6 Easy Microwave Casseroles

There’s nothing quite like a classic casserole — warm, hearty, and ideal for those moments when you have a bunch of mouths to feed (or just want leftovers). Whether it’s a retro tuna noodle casserole for a cozy weeknight dinner or a rich chicken marsala casserole for a special gathering, these one-dish wonders always satisfy. And now, cooking your favorite casseroles in the microwave has never been easier, especially with our new Square dishes, designed to handle every delicious layer.

When you think of making a casserole, you might picture that iconic image of your grandma pulling a steaming dish out of an oven, after an hour+ of prep and bake time. But what if we told you that cooking a casserole in the microwave was not only faster, but much more convenient.

Read on for more on why you should be making casseroles in the microwave, plus six easy recipes developed especially for our new line of Square dishes.

What is a casserole?

The term ‘casserole’ refers to both the recipe itself and the dish in which it is prepared. From sweet to savory, a casserole is a mix of ingredients cooked together in a dish with tall sides. Casseroles are traditionally baked in the oven, but we have a few reasons why you should consider microwaving these dishes instead.

While there are many varieties of casserole recipes out there, the main components of a casserole typically contain: A protein (chicken, beef, pork, etc), vegetables (or fruit), some kind of starch (pasta, rice, potatoes), cheese (although not always!), and a sauce or gravy to bind everything together. Most casseroles are considered comfort foods, so they almost always lean starchy, creamy, cheesy, and savory.

Why use a Square Dish when making a casserole?

Anyday’s Square dishes are ideal for making casseroles because of their shape and tall sides. Take lasagna, for example. The square design allows the noodles to lay perfectly flat without cutting them to fit. The silicone-lined lid allows heat to cook through all of the layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese evenly, so you get that perfect bite every time — no dry edges or soggy middles. Chicken marsala casserole offers the same idea: chicken tenders lay flat in an even layer so the meat cooks evenly in the rich sauce. Plus, the large surface area offers more room for toppings! In this case, cover the dish with plenty of crispy onions for that satisfying crunch.

Can you put a casserole dish in the microwave?

Anyday Square dishes are 100% microwave-safe, including the metal on the lid. Because of lid’s smooth, rounded corners, microwaves (the actual waves, not the appliance) safely pass through the metal to heat up the food. Most standard glass casserole dishes are safe for the microwave as long as they don’t have any metal details or accents that could cause arcing. Be sure to check the bottom of the dish for any microwave safety instructions. Want to learn more about metal in the microwave? Read our blog here.

How to cook casseroles in the microwave

Can you cook a casserole in the microwave?

Yes, you can definitely cook a casserole in the microwave! In fact, we believe that the microwave is a much better option compared to the traditional oven method because it cooks your casserole in less time and helps the casserole retain moisture. The dry heat of an oven will often allow the casserole’s moisture (and flavor!) to escape into the hot air and evaporate, drying out the surface before the inside has enough time to meld together. 

Can you reheat a casserole in the microwave?

The microwave is the best way to reheat a casserole! This is especially true with next-day leftovers, as the sauce may have soaked into the starchy components and the casserole might be a bit dry. Reheating in the Anyday dish with its vented lid helps this issue, trapping all of the moisture and flavor inside of the dish while you reheat it for 1-2 minutes per serving. For more information about reheating food in the microwave, check out our blog.

How can I get a crispy topping on my casserole?

Microwaves cook with steam-based technology so it’s difficult (but not impossible!) to get the crispy topping you might be used to. The good news is that our dishes are oven-safe up to 500°F (and our lids up to 400°F). Simply transfer the microwave-cooked casserole to the oven (uncovered) for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown crust. You can also skip the oven step and top the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy onions for a satisfying crunch.

Casseroles are all about simplicity and comfort. Whether you’re layering lasagna, whipping up "Baked" Ziti, or crafting a creamy beef stroganoff, our Square dishes are designed to help you create that cozy, homemade feel — no oven required. Just delicious food, cooked in the microwave, that brings everyone together around the table.