Just the Two of Us: 28 Casserole Recipes for Two (2024)

These small casserole recipes won't leave you with a ton of unwanted leftovers!

By: Natalie Taylor, Editor, AllFreeCasseroleRecipes.com

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When there are only two of you to feed, it's nice to have recipes that fit your needs. Though leftovers allow you to take a night off from cooking, eating the same thing for days can get boring.

We've created this collection,Just the Two of Us: 28 Casserole Recipes for Twoso you can make the perfect portion for you and your plus one. That being said, these recipes aren't just for couples! If you'recooking for just one, you'll have enough left over to enjoy the next day.

With the help of our recipe collection, you canplan your meals perfectly. Gone are the days of eating endless leftovers just because you don't want to be wasteful. There's enough variation in our collection below that you could cook your way through these recipes and not get tired of them. Try our favorite small-batch recipes for mac and cheese,tater tot casserole, apple crisp, and much, much more.

Whether you're an empty-nester who wants to make smaller meals, you are just learning how to cook for the first time, or you just want to freshen up your recipe repertoire, these our recipe collection will get you off to a great start.

Table of Contents

  • Cooking for Two: Tips and Tricks from an Expert
  • Breakfast Casserole Recipes for Two
  • Chicken Casserole Recipes for Two
  • Beef Casseroles for Two
  • Comfort Food for Two
  • Healthy Casseroles for Dinner
  • Dessert Casseroles for Two
  • BONUS! Casseroles for One

Cooking for Two: Tips and Tricks from an Expert

Just the Two of Us: 28 Casserole Recipes for Two (2)

Since it can be a challenge to learn how to cook for two, we askedChristina Lane fromDessert for Twofor her best tips:

What types of bakeware do you recommend for making casseroles for two?

Christina Lane: "When it comes to baking for two, there are a couple dishes I use the most: two 10-ounce ramekins are great for small batches of baked macaroni and cheese, and a standard 9-inch bread loaf pan is great forlasagna. In some cases, I just cut a 9 x 13 casserole recipe in half and bake it in a 8-inch square brownie pan. I usually get 4-6 servings, which is still more than 2 but a lot less than 10 servings!"

Do you have a go-to recipe for two?

CL: "My go-to casserole recipe for two is a small batch ofenchiladas!"

What tips do you have for stocking a kitchen for making meals for two?

CL: "My best tip for stocking a kitchen for two is to only buy what you need. It's tempting when 5 pounds of ground meat is on sale to buy all of it, but unless you know you will divide it up and freeze it, it might go to waste. I also love to shop at farmer's markets and utilizeCSAsto receive smaller portions of protein, which helps with the waste."

Breakfast Casserole Recipes for Two

These casseroles for two are perfect for those times when you crave a filling breakfast, but you don't want tons of leftovers. We've included a mix of sweet and savory recipes, so there's something to choose from no matter your mood. Find everything from egg casserole to baked oatmeal, and even Pineapple Breakfast Casserole below.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Casserole

This bacon and egg casserole makes an individual serving, so it's great for one person but could also be doubled to make enough for two.

Pineapple Breakfast Casserole

Pineapple, breadcrumbs, and Cheddar cheese might sound like an unusual combination, but this sweet and savory recipe would be a delicious choice for any meal.

Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole for Two

Seasoned diced potatoes from the freezer aisle and ham add the perfect amount of flavor to this easy egg casserole. It makes two generous portions, so there's enough to share!

Cherry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal

Dried cherries, pecans, and a vanilla bean makes this recipe more special than standard baked oatmeal recipes. Plus, you can even brulee some sugar on top for a fancy touch!

Tiramisu Oatmeal Bake For Two

This tiramisu oatmeal is truly something special! Sliced bananas are coated in cocoa powder and baked in the oven. Top each bowl of oatmeal with the bananas for an incredible breakfast.

Chicken Casserole Recipes for Two

If you are trying to get used to cooking for two, but still miss your go-to chicken casseroles, these recipes are great stepping stones.

We've included a classic comfort food recipe, Chicken Pot Pie for Two, that you'll want to put into yourweekly rotation. If you'd like to try recipes that are quick to make but are lightened up a bit, try Chicken and Veggie Risotto Bake or Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Quinoa. Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas for Two is a recipe that seems like it would be complicated to make, but it's actually very easy. If you are a vegetarian who loves Mexican food, you can easily substitute the chicken for canned pinto beans instead!

Chicken Pot Pie for Two

For a healthier twist on pot pie, look no further than this veggie-loaded recipe. This recipe isn't made with cream or potatoes, but is still topped with puff pastry for a nod to the classic recipe.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Quinoa

This easy chicken broccoli casserole is made with cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt so it is loaded with protein! If you're looking for a guilt-free meal, turn to this casserole.

