgrade with sautéed peppers, onions, asparagus, and fresh parsley. After its time in the oven, we suggest piling on a generous layer of tomatoes, avocado, and toasted pepitas before devouring.

Pizza Margherita Quinoa Casserole

Next time you're tempted to order delivery pizza, turn to this easy summer casserole instead. Thanks to quinoa, one of our favorite whole grains, each serving of this vegetarian entrée delivers a whopping 23 grams of protein to keep everyone well-fueled for an evening of outdoor adventures. To make each scoop feel super-summery, we call for three different tomato products, plus a generous ¾ cup of fresh basil.

Chicken Taco Casserole

Even if you're hundreds of miles away, you'll feel transported to the Southwest after just one bite of this easy summer casserole recipe. (Psst...it just happens to be gluten-free, too, if you need it!) Dressed up with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and avocado, this dinner also includes kitchen staples like salsa, chicken, corn tortillas, and frozen spinach for a quick-prep meal.

Caprese Casserole

Caprese salad isn't just a side dish anymore. With this summer casserole recipe, the traditional Italian starter transforms into a hearty pasta casserole that makes a stellar summer dinner. It's got the classic tomato-basil-mozzarella combo, plus loads of spinach and chickpeas. BHG reader Theresa confirms, "This is a great recipe. My family loves it and asks for it all the time!" Are you hungry yet?

Roasted Zucchini Lasagna

If you've got extra zucchini, this veggie lasagna will definitely help you put it to delicious use. With almost 2 pounds of squash layered with lasagna noodles, tomato slices, and Italian sausage, this hearty summer dinner is perfect for feeding a crowd or when you want leftovers for lunch during the week.

Test Kitchen Tip: For a make-ahead summer casserole, assemble it all up to 24 hours in advance and chill until you're ready to bake and share.

Asparagus-Tuna Casserole

More asparagus, please! This late-spring or early-summer casserole has over a pound of asparagus mixed in, plus new potatoes and Kalamata olives—all accented and perked up with lemon zest. Ready in just over an hour, the summer casserole is bursting with fresh produce in every bite.

Vegetable Casserole

No need to turn on your oven for this easy summer casserole recipe. As you enjoy the beautiful weather, dinner will simmer away in your slow cooker. A trio of veggies (tomatoes, spinach, and radicchio) plus cannellini and garbanzo beans team up in this feast for the eyes—and the stomach.

Baked Cajun Seafood and Rice

Craving a trip to New Orleans? We have a way to ease your appetite until you can hop on a plane. This easy summer casserole is like a one-dish twist on shrimp and grits, with rice, melty cheese, fresh garden veggies, and bacon.

Stacked Sweet Corn, Beef, and Bean Casserole

All of the enchilada flavors you crave, minus the rolling. This fiesta-ready ground beef-spiked summer casserole stars the season's freshest veggies, including onions, yellow peppers, and sweet corn. For a savory second layer, combine chorizo sausage and pinto beans, then top with zippy salsa for the finale. Serve it on colorful dishware (like this Better Homes & Gardens Festival Dishware, set of 12, $40, Walmart) for a bright summery feel.