Easy & Comforting Stuffing Casserole Recipe

Get ready to rediscover your new favorite comfort food! This stuffing casserole recipe is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for any weeknight or holiday gathering. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bringing that warm, nostalgic feeling to your table with minimal effort. You will love how simple ingredients combine for maximum flavor in this family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Casserole

This delightful dish will quickly become a household staple for several great reasons:

• Quick Prep: It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy parents and hectic weeknights.
• Classic Comfort: Delivers all the beloved, hearty flavors of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing in a convenient baked form.

  To truly appreciate its evolution, explore the rich history of stuffing, a dish enjoyed for centuries across various cultures.

• Versatile: Easily customize this delicious casserole with your favorite add-ins to suit any taste.
• Family-Friendly: A true crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore, ensuring happy plates all around.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available pantry staples, keeping grocery shopping stress-free and easy.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to create this incredibly satisfying stuffing casserole:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from about 1 large rotisserie chicken or 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
• 1 (8-ounce) package (about 3 3/4 cups) dry stuffing mix (like Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing Mix)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with these ingredients to make this baked stuffing your own. For the chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze. You can also boil and shred chicken breasts or use leftover cooked turkey. If you don’t have both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, use two cans of either one, or try cream of celery for a different flavor. Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced cooked broccoli with the chicken mixture for added vegetables and nutrition. You can easily swap the chicken for cooked, shredded turkey, making this a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers.

Equipment

You won’t need much special equipment for this easy stuffing casserole:

• 1 (9×13-inch) casserole dish (or other 3-quart baking dish)
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk

Instructions

Creating this comforting stuffing casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prep the Dish and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or another 3-quart baking dish) with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside.

2. Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup with the milk until smooth. The mixture should be well combined and creamy. Next, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the soup mixture. Pour this flavorful chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

3. Prepare the Buttery Topping

In a separate medium bowl, pour the melted butter over the dry stuffing mix. Gently stir everything together until all the stuffing crumbs are thoroughly coated with the butter. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully crispy topping. Evenly sprinkle these buttered stuffing crumbs over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Try to create an even layer for consistent texture.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the creamy filling to heat through thoroughly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. This uncovered baking time gives your easy stuffing casserole its signature crunch.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the hot stuffing casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve this comforting dish warm immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors. This hearty meal is perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Crispy Topping: Ensure you fully coat the stuffing mix with melted butter. This creates a barrier that toasts beautifully. Don’t press the topping down; a light sprinkle yields the best texture for your ultimate stuffing casserole.
• Avoid Dryness: The key to a moist casserole is not overbaking. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time. The filling should be bubbly, and the topping golden, but not overly browned.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of savory flavor, replace half of the milk with chicken broth or homemade stock in the creamy filling. This deepens the overall taste.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
• Cheesy Option: For a richer, cheesier experience, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing topping.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This comforting stuffing casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and can be adapted to your preferences.

• Serving Ideas: Serve this hearty casserole alongside simple green vegetables like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. A side of cranberry sauce or a fresh garden salad also complements the rich flavors beautifully. It’s a complete meal on its own, but these additions round it out nicely.
• Storage: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor. For comprehensive information on maintaining food safety, consult the USDA’s guidelines on the safe handling and storage of leftovers.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until warmed through. For larger portions or to crisp up the topping, bake in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different dry stuffing mixes, such as cornbread stuffing or apple-cranberry varieties. You can also add a pinch of poultry seasoning, sage, or thyme to the creamy mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
• Protein Swaps: Beyond chicken, this recipe is excellent with cooked, shredded turkey – perfect for holiday leftovers! You can also use cooked ground pork, crumbled sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition Information

This stuffing casserole offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Please note these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh bread for stuffing?
  A: Yes, you can! Cube stale bread (about 6 cups) and toast it lightly before tossing with the melted butter, then proceed with the recipe for a homemade touch to your comforting stuffing casserole.
• Q: How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
  A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a certified gluten-free dry stuffing mix and ensure your condensed soups are also gluten-free. Most brands offer suitable alternatives.
• Q: Can I freeze leftover casserole?
  A: Absolutely! Once cooled, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Q: What side dishes go best with this?
  A: Simple sides like steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, roasted broccoli, or cranberry sauce complement this rich casserole perfectly.
• Q: Why is my casserole soggy?
  A: A soggy casserole often means too much liquid or not enough baking time uncovered. Ensure you measure liquids accurately and bake until the topping is golden and crisp.

Conclusion

There you have it – an incredibly simple yet supremely delicious stuffing casserole recipe that is sure to become a cherished family favorite. We hope you try this easy-to-follow guide and enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste it brings to your home. This comforting and versatile dish perfectly embodies our mission of making baking simple for busy parents and beginners alike. Enjoy every satisfying bite!