Chicken and Veggie Risotto Bake

Pre-packaged veggie risotto and chicken creates this tasty casserole. Breadcrumbs and a few different types of cheese make this recipe even more delicious.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas for Two

These chicken enchiladas are so easy to make, especially if you already have cooked chicken! The creamy sauce is made from a simple combination of jarred salsa verde and sour cream.

Beef Casseroles for Two

When you think of casseroles with beef, you probably think of big-batch recipes that can feed a crowd. These recipes will prove you wrong! Flank Steak Pie is a creative way to use up leftover steak. Crescent Roll Casserole is a savory ground beef casserole that will leave enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole for Two and Cozy Tater Tot Casserole for Two each use a half pound of ground beef, so you could try both recipes to use up the whole pound.

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole for Two

Indulge your craving for comfort food with this tater tot casserole for two. Even though this uses a partial can of cream of mushroom soup, the leftover soup can be frozen in a freezer bag.

Crescent Roll Casserole for Two

If you're looking for a new way to use ground beef and crescent rolls, this is a great choice. Salsa and chili powder adds Tex-Mex flavor to this casserole for two.

Cozy Tater Tot Casserole for Two

While this recipe includes instructions for homemade cream of mushroom soup, you can use canned cream of mushroom soup if you are short on time.

Comfort Food for Two

Comfort food is always a good idea. However, if you're only cooking for a few, the dread of having too many leftovers can prevent you from enjoying a hearty meal. These casseroles for two are the perfect solution to your comfort food conundrum.

Keep this collection ofcasseroles for twohandy and you'll have the perfect rotation of meals. Whether you're cooking for two or just cooking for one, you will be able to make a wonderful meal and have the perfect amount of leftovers. However, you might find that these casseroles are so delicious you won't have any leftovers at all!

Tuna Noodle Casserole for Two

Sometimes you crave tuna noodle casserole but don't want to get stuck with a ton of leftovers. Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs add the perfect amount of crunch to the tops.

Best Ever Bacon Mac and Cheese for Two

If you're looking for a mac and cheese recipe that's really special, go for this one! Gruyere, Cheddar, and bacon give this recipe incredible flavor and cheesy goodness.

20 Minute Baked Mac and Cheese

Cooked pasta is combined with a rich cheese sauce before it's baked in a casserole pan. The next time you need a quick mac and cheese recipe, look no further than this recipe!

Small-Batch Turkey Shepherd's Pie

After a holiday meal, this is a great way to use up turkey and mashed potatoes. You could also make this recipe with shredded chicken, if that is more readily available.

This creamy casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Bacon, homemade garlic cream sauce, and toasted bread crumbs make up this tasty recipe.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole for Two

Chicken and/or broccoli can be used as add-ins in this satisfying broccoli casserole. This recipe also includes a recipe for homemade cream of mushroom soup!

Healthy Casseroles for Dinner

Cooking for two doesn't mean just eating smaller versions of comfort food casseroles. You can still eat healthy while cooking casseroles for two!

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna for Two is a great option if you're a vegetarian or you just don't want to spend monkey on meat. One-Pan Baked Tilapia is light and guilt-free meal that is still satisfying. Skillet Paleo Casserole for Two is arecipe that follows the Paleo dietand can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Sweet Potato Surprise is a unique casserole that is vegan and can also be gluten-free!

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna for Two

Roasted vegeables are layered with lasagna noodles and creamy cheese sauce. This casserole is so satisfying that you won't even miss the meat!

Skillet Paleo Casserole for Two

Ground turkey, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms create this simple and healthy skillet meal. This is a great way to use up produce you have in the fridge, too!

One-Pan Baked Tilapia for Two

Fish filets, red potatoes, and arugula bake together in this simple casserole. This is a great recipe to keep in your weekly rotation, yet is special enough for a romantic dinner.

Sweet Potato Surprise

This vegan and gluten-free pasta bake features a sweet potato sauce. This unique recipe would be a hit even with those who don't follow vegan or gluten-free diets.

Dessert Casseroles for Two

The perfect way to end a homemade meal is with a simple dessert recipe. Just like breakfast and dinner recipes, leftovers are also a problem for desserts. It can be overwhelming to make a full-sized dessert recipe only to find that there's no way you can finish it by yourself.

No matter your dessert craving, we have sweet solutions below. For those who love fruit desserts, we've included recipes with blackberries, apples, and mixed berries. You'll also find a small-batchbread pudding recipeand even a skillet oatmeal cookie recipe!

Easy Bread Pudding for Two

This easy bread pudding recipe is a wonderful way to use leftover bread. Plus, it bakes in mugs or ramekins and can be customized with your favorite type of chocolate!

Autumn Apple Crisp Recipe for Two

This apple crisp recipe uses healthier ingredient swaps, for example: coconut oil instead of butter, which makes it a guilt-free recipe.

Summer Berry Crumble

While this recipe uses strawberries and blueberries, you could easily substitute fruit that is in season in your area. The simple crumble topping takes this dessert to the next level.

Perfect Blackberry Crisp for Two

This recipe is gluten-free thanks to a few simple swaps in the ingredient list. This recipe makes enough for four, so you can share it with more people or look forward to leftovers.

Skillet Oatmeal Cookies for Two

You can either bake this dough in two 5-inch pans or one 9-inch pan, depending on the presentation you want. The cinnamon chips make these cookies irresistible!

BONUS! Casseroles for One

If you are only cooking for one and don't want the leftovers you would get from a meal for two, try these casseroles for one.

We've included breakfast casseroles, dinner recipes, and even dessert below. These recipes are just as satisfying and delicious a classic casserole that would serve ten.

Plus, check out some additional resources on cooking for one.

Eggplant Parmesan for One

Now you don't have to wait for a dinner party to make eggplant Parmesan!

Baked Mac and Cheese for One

If you're not crazy about leftover mac and cheese, this recipe is a great solution to that problem.

Pasta and Bean Casserole for One

White beans, spinach, Canadian bacon, and cheese make this pasta recipe into a complete meal.

Potato Bacon Breakfast Casserole for One

Potatoes, bacon, and cheese are always a good combination! When you are craving potatoes, this is a great recipe for one.

One Minute Blueberry Cobbler

If a dessert craving hits out of nowhere, you'll want to keep this recipe handy. This recipe uses blueberries, but another fruit could easily be used.

Coffee Cake in a Mug

Applesauce, cinnamon, and a few other common baking ingredients make up this simple coffee cake. You'll want to make this all the time!

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Just the Two of Us: 28 Casserole Recipes for Two (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

Is it better to bake a casserole covered or uncovered? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

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.

Can you cook two casseroles in the oven at the same time? ›

The exact impact on cooking times varies from dish to dish, but generally cooking multiple dishes at once can lead to longer cooking times. No matter how many dishes you plan to cook, be sure to leave at least 3 inches of space between each dish and the walls of the oven, or other dishes, to allow for proper airflow.

How do you make a casserole taste better? ›

Try different herbs for added flavour: sage or lemon thyme work wonderfully well. For a meatier casserole, add chopped sausage or pancetta when cooking the chicken. Stir wholegrain mustard through the casserole at the end of cooking (to taste); this is especially good if you have sausage in the casserole.

Why do casseroles have to sit overnight? ›

Casseroles are at their best when the ingredients are able to meld, which is why they often taste even better the second day.

Do you cook vegetables before putting in casserole? ›

A common issue with casseroles is soggy overcooked pasta or vegetable components. "Partially cooking these ingredients is the only way to make a casserole with a satisfying texture," says LaClair.

What is the main ingredient in a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

How long should a casserole be cooked for? ›

The time a casserole takes to cook will vary from 2-2½ hours for chuck, blade and thick flank, up to 4 hours for shin, leg and neck. Pork cuts for braising and casseroling normally take 1½ hours, and lamb much the same.

How long to cook something at 400 instead of 350? ›

What happens if you bake at 350 instead of 400? It's just going to take a little longer. From our conversion chart above, 350F instead of 400F will take 1.14 more time. So something that takes 30 minutes at 400F will take 34 minutes at 350F.

Why has my casserole split? ›

Our answer. It is most likely that it is the cheese in the sauces that is causing the sauces to curdle, or split. In particular some types of Cheddar cheese can let out a fair amount of oil during cooking at higher temperatures and this won't mix very well with the sauce in the dish.

How long to bake at 325 instead of 350? ›

Can I simply adjust the baking time when baking at 325 instead of 350 degrees? Yes, when baking at a lower temperature, it's important to adjust the baking time accordingly. In general, you may need to increase the baking time by 10-25% to compensate for the lower temperature.

How long to cook an uncooked casserole that has been refrigerated? ›

For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner. Plan 15 to 20 minutes additional heating time for the refrigerated cold casserole. Heat until it's hot and steamy throughout (165 °F as measured by a food thermometer).

How do you store a casserole overnight? ›

Cover casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

How long can I refrigerate an egg casserole before baking? ›

You can either bake breakfast casserole immediately or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

Just because your casserole is starting to look a bit soupy doesn't mean it's beyond saving. In fact, all you need to do is add some pasta noodles or grains to your base. This trick works for the simple reason that both types of ingredients soak up water as they cook.

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