12 Casserole Recipes to Feed a Crowd

The term “casserole” can refer to any dish prepared in a casserole dish—essentially a deep, wide baking dish—and baked in the oven. A casserole can have layers, as in the case of Italian lasagna, or an evenly distributed combination of veggies, a protein, and a starchy binder. Cooking a casserole is a popular technique for making easy comfort food or a large-format side dish. A casserole is often a one-pot meal that involves combining the ingredients in an oven-safe dish and baking them. Another popular option is to put the ingredients in a slow cooker and add a separate topping at the end.

Casseroles make for an excellent weeknight dinner since they are adaptable and easy to assemble and cook for a crowd. Here are some casserole recipe ideas to get you started:

1. 1. Corn pudding: Instead of cornbread, try this lighter, moister variant that incorporates cheddar cheese, sour cream, and canned vegetables into a creamy casserole. Also known as corn casserole, corn pudding is an easy make-ahead side dish for a barbeque or potluck.
2. 2. Cheesy asparagus casserole: Asparagus is one of spring’s most exciting vegetables. This asparagus casserole creates a pleasing contrast between the creamy filling and a crispy topping made from breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
3. 3. Cheesy broccoli rice casserole: Split the difference between a vegetable-forward broccoli casserole and a starchier rice casserole by combining both with a cheesy binder and baking. Use this broccoli au gratin recipe as a guide, which involves folding steamed rice into the broccoli mixture.
4. 4. Chicken enchilada casserole: Enchiladas are another dish that’s easy to adapt for a big group. To spice up this Mexican classic, throw in some green chiles to add a zingy freshness. Enchiladas are also an excellent choice for the Tex Mex–inclined when turned into a ground beef casserole with tortillas and cheese. Or, skip the meat and dairy with this vegan enchiladas recipe.
5. 5. Chicken pot pie casserole: If you make it in a large vessel, chicken pot pie becomes a creamy chicken casserole that can easily feed a whole family. You can use biscuit mix to top your chicken pot pie casserole for simplicity.
6. 6. French toast casserole: A breakfast casserole can be a major timesaver in the morning. Instead of frying pieces of French toast individually in a pan, arrange the slices of bread in a casserole dish, then pour the custard over it. Refrigerate the dish, covered, overnight, and bake the French toast casserole in the morning.
7. 7. Green bean casserole: Making green beans the base of this low-carb side dish allows you to pair it with more starch-heavy sides like mashed potatoes for a holiday feast or other festive dinner. Here’s how to make a classic green bean casserole.
8. 8. Hash browns for a crowd: If you’re prepping a contribution for a brunch potluck, an easy hash brown–style potato casserole made rich with sour cream and canned creamy chicken soup is a convenient option for a crowd. For the ultimate convenience, use frozen tater-tots to make a tater-tot casserole.
9. 9. Meatball casserole: If you’re craving meatballs but aren’t in the mood for spaghetti, an Italian-inspired meatball casserole could become your new favorite dinner. Serve your Italian meatball casserole alongside some crusty bread and a Caesar salad.
10. 10. Squash-and-pasta bake: Combining a butternut squash purée with precooked noodles and topping the mixture with toasted nuts results in a delicious taste of fall. Here’s how to cook butternut squash perfectly.
11. 11. Sweet potato casserole: Naturally sweet, colorful sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients. Sweet potato casserole often leans sweet, as in the case of your favorite Thanksgiving candied sweet potato recipes, topped with marshmallows or pecans for crunch, but you can also go savory with herbs and cheese.
12. 12. Tuna noodle casserole: A list of casserole recipes wouldn’t be complete without this classic pasta casserole, a mixture of cooked noodles (like macaroni or ziti) and canned tuna topped with breadcrumbs or crumbled crackers.

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