Looking for some easy and delicious casserole recipes that are perfect for breastfeeding moms? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite recipes that are both nutritious and satisfying.
These recipes can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy moms on the go. So whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner option or something to take with you to a potluck party, we have got you covered!
They also contain lactating foods which can help boost your supply. So if you are struggling with a low milk supply, be sure to give these recipes a try. We’ve done detailed guides on the best diet for new moms and natural ways to increase milk supply.
What Should I Make for a New Mum?
One of the best presents you can give a new mom is a freezer full of food for easy quick dinners. It’s a total lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. But with so many casserole recipes out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you are looking for some breastfeeding-friendly casserole recipes, we’ve got you covered! These recipes are packed full of nutrients that are essential for both you and your baby.
So whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner option or something to take to a potluck party, these recipes will have you covered!
What Are the Benefits of Eating Casseroles?
Casseroles are not only convenient and easy to make, but they are also packed full of nutrients.
They are a great source of protein, which is essential for both you and your baby. They also contain complex carbohydrates, which can help to increase your milk supply.
In addition, casseroles are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for both you and your baby’s health and with a few key ingredients can help increase milk supply. They are mostly gluten free and whilst its great to have some delicious snacks like lactation cookies or breastfeeding brownies with chocolate chips, they do need to be balanced with a range of healthy foods.
We’ve made sure that these breastfeeding friendly recipes are full of foods that will support lactation, are super easy to make for nursing moms, and are easily customisable.
You can add in brewer’s yeast, flax meal or flax seeds into these casseroles to bulk them up. Even just one tablespoon of flax seed will make this not only a filling meal but ideal for breastfeeding mothers.
Elsewhere on our blog we’ve done plenty of recipes for nursing moms for a quick snack, lactation cookies made from rolled oats or even frozen fruits with brown sugar. And whilst these are all tasty recipes and full of nutritious ingredients, its very important to ensure that they are part of an overall healthy diet.
What Are the Best Casserole Recipes for Breastfeeding Moms?
Some of our favorite casserole breastfeeding recipes for breastfeeding moms to support lactation include:
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
This recipe is packed with protein and healthy greens, making it a perfect option for breastfeeding moms. It is also quick and easy to prepare, which is always a bonus!
Ingredients:
- -One pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- -Two cups of broccoli florets
- -One can of cream of chicken soup
- -One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, soup, and cheese. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
To make this soup ideal for a breastfeeding mom add in some extra protein by including a can of chickpeas or white beans. You could also add in some extra greens like spinach or kale.
Quinoa and Veggie Casserole:
This recipe is perfect for vegetarian and vegan moms who are breastfeeding. It is packed with protein and healthy veggies, making it a nutrient-rich option for you and your baby.
Ingredients:
- -One cup of quinoa, cooked
- -One can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- -One red bell pepper, diced
- -One cup of corn
- -One green chili pepper, diced
- -One tsp. of ground cumin
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, corn, chili pepper, and cumin. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked through.
This recipe can be easily customized to include your favorite veggies. If you are looking for some extra protein, you could also add in some shredded chicken or ground beef.
Potato, Leek & Fennel Casserole:
This recipe is perfect for those cold winter nights. It is warm, comforting, and packed full of nutrients that are essential for both you and your baby. Fennel helps to boost breast milk production , making this an ideal recipe for breastfeeding moms.
Ingredients:
- -One pound of potatoes, diced
- -One leek, sliced
- -One bulb of fennel, diced
- -One garlic clove, minced
- -One tsp. of dried thyme
- -Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, leek, fennel, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Black Bean & Coconut Milk Curry
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you are craving something a little bit different. It is full of flavor and packed with nutrients that are essential for both you and your baby.
The black beans and coconut milk provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, making this an ideal recipe for breastfeeding moms to boost milk supply.
Ingredients:
- -One can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- -One can of coconut milk (or replace with almond milk)
- -One onion, diced
- -Two garlic cloves, minced
- -One tsp. of ground ginger
- -One tsp. of ground cumin
- -One tsp. of curry powder
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine black beans, coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, and curry powder. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the onions are soft. Serve over steamed rice or quinoa.
Pearl Barley & Chicken Stew
This recipe is perfect for those days when you are short on time. It can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making it a convenient option for busy moms. This stew is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for breastfeeding moms.
Pearl barley is known to help increase milk production, making this an ideal recipe for nursing mothers. You can replace the chicken with a fish if you feel you need more essential fatty acids, these healthy recipes are very mix and match!
Ingredients:
- -One pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- -One cup of pearl barley
- -Two carrots, diced
- -One parsnip, diced
- -One leek, sliced
- -Two garlic cloves, minced
- -One tsp. of dried thyme
- -Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker with a dash of olive oil or Instant Pot. Cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours. You can add in a dash of lemon juice for extra flavor and serve it topped with sour cream.
You can also add in some bell peppers or other healthy ingredients to bring a bit more natural sweetness.
This is one of those easy recipes that you can just throw anything in and its great for new mamas and the whole family at meal time.
Beef and Sweet Potato Casserole:
This hearty casserole is perfect for chilly evenings. It is also packed with nutrients that are important for breastfeeding moms, such as iron and beta-carotene.
Ingredients:
- -One pound of ground beef
- -Two cups of diced sweet potatoes
- -One can of cream of mushroom soup
- -One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat and add the sweet potatoes, soup, and cheese.
Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Vegetarian Chili Casserole:
This recipe is perfect for vegetarian moms or those who are looking for a meat-free option. It is also high in fiber and protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- -One tablespoon of olive oil
- -One onion, diced
- -Three cloves of garlic, minced
- -Two cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- -One can of corn, drained
- -One can of diced tomatoes
- -One tablespoon of chili powder
- -One teaspoon of cumin
- -One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Turkey And Bean Stew
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It is also high in protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- -One tablespoon of olive oil
- -One onion, diced
- -Three cloves of garlic, minced
- -Two cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- -One can of corn, drained
- -One can of diced tomatoes
- -One tablespoon of chili powder
- -One teaspoon of cumin
- -Two cups of cooked turkey, cubed
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the turkey and pour into a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Kale And Bacon Casserole:
This recipe is a great way to sneak some greens into your diet. It is also high in protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- -One tablespoon of olive oil
- -One onion, diced
- -Three cloves of garlic, minced
- -One pound of bacon, diced
- -One bunch of kale, chopped
- -One can of cream of mushroom soup
- -One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the bacon and cook until crisp.
Stir in the kale and soup. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Conclusion on Easy Meals for Breastfeeding Moms
There are many different types of easy meals that breastfeeding moms can eat. Casseroles are a great option because they are usually high in calories and protein. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Breastfeeding moms should also eat whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread. Additionally, lean protein, such as chicken or fish, is important for breastfeeding moms.
Lastly, dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese, are a good source of calcium. By including these foods in their diet, breastfeeding moms can make sure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need.
We recommend new moms also eat overnight oats, enjoy a green smoothie or two and overall eat a healthy diet which will all help make more milk.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.