15 Classic Casseroles That Bring Boomers and Gen Xers Straight Back Home
For many Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, a single bite of a childhood dish can instantly transport them back to the family dinner table. And few foods spark more nostalgic comfort than the humble casserole.
These warm, hearty, one-pan wonders were staples in homes across America. Pulled sizzling from the oven and set in the middle of the table, casseroles filled entire houses with the smell of home cooking. While most families today reserve casseroles for holidays or potlucks, earlier generations enjoyed them as regular weeknight meals.
Reddit users recently shared the casserole recipes they grew up on — dishes that still hold their place as timeless comfort food. Here are 15 old-school casseroles that defined Boomers’ and Gen Xers’ childhoods, and that remain just as delicious today:
Chicken Casseroles
Fancy Fast Chicken Casserole
By Applepoisoneer
An easy weeknight classic: place chicken breasts in a baking dish, cover with dry stuffing mix, and pour Cream of Mushroom (or Cream of Onion/Chicken) over the top. Add cheese — and fried onions if you want extra crunch — and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
Chicken Curry Divan
By karinchup
A recipe passed through generations: chicken, broccoli, Cream of Chicken soup, mayo, curry, lemon juice, cheddar, and buttered Ritz cracker crumbs baked until golden and bubbling. Often served with rice, and always a crowd favorite.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
By anchovypepperonitoni
A versatile dish that can stand alone or act as a side — baked cheesy rice with optional rotisserie chicken mixed in.
Chicken & Dumplings Casserole
By Superb_Yak7074
The key? Never stir the layers. Bisquick, milk, chicken, broth, veggies, and seasoning transform into a dumpling-topped casserole as it bakes.
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
By gimmethelulz
Another beloved classic. Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable.
Potato Casseroles
Funeral Potatoes
By IRLperson
Despite the name, this creamy, cheesy hash-brown casserole is pure comfort.
Tater Tot Casserole
By hcynthia1234 & upperwareParTAY
Ground beef, green beans, Cream of Mushroom soup, and a golden tater-tot crust. Often cooked start-to-finish in one cast-iron skillet to save dishes.
Breakfast Casserole
By CWrend
Frozen hash browns, sausage, peppers, onions, cheese, and eggs baked into a hearty brunch favorite.
Hamburger Pie Casserole
By DarnHeather
A budget-friendly “end of the month” meal — simple, filling, and surprisingly delicious.
Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
By ExplanationLucky1143
Ground beef mixed with Cream of Mushroom soup, topped with corn and mashed potatoes, then baked until warm and golden.
Noodle Casseroles
Tuna Noodle Casserole
By Pinkleton
Egg noodles, tuna, Cream of Mushroom soup, corn, sharp cheddar, bread crumbs, and seasonings baked into a cozy childhood favorite.
Mock Stroganoff
By Nathan_Saul
Ground beef mixed with sour cream and mushroom soup tossed with egg noodles. Optional add-ins: mushrooms, onions, peas, broccoli, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs.
Cabbage Noodle Casserole
By conjas11
Cooked noodles mixed with bacon, onion, and sautéed cabbage for a simple, old-fashioned comfort dish.
Vegetable Casseroles
Green Bean Casserole
A homemade twist on the Thanksgiving staple — including from-scratch mushroom sauce and crispy onions.
Corn Casserole (Corn Custard)
By a Redditor’s family recipe
A creamy, sweet-savory mix of creamed corn, whole corn, sweetened condensed milk, flour, butter, and eggs baked into a soft, spoonable casserole that never survives the dinner table.