You probably think of casseroles as being heavy and fattening, with all that creamy sauce and gooey cheese. But this is exactly what makes Casseroles so perfect for weight loss. They’re extremely filling and high in protein, which helps you feel satisfied after eating them. These facts also make casseroles very effective for weight loss because they take a lot of the stress off of calorie counting or worrying about measuring out the right amount of carbs. You can simply add whatever wholesome ingredients you like and let the combination do the rest. If your diet has been lacking variety or getting monotonous, these 5 Weight Loss Casseroles will provide a much-needed shot in the arm!
Weight loss casserole ideas
Weight loss casserole ideas are abundant. Anything that’s high in protein and vegetables, low in carbs, low in fat and low in sugar will be a good combo for casserole baking. Once you know what kind of casserole you want to make, it’s time to choose your ingredients. For protein, you can choose from things like beans, nuts and legumes, chicken, turkey, fish, beans, root vegetables, eggs, tofu, and cottage cheese. Vegetables, go with broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, peas, spinach, tomatoes, and zucchinis. Carbs, choose things like quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, oats, whole wheat pasta, or barley. Fats, you can go with avocados, butter, coconut oil, olives, or sunflower seeds. For sweeteners, use honey or maple syrup to keep the carbs low.
Chicken and Vegetable Casserole
This chicken and vegetable casserole is a great weight loss recipe, full of protein and low in carbs. This recipe combines chicken with broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, and tomato sauce for a healthy and flavorful casserole that is sure to please. Ingredients – 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced – 1/2 cup chopped broccoli – 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms – 1/2 cup chopped spinach – 3 tablespoons tomato sauce – Salt, to taste – Pepper, to taste – 1/2 teaspoon curry powder – 1 cup instant brown rice – 1 cup fat-free chicken broth Instructions
– Heat the oven to 350°F. – In a baking dish, arrange the chicken breast and broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach. – Pour the tomato sauce over the vegetables and chicken. – Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and curry powder. – Mix well to coat with the spices. – Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. – While the chicken is baking, prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package. – Take the chicken and vegetables out of the oven and add them to the cooked rice. – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover the dish with foil. – Put the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. – Serve and enjoy!
Tuna Casserole
A classic tuna casserole recipe with a twist. A side of broccoli and brown rice will round out this healthy, modern tuna casserole recipe. Ingredients – 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted – 1/2 cup chopped onion – 1 cup chopped mushroom – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – 1/2 cup white wine – 2 cans tuna, drained – 1 cup heavy cream – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup crushed croutons – 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
– 3 cups broccoli – 3 cups cooked brown rice Instructions – Preheat the oven to 350°F. – In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion and mushroom until the onion is translucent. – Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir in the white wine and bring to a boil. – Add the tuna and heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. – Stir in the cheese and croutons until melted. – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with parsley. – Bake in the oven until the casserole is heated through, about 15 minutes. – While the casserole is baking, steam the broccoli and cook the rice according to the instructions on the package. – To serve, top the casserole with broccoli and rice.
Egg and Spinach Casserole
A protein-packed egg and spinach casserole is perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch. With a cheesy crust and a creamy egg and spinach filling, this easy egg and spinach casserole is a filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied for hours. Ingredients – 9 large eggs – 2 cups spinach, chopped – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup milk – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – 1/2 cup chopped scallions – 1 cup chopped ham – 1/2 cup butter, melted – 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs Instructions – Preheat the oven to 375°F.
– In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, spinach, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. – Stir in the scallions and ham. – Pour the mixture into a baking dish. – In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and bread crumbs. – Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole. – Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until the casserole is fully cooked through.
Mexican Beef Casserole
This ground beef casserole is a healthy dinner recipe that you can make in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. Serve with a side of brown rice and a green salad for a satisfying dinner that is full of flavor. Ingredients – 1 tablespoon butter – 1/2 cup chopped onion – 1 cup chopped bell pepper – 1 teaspoon paprika – 1 teaspoon chili powder – 1 teaspoon cumin – 1 pound ground beef – 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles – 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained – 1 cup corn – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cooked rice – 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro – 2 cups shredded lettuce – 1 avocado, sliced – Salsa, to taste Instructions – In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. – Sauté the onions, bell peppers, paprika, chili powder, and cumin until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. – Add the ground beef and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. – Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. – Stir in the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cooked rice. – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil. – Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. – Sprinkle the cilantro over the casserole just before serving. – Garnish with lettuce and avocado. – Serve with salsa if desired.
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