There are some weeknights when the mere thought of cooking feels like a monumental task. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday. The day had been a whirlwind of meetings and errands, and by 6 PM, I was staring into the refrigerator with zero inspiration.
I needed something fast, something comforting, and most importantly, something that wouldn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. That’s when the magic happened. I grabbed some ground chicken, a few staple veggies, and a jar of marinara sauce.
In less than an hour, this incredible Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole was born. It was cheesy, savory, and filled the entire house with an amazing aroma. My family devoured it, and the single skillet sitting by the sink was a beautiful sight.
This dish has since become our go-to solution for busy evenings. It’s a lifesaver recipe that proves you don’t need a complicated process to create a delicious, wholesome meal. This is truly the ultimate easy one pan ground chicken casserole, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this simple ground chicken casserole. First and foremost, it’s a true one-pan wonder. Everything, from sautéing the vegetables to baking the final cheesy masterpiece, happens in a single oven-safe skillet. This means cleanup is an absolute breeze, saving you precious time and energy.
Furthermore, this easy one pan ground chicken casserole is incredibly quick to prepare. You can have it on the table in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight warrior for your recipe collection. It uses lean ground chicken, which is a fantastic source of protein, and it’s packed with vegetables, making it a meal you can feel good about serving.
The flavors are classic and kid-approved, so you won’t have to worry about picky eaters. This cheesy ground chicken bake is a certified crowd-pleaser. Finally, the recipe is wonderfully versatile.
You can easily adapt this easy one pan ground chicken casserole to use whatever vegetables or grains you have on hand. It’s a forgiving and flexible dish that always delivers on comfort and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this easy one pan ground chicken casserole is how easily you can customize it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
* Protein Swap: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey works perfectly. Lean ground beef is also a delicious alternative for a richer flavor.
* Veggie Overload: Feel free to load this ground chicken and vegetable casserole with more produce.
Sliced mushrooms, chopped zucchini, spinach (stir it in at the end until wilted), or even a cup of frozen corn are all fantastic additions.
* Go Low-Carb: To make a low-carb version of this easy one pan ground chicken casserole, simply swap the cooked rice for two cups of cauliflower rice. Add it at the same time you would add the regular rice.
* Grain Choices: Quinoa is a great, high-protein substitute for rice. Or, for a heartier texture, try using cooked pasta shells or penne.
* Cheese Please: While mozzarella is classic, a sharp cheddar, a Monterey Jack blend, or even some provolone would be delicious.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful salty bite.
* Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a lovely, smoky depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious and easy one pan ground chicken casserole you’ve ever had.
1. Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large, oven-safe skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly).
2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3.Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet.
4. Season and Simmer: Next, stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and the entire jar of marinara sauce.
Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5.Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in the cooked rice and one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese starts to melt and everything is evenly distributed.
This step is what makes this simple ground chicken casserole so cohesive and yummy.
6. Bake to Perfection: Smooth the top of the mixture with your spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Final Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. This final bake transforms it into a perfect one pan ground chicken bake.
8.Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the easy one pan ground chicken casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before scooping and enjoying!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your easy one pan ground chicken casserole comes out perfectly every single time, keep these simple tips in mind.
* Use a Large Oven-Safe Skillet: This is crucial for a true one-pan meal. A 12-inch cast iron or other oven-proof skillet provides enough room to cook everything without overcrowding, which ensures the ingredients cook evenly.
* Don’t Skip Draining: After browning the chicken and veggies, be sure to drain off any excess fat or liquid.
This prevents your simple ground chicken casserole from becoming greasy or watery.
* Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, cheesy topping, buy a block of mozzarella and grate it yourself.
The result is worth the extra minute of effort!
* Let It Rest: This might be the hardest part! Letting the easy one pan ground chicken casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is essential. It allows the casserole to set, making it much easier to serve and ensuring it holds its shape.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This easy one pan ground chicken casserole makes for fantastic leftovers! Proper storage is key to enjoying it again.
* Refrigerating: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
* Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. You can freeze it directly in the skillet if it’s freezer-safe with a lid, or transfer it to a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.
It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* Reheating: For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
While this easy one pan ground chicken casserole is a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple side dishes.
* A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, bright contrast to the rich casserole.
* Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
* Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed asparagus adds extra nutrients and a lovely pop of color to your plate.
* Sautéed Zucchini: Lightly sautéed zucchini with a sprinkle of salt and pepper is a quick and healthy side that complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this easy one pan ground chicken casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole in your oven-safe skillet, stop before the final baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this easy one pan ground chicken casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use rice or another gluten-free grain like quinoa. Always double-check the labels on your marinara sauce and seasonings to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity or celiac disease.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Ground turkey is a fantastic lean substitute that works just like ground chicken.
For a richer, more robust flavor, you can also use lean ground beef. The cooking time will be similar for all ground meats. This truly is a flexible one pan casserole recipe.
How can I make this casserole low-carb?
Making a low-carb version of this easy one pan ground chicken casserole is simple. Just replace the 2 cups of cooked rice with 2 cups of fresh or frozen cauliflower rice. You don’t need to pre-cook the cauliflower rice; just stir it in with the marinara sauce and cheese before baking. It creates a delicious and healthy low-carb meal.
My casserole seems a bit watery. What went wrong?
A watery casserole is usually caused by excess liquid from the ingredients. To prevent this, make sure you thoroughly drain the can of diced tomatoes before adding them. Also, choose a thicker marinara sauce rather than a thin, watery one.
Finally, always drain any excess liquid from the skillet after browning the chicken and vegetables. Following these steps will ensure you get a perfect, hearty ground chicken bake.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
*Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.*
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy one pan ground chicken casserole is a comforting, quick meal that brings the family together. Packed with protein and vegetables, it is a simple solution for busy weeknights and results in minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large, oven-safe skillet
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until it’s no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked rice and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the mixture
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley
Notes
For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
Customize with your choice of vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg