MyPlate-Inspired Casseroles

Mexican Chicken Casserole with Charred Tomato Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

Nutritious Casseroles

Cooking Light is working with the Partnership for a Healthier America and USDA’s MyPlate to give anyone looking for healthier options access to thousands of recipes that will help them create healthy, tasty plates. For more information about creating a healthy plate, visit www.choosemyplate.gov. Find recipes at http://pinterest.com/MyPlateRecipes/.

Traditionally a healthy diet faux pas, our collection of casseroles uses lighter, nutritionally healthier ingredients for a variety of exciting and tasty dishes. A one-dish meal option, casseroles are an ideal way to load up on protein and nutrient-rich veggies without a lot of prep time in the kitchen.

First up is our Mexican Chicken Casserole with Charred Tomato Salsa. Instead of the usual jarred salsa often called for in Mexican casserole, this recipe features a homemade salsa made with charred tomatoes that are mixed with cilantro and fresh lime juice. Charring the tomatoes gives a rich flavor to the salsa, which is a good match for this chicken-and-veggie-packed dish.

View Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole with Charred Tomato Salsa

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spinach-Feta Calzone Casserole

This one-dish meal is a cross between a vegetarian calzone and the classic Greek dish spanakopita.

View Recipe: Spinach-Feta Calzone Casserole

Photo: Jeff Kauck

Chicken Poblano Casserole

Not only is this casserole a good source of niacin (mainly from the chicken), but one serving also supplies about 60 percent of your daily calcium needs. Fresh corn and corn tortillas offer an ample amount of folate, too.

View Recipe: Chicken Poblano Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna

This zucchini eggplant lasagna makes use of fresh summer produce in a filling meatless entrée.

View Recipe: Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna

Photo: Johnny Miller

Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole

Creamy and savory collide in a wonderful way. Everyone gathered around your table will love this one.

View Recipe: Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole

Photo: John Autry

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Although the yellow and green squash give this chicken and rice casserole a colorful appearance, you can use one or the other, if you prefer.

View Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Swiss Chard Spanakopita Casserole

This is a casserole version of the classic individual pastries. It's much quicker to assemble with less fuss, and it's just as tasty.

View Recipe: Swiss Chard Spanakopita Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Zesty, creamy and loaded with chicken, it's no wonder why this Mexican chicken casserole is one of our top-rated recipes.

View Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole

Photo: Bob Esparza

Spinach-Cheese Bake

You can assemble the spinach and cheese casserole in less than 10 minutes by using preshredded cheeses.

View Recipe: Spinach-Cheese Bake

Photo: John Autry

20-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

While the sauce cooks, shred the chicken. For a spicy kick, top with chopped jalapeños.

View Recipe: 20-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Randy Mayor

Salmon and Potato Casserole

Great for breakfast or dinner, this casserole is easy to make and great as leftovers, too!

View Recipe: Salmon and Potato Casserole