Though winter isn’t officially here according to the calendar, early sunsets and chilly nights mean that it’s fast approaching. As someone who loves daylight and loses steam once the sky goes dark, it’s around this time each year that I put my antihibernation plan into action.

During these darker months, my natural inclination is to burrow down — to stay close to home and not surface again until the warmer days return. While this might have been an appropriate survival strategy during another era, in my current life, it initiates a most unpleasant spiral of isolation. This is no good for anyone.

And so I fight back against this tendency to hole up using food. I throw dinner parties and invite friends over for spur-of-the-moment potlucks. I organize brunch outings. I make extra large batches of soup and carry it to harried neighbors. And at least once a weekend, I make an extra large casserole, just in case.

These days, one of my favorite recipes is Giada’s Greek Noodle Casserole. It’s essentially a slightly simplified version of Pastitsio and ends up tasting like an exotic, homemade version of Hamburger Helper. For those of us who grew up on the stuff (it is what my dad would make on nights when he was in charge), that makes this endlessly comforting and familiar. Perfect for combating short days and cooking as your Weekender.

Before you get cooking, read these tips

Welcome to March. You’ve made it to the final few weeks of winter, but it’s these last dreary days that will likely leave you feeling antsy to get outside and craving sunshine, shorts and light, fresh foods. Rather than wishing away your cabin fever, celebrate it with rich, fill-you-up casseroles that bring the whole family together, because before you know, it will be too warm to even consider heavy, piping-hot meals. Below, our collection of decadent casseroles features baked pasta, hearty vegetable sides, a make-ahead breakfast strata and more comforting recipes to get you through these dog days of winter with ease.

Food Network Magazine has created the ultimate go-to guide to preparing your own Mix-and-Match Baked Pasta. To cook up the winning combination of your choice,  just select your favorite noodle shape, pasta sauce, multiple meat or vegetable add-ins, subtle sauce flavorings and an array of creamy cheeses. The pasta dish featured above boasts Baked Farfalle With Escarole and Zucchini, tossed in a spiced fresh tomato sauce and mixed with fontina and Parmesan cheeses.

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