39 Easy Casserole Recipes for Your Next Crowd Gathering

Big gatherings call for food that can be made ahead, travels well, and comes out of the oven ready to serve everyone at once. Enter the casserole—an all-in-one pan that layers flavor, stretches ingredients, and turns basic pantry staples into something special. The list below includes classic comfort dishes, clever spins on take-out favorites, and a handful of globally inspired bakes that keep things interesting. Pull out your favorite sturdy baking dish and start planning the menu.

1. Classic Chicken & Rice Casserole

This time-honored combination relies on condensed soup, long-grain rice, and tender chicken pieces for a nostalgic, creamy bake. The rice cooks in the same pan, soaking up savory broth so every bite is seasoned through. A final blanket of cheddar melts into a bubbly lid that seals in moisture. Pair it with a crisp green salad for balance.

2. Baked Ziti Casserole

Baked ziti feels like lