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Try These 7 Delicious Casserole Recipes

A casserole is the type of meal that satisfies any kind of situation. Make one in advance when you know a day is going to be particularly busy, and opt for another when you need to impress guests. We may all live for the weekends, but casseroles can help us get there (and enjoy them) in one piece.

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MONDAY: Taco Casserole

When you have kids, Mondays can feel like the start of a race. There's school to get to and extracurricular activities to join, play dates to schedule and chores to finish. Oh, my! With so much going on, dinner needs to be convenient. Prep this taco casserole on Sunday night, and by Monday's end, your kids can slow down to eat this fiesta-in-a-feast.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews 3 of 8

TUESDAY: Tater-Tot Casserole

Remember those elementary school days when you eagerly watched the classroom's clock in anticipation of lunchtime? As adults, we sometimes don't have the freedom to step away from our desks like we used to. But one bite of this tater-tot casserole at the end of a long day will give you that same childlike focus – except this time, your gaze will be set on the food.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews 4 of 8

WEDNESDAY: Cheesy Potato Casserole

When a newborn baby is calling the shots of a household, then it's likely that her parents are eating on the fly. If you're the mommy or daddy who is awake most hours of the day – or you have friends who just expanded their family – then work this cheesy potato casserole into any feeding schedule. Assemble it during nap time and cook it later, or gift a finished platter to your loved ones for a definite shot at becoming a godparent.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews 5 of 8

THURSDAY: Chili Relleno Casserole

During a particularly busy week, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. And as it starts to wind down, so does your energy. Emails that you fired off on Monday are feeling more cumbersome by Thursday, and the well of plans that you aspired to accomplish has seemed to dry up. That's where this chili relleno casserole comes in. With its layers of spices, you'll get the kick you need to get back into high gear.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews 6 of 8

FRIDAY: Southwest Chicken Casserole

Phew! Now that the week has drawn to a close, it's time to have some fun. A potluck dinner is a great way to catch up with friends, and this southwest chicken casserole recipe is the perfect crowd-pleasing addition to the party. Layers of spices flavor shredded chicken and quinoa, ensuring that you'll get up for seconds (all right, thirds) as the night goes on.

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SATURDAY: French Toast Casserole

Be gone, business casual. After five days of slacks and skirts, it's time to feel more cozy than corporate. Spend a few extra a.m. hours in your PJs as you bake and eat this French toast casserole without worrying about what's next on your calendar. You could also sprinkle chocolate in with the nuts to get a breakfast that feels even more indulgent.

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SUNDAY: Breakfast Casserole

When the kids are at home with nothing to do, and you all have a day entirely to yourselves, then it's time to finally take things easy. Roll out of bed to make this low-carb breakfast casserole, complete with veggies and breakfast sausage, and pair it with a big cup of coffee. Healthy, filling and just what you and the gang needs before an afternoon nap.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Thanksgiving and the holiday season are on the horizon, and for many households, that means a sprawling home-cooked meal with family and friends. It can require a ton of effort, especially when it comes to preparing the perfect turkey, ham or veggie roast as the savory centerpiece. And getting the turkey just right isn't always a guarantee. However, if you take your holiday cooking seriously and won't settle for anything less than outstanding, these five kitchen tools for the best Thanksgiving turkey (and three for the best meatless roasts) will give you superior results that you can replicate over and over again.

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The Best Kitchen Tools for Turkey

The goal for roasting a mouthwatering turkey is to achieve slight crispiness on the skin, while keeping the rest of the turkey delectably moist. These kitchen tools will help you cook the turkey just right, help it retain moisture and flavor, and make serving easier.

1. Best Roasting Pan: Circulon Non-Stick Roasting Pan

$39.99 at Amazon

One of the best things about this non-stick roasting pan is that it comes with a detachable, U-shaped grate that keeps the meat off the bottom of the pan, allowing you to fill the rest of the pan with vegetables, stock or other ingredients. It also features raised, easy-grip handles so you can take the pan out of the oven more safely and effortlessly. Made from heavy duty alloy steel, the roaster heats quickly and distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking. Measuring 13 inches wide and 17 inches long, it can hold a turkey up to 25 pounds. It's safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

2. Best Meat Thermometer: Original MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

$59.99 at Amazon

Constantly taking your turkey or ham out of the oven to check its temperature can be a hassle, especially when you've got other foods and side dishes to prepare. Even worse, each time you open the oven, the temperature changes, leading to a less even roast and longer cook times. But it doesn't have to be that way.

This smart-tech meat thermometer eliminates extra trips to the oven by connecting to your smartphone. Via a free app available for iOS and Android on smartphones and tablets, you can easily monitor your turkey's internal temperature. The sleek and dishwasher-safe thermometer probe features dual sensors that can simultaneously monitor internal meat temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient (external) cooking temperatures up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit.

The app also boasts a guided cooking system that walks you through every step of the cooking process to guarantee perfect results. It also allows you to set up custom alerts based on temperature or time. You can even connect the thermometer to Alexa. If you've got an entire feast to prepare, this meat thermometer is a real game changer.

3. Best Oven Cooking Bags: Reynolds Kitchens Turkey-Size Oven Bags

$2.34 at Walmart

These oven cooking bags are one of your secret weapons to retain moisture and flavor—and can even help you skip turkey basting. Each bag in the two-pack is disposable, made from plastic and oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A single bag can fit a turkey up to 24 pounds. Simply place the bag in your roasting pan, slide the turkey and/or vegetables into the bag, close it with the Nylon tie that's included, and create several slits in the bag to allow some steam to escape. Once you're done cooking, cleanup is easy because the bag catches all of the mess and juices. Say goodbye to dry turkey or ham!

4. Best Turkey Baster: OXO Good Grips Angled Turkey Baster With Cleaning Brush

$13.95 at Amazon

While cooking in an oven bag should eliminate the need for basting your turkey, if you choose to forgo using the bag, this turkey baster will do the trick—keeping your turkey flavorful and moist. Measuring 12 inches long, the tip is angled to easily get at hard-to-reach basting juices, while its flat foot keeps it from rolling and helps prevent drips. The siphon features easy-to-read markings in both standard and metric measurements, and the bulb and body are made of high heat-safe silicone and tritan (an impact-resistant, BPA-free plastic), so it's built to last. It also comes with a handy cleaning brush to clean the inside.

Tip

If you’re not using an oven bag, baste your turkey with cooking juices approximately every 30 minutes.

5. Best Electric Knife: Cuisinart 19-Inch Electric Fillet Knife

$29.95 at Wayfair

Once you've removed your turkey from the oven and allowed it to rest, you still have to carve it, which can be pretty tricky. Enter the Cuisinart 19-Inch Electric Fillet knife. It features a powerful motor and an 8-inch serrated blade (that's dishwasher-safe) to make short work of any meat slicing task. The ergonomic, non-slip handle is comfortable for both right- and left-handed users, while the one-touch on/off operation keeps things nice and simple. Equipped with a generous 5-foot electric cord, you might even be able to carve right at the table!

The Best Cookware for Vegan Roasts

If a vegan roast happens to be your Thanksgiving tradition, or if you're open to trying something new, these three pieces of cookware will give you superior results—moist, flavorful and not too tough. While many recipes call for wrapping the roast in aluminum foil and placing it in a regular roasting pan, Jones LeFae at Vegerarchy suggests using a clay cooking pot, covered ceramic dish or Dutch oven instead, and we have to agree. Here are our favorites for each type of cooking vessel.

1. Eurita Clay Cooking Pot by Reston Lloyd

4-quart — $39.09 at Amazon

Inspired by the Römertopf™ line of German clay cooking pots, the Eurita Clay Cooking Pot by Reston Lloyd is a nearly identical, yet less costly, option. Made from natural clay material sourced in Germany, this cooking pot can hold 4 quarts, which is enough for a store-bought vegan Tofurky® roast. During the cooking process, water evaporates to create a blanket of steam, while the lid is designed to allow some steam to escape, so your roast comes out moist, but not soggy. Safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Eurita is one of the best ways to cook a meatless roast.

Tip

Wash the pot with water and baking soda (not soap) before using it for the first time. You should also avoid taking it from one temperature extreme to another. For example, don’t take it straight from the oven and put it under cold water.

2. CorningWare French Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish

$53.95 at Amazon

Another great cookware option for a veggie roast is this stoneware covered casserole dish from CorningWare. Safe for the oven, microwave and even freezer, it holds up to 4 quarts and measures 14 3/4 inches long and 6 1/2 inches tall. It comes with a 10-year warranty against breakage due to extreme temperatures.

3. Amazon Basics 6-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$46.49 at Amazon

Last but not least, a Dutch oven is one of the best ways to cook a vegan roast. This one from Amazon Basics holds up to 6 quarts and is made from cast iron that's safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a fitted lid and easy-grip handles for safe handling.

Air fryers are all the rage right now. In fact, the air fryer market is projected to reach $1.426 billion by 2026. Not only are they becoming a staple in home kitchens; many commercial kitchens are switching over to air fryers for many of their fried foods, as well. And it isn't hard to see why: Air fryers significantly reduce fat, lower the number of calories and even slash cooking time in half, in many cases. So if you love delicious food with a crispy texture but want to stay on the healthier side of things, an air fryer is your answer.

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With dozens of high-quality air fryers out there, trying to figure out which one to get can be tricky. Our air fryer buying guide will help you make a smart selection.

What to Look for in an Air Fryer

• ​Capacity:​ Smaller air fryers will typically offer 2 quarts of space, while large air fryers can offer 5 quarts or more. For items like French fries and snacks, a medium-sized or small-sized fryer will probably suffice, but if you want to cook things like a whole chicken, opt for a larger fryer.
• ​Wattage:​ Generally, the higher the wattage, the more quickly the air fryer can cook. Most air fryers span a range of 800 to 1500 watts, with some reaching wattage levels of 1800 watts or more. If you're adding frozen or semi-frozen foods to your fryer, you'll definitely benefit from a higher wattage.
• ​Temperature Control:​ Higher temperatures cook food more quickly, so look for air fryers that go up to at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. More advanced air fryers will often have indicator lights, preset buttons and timers to make your life easier.
• ​Safety:​ Smartly designed air fryers will be well-insulated and feature cool-grip handles so you don't burn your hands taking out the food basket. Other safety features to look out for are a non-slip base, a locking lid, and an automatic shutoff to prevent food from overcooking (or the machine from catching fire).
• ​Price:​ Most air fryers range from $80 to $200, but some expensive ones cost as much as $300. Generally, a 3- to 4-quart air fryer for under $90 is a decent value, while a 6-quart or larger air fryer (enough for a family of four or more) for under $150 is quite reasonable.
• ​Special Features:​ Every air fryer should at least offer the bare-bones convection function that crisps your food, but some air fryers tout extra settings such as roasting and dehydrating, as well as bells and whistles like rotating plates, multiple food baskets or tiers, digital interfaces or a smorgasbord of timed presets.

Best Overall: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

$120.00 at Amazon

Given their huge success with 6-in-1 multi-cookers, it's probably not a huge surprise to see Instant Pot deliver an outstanding 6-in-1 air fryer. This model presents one of the best values on the market for what you get—there really aren't any compromises for this price point.

The Plus model (there's also a highly-recommended Instant Vortex 4-in-1 model) is designed with a very roomy basket and user-friendly touchscreen with pre-programmed settings, plus a dial that can adjust the temperature in 5-degree increments. Its six settings are: Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake and Reheat. It also features a wider temperature range than you'll see on many air fryers, providing more versatility. Made of high-quality materials like stainless steel and featuring multiple safety features like automatic shutoff and overheating protection, this fryer covers all the bases and more.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 6 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 4-6 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,700 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 6
• ​Auto shutoff:​ Yes
• ​Temperature:​ 95 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $100-$120

​What You'll Love:​

• Can fit a 4-pound butterflied chicken or 2-pound bag of fries
• Uses up to 95% less oil than traditional methods
• Easy-to-use, touchscreen display
• Built-in safety features like overheating protection
• Comes with access to free app for iOS or Android featuring over 1,000 recipes (also Alexa-friendly)

Best High-Capacity Air Fryer: Ultrean 8.5-Quart Air Fryer

$84.99 – $129.99 at Amazon

If you're looking to make huge batches of crispy food at a time, this Ultrean 8.5-quart fryer is for you. Featuring a massive fry basket (about as big as it gets for traditional air fryers), this model is perfect for larger families and can feed six to eight people in one batch. This fryer helps you use up to 80% less fat or oil and boasts seven cooking presets, including chips (fries), meat, shrimp, chicken, steak, fish and even cake. It also comes with a recipe cookbook.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 8.5 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 6-8 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,700 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 7
• ​Auto shutoff:​ Yes
• ​Temperature:​ 180 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $185-$130

​What You'll Love:​

• Capacity is about as high as it gets for traditional air fryers
• Ergonomically designed LCD display is angled for more comfort
• Overheating protection features
• Adjustable timer and temperature controls
• Easy to clean, comes with dishwasher-safe accessories

Best Compact Air Fryer: Dash Compact Air Fryer

$49.99 at Amazon

$49.99 at Wayfair

The DASH Aircrisp Compact Air Fryer reduces oil and fat by up to 80% and offers 2 quarts of cooking space, making it ideal for people with limited space, singles, couples—or all of the above. It's small enough that it won't crowd your RV or studio apartment. It's one of the least expensive air fryers with a good reputation, but keep in mind that it's more suitable for one or two people than larger families (unless you don't mind making several batches). While you can't cook a whole chicken in it, you can still fit about half a dozen chicken tenders or wings or half a pound of frozen French fries at a time. It also comes with a recipe book and one-year limited warranty.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 2 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 1-2 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,000 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 1
• ​Auto shutoff:​ Yes
• ​Temperature:​ Up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $40-$70

​What You'll Love:​

• One of the smallest footprints among air fryers; lightweight
• Easy to use—simply plug in, set temperature and set timer
• Cool-touch, insulated interior and handle
• Easy cleanup

Best Value Air Fryer: GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer

$87.54 at Amazon

$81.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

While this isn't the cheapest air fryer on this list, its lower-than-average price point for its capacity and number of features earns its spot as "the best no-compromises air fryer under $90." It's budget-friendly for what you get. This air fryer offers almost 6 quarts of food capacity (enough for most medium-sized families) and features eight easy-to-use presets: fries/chips, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, pizza and cake. It's also equipped with a wide temperature range in 10-degree increments and a cooking timer of up to 30 minutes. On top of all this, it comes with a 50-recipe cookbook, a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year warranty. The only caveat is that the pieces aren't dishwasher-friendly.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 5.8 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 4-6 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,700 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 8
• ​Auto shutoff:​ No
• ​Temperature:​ 180 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $78-$85

​What You'll Love:​

• Impressive price point for the features
• Non-stick pan and detachable basket equipped with cool-touch handle and button guard
• Start/Stop button lets you change time and temperature mid-cycle
• Built-in alarm reminds you to shake your ingredients in 5-, 10- and 15-minute increments

Best for Busy Cooks: Ninja Foodi 6-in-1, 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone Technology

$159.99 – $179.99 at Amazon

This hefty air fryer is ideal for busy cooks because it lets you cook two foods at once. Dual 4-quart frying baskets allow you to cook two different foods on two different settings at the same time—perfect for multi-course meals. Of course, you can also put the same food in each basket and cook the equivalent of an 8-quart serving. The Ninja Foodi is ideal for larger families or party food preparation. Six customizable settings include: air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate—pretty much everything you could want.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 8 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 6-8 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,690 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 6
• ​Auto shutoff:​ Yes
• ​Temperature:​ 105-450 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $180-$220

​What You'll Love:​

• Two independent baskets let you cook different foods at once
• Digital display and six cooking settings
• Cancel button to stop mid-cycle
• The square shape lets you cram in more items (such as fries) and works well for batches with dissimilar food items

Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Cuisinart TOA-65 Digital Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer

$279.95 at Amazon

If you're extra practical and like appliances with multiple applications, the Cuisinart TOA-65 is a good bet. It combines the features of an air fryer and a traditional toaster oven, complete with air fry settings for foods like chicken wings and nuggets, snacks and vegetables, and toaster oven settings for baking, broiling, roasting, toasting, reheating, warming and dual cooking. It produces minimal noise and offers one of the widest temperature ranges for an air fryer or toaster oven. It also comes with both a baking pan and air fryer basket. A compact model is also available.

Since it's an air fryer-toaster oven combo with a digital display, it does fall on the pricier end of the spectrum. If you want similar versatility but don't mind forgoing the cost-adding digital display, consider the Cuisinart Airfryer, Convection Toaster Oven and save about $70 to $80.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ Up to 3 pounds of food (18 quarts)
• ​Feeds:​ 4-5 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,800 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 5 air fry presets, 6 toaster oven functions
• ​Auto shutoff:​ No
• ​Temperature:​ 80-450 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $270-$300

​What You'll Love:​

• 2-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven capabilities
• Low temperature settings for proofing dough and dehydrating foods
• Large digital display, which isn't seen on standard toaster ovens
• Non-stick interior for easy cleaning
• Baking pan and frying basket are dishwasher-safe

Best Air Fryer Pressure Cooker: Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker

$219.99 at Amazon

The FD401 combines a pressure cooker and air fryer to make for one formidable cooking machine that is a must-have for the kitchen of any serious cook. This deluxe pressure cooker from Ninja earns that qualifier with its nine cooking functions: pressure cook, air crisp, steam, slow cook, yogurt, sear/sauté, bake/roast, broil and dehydrate. Ninja's Tendercrisp technology cooks ingredients to lock in juices and then gives them a crispy, golden air-fryer finish. It contains an 8-quart ceramic-coated, non-stick pot and a 5-quart cook-and-crisp basket. It also comes with a 45-recipe guide.

​At a Glance:​

• ​Capacity:​ 8 quarts
• ​Feeds:​ 6-8 people
• ​Wattage:​ 1,760 watts
• ​Number of settings:​ 9
• ​Auto shutoff:​ Yes
• ​Temperature:​ Up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• ​Price:​ $220-$250

​What You'll Love:​

• Big enough to cook a whole 7-pound chicken
• Non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe
• Locks in juices
• Cooks 70% faster than traditional methods
• 14 safety features