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13 Low-Calorie Dinner Casseroles in Three Steps or Less

Cooking satisfying meals that are both delicious and low in calories can be a challenge, but casserole dishes are a fantastic solution. They’re not only easy to make, but they also allow for a multitude of flavour combinations while offering a hearty meal that the entire family can enjoy. Here are thirteen low-calorie dinner casseroles that you can whip up in three steps or less, making them perfect for any busy evening.

1. Vegetable and Quinoa Bake

Ingredients: Quinoa, mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, herbs.

Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, using vegetable broth for extra flavour.
Step 2: Mix cooked quinoa with sautéed mixed vegetables and your choice of herbs.
Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

2. Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Ingredients: Cooked chicken breast, fresh spinach, low-fat cream cheese, garlic.

Step 1: Mix shredded chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Step 2: Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish.
Step 3: Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes, until golden.

3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bake

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, salsa, cheese.

Step 1: Slice sweet potatoes and layer them in a casserole dish.
Step 2: Top with black beans and salsa.
Step 3: Sprinkle with a small amount of cheese and bake at 190°C for 30 minutes.

4. Zucchini and Tomato Gratin

Ingredients: Zucchini, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil.

Step 1: Slice zucchini and tomatoes, and alternate layers in a dish.
Step 2: Top with torn mozzarella and fresh basil.
Step 3: Bake at 180°C for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

5. Mushroom and Barley Casserole

Ingredients: Barley, mushrooms, vegetable stock, thyme.

Step 1: Cook barley in vegetable stock according to package instructions.
Step 2: Sauté mushrooms and mix with barley and thyme.
Step 3: Spread mixture in a casserole dish and bake at 190°C for 30 minutes.

6. Broccoli and Cheddar Rice Bake

Ingredients: Brown rice, broccoli florets, low-fat cheddar cheese, garlic powder.

Step 1: Cook brown rice and steam broccoli florets.
Step 2: Combine rice, broccoli, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Step 3: Pour into a greased dish, top with cheese, and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.

7. Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake

Ingredients: Wholemeal pasta, canned tuna, sweetcorn, low-fat mayonnaise.

Step 1: Cook pasta according to instructions and mix with drained tuna and sweetcorn.
Step 2: Stir in low-fat mayonnaise for creaminess.
Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.

8. Cauliflower and Lentil Bake

Ingredients: Cauliflower, lentils, onion, spices.

Step 1: Boil cauliflower until tender and mix with cooked lentils and sautéed onion.
Step 2: Season with spices of your choice (like cumin or paprika).
Step 3: Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes until golden on top.

9. Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients: Eggplant, marinara sauce, low-fat mozzarella, Parmesan.

Step 1: Slice eggplant and roast until slightly soft.
Step 2: Layer eggplant with marinara sauce and cheeses in a casserole dish.
Step 3: Bake at 190°C for 30 minutes.

10. Chickpea and Vegetable Curry Bake

Ingredients: Chickpeas, mixed vegetables, curry powder, coconut milk.

Step 1: Mix chickpeas, chopped mixed vegetables, curry powder, and coconut milk.
Step 2: Pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until bubbling.

11. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients: Bell peppers, quinoa, black beans, salsa.

Step 1: Cook quinoa and mix with black beans and salsa.
Step 2: Fill halved bell peppers with the mixture.
Step 3: Bake at 190°C for 25 minutes.

12. Turkey and Vegetable Bake

Ingredients: Ground turkey, mixed vegetables, low-fat cheese, spices.

Step 1: Brown ground turkey and mix with vegetables and spices.
Step 2: Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with cheese.
Step 3: Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.

13. Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Ingredients: Minced meat (turkey or beef), onions, carrots, sweet potato.

Step 1: Brown the minced meat with diced onions and carrots in a pan.
Step 2: Mash boiled sweet potatoes with a bit of milk and seasoning.
Step 3: Layer meat in a baking dish, top with sweet potato, and bake at 200°C for 25 minutes.

Conclusion

These low-calorie dinner casseroles not only save you time in the kitchen but also promote healthy eating without sacrificing flavour. With simple steps and nutritious ingredients, you can create comforting meals that satisfy the whole family and fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Enjoy these hearty dishes any night of the week for a quick and wholesome dinner!