13 Heart-Healthy Casserole Dinners to Help Reduce Inflammation

March 18, 2024

Chronic inflammation can cause some like mental fog, joint stiffness and digestive issues, in addition to . That’s why it’s important to eat like the ones in these flavorful and nutritious dinner casseroles, including lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, veggies and healthy fats. These dishes are also made to fit seamlessly into a heart-healthy eating pattern. Recipes like our Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach Skillet Casserole and Eggplant Tortilla Casserole make for a delicious and nourishing meal that will help you feel your best.

Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach Skillet Casserole

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Annie Probst


This spinach-packed casserole cooks on the stovetop and bakes in the same skillet for a family-friendly dinner with an easy cleanup. You can use leftover chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time to speed up the prep.

Eggplant Tortilla Casserole

This layered casserole is inspired by classic cheese enchiladas, minus the fuss of rolling and stuffing individual tortillas. You’d never guess that within this comforting casserole hides a layer of thinly sliced eggplant. The thin slices become tender when roasted and add a subtle savory note.

Green Chile Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This green chile rotisserie chicken casserole features tender rotisserie chicken with lots of tender vegetables. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness, while the rice helps absorb some of the flavors. A crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips finishes off this comforting, Southwestern-inspired casserole.

Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Casserole with Broccol

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco


Whip up this quick and easy teriyaki chicken casserole in just one skillet—it’s the perfect go-to recipe for hectic weeknights that’s sure to satisfy a crowd. It’s ideal for making use of any leftover chicken and rice you have on hand. If you’re short on leftovers, a rotisserie chicken paired with a package of microwaveable brown rice is a good substitute.

Chicken Tetrazzini

This retro dish will please kids and adults alike.

Turkey-Vegetable Bake

Need to use up leftover turkey from the holidays? Make this low fat casserole. It’s made with brown rice and lots of vegetables.

Creamy Chicken & Penne alla Vodka Casserole with Peas

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco


This cheesy chicken pasta casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a fast and easy dinner with minimal cleanup. Vodka sauce adds a creamy note to the sauce. If you don’t have vodka sauce on hand, add a few tablespoons of cream to regular marinara.

Mom’s Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr

This lightened-up creamy chicken casserole is packed with veggies. The sauce at the heart of this family-friendly casserole uses fat-free milk with a combination of fat-free Greek-style yogurt and a little mayonnaise to give it body.

Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake

In this version of a chicken-and-broccoli casserole, spaghetti squash takes on a creamy texture when baked with cream of mushroom soup.

Smoked Turkey, Kale & Rice Bake

This hearty one-skillet dinner is loaded with celery, kale, tomatoes and quick-cooking brown rice. It’s easy to make the recipe vegetarian by substituting smoked tofu for the turkey.

Garlic Cashew Chicken Casserole

Combine brown rice, cashews, chow-mein noodles and vegetables galore with chicken in this delicious casserole.

Florentine Lasagna Roll-Ups

Photography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Ruth Blackburn / Audrey Davis

Think portion control with these individual lasagna roll-ups. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day.

Turkey & Leek Shepherd’s Pie

The mashed potato-covered shepherd’s pie was originally created to use up the leftovers from a festive roast. This version blends peas, leeks and carrots with diced turkey, all in a creamy herb sauce. The dish is a perfect way to create a second meal with the holiday turkey but if you like, use leftover roast chicken, duck or goose.

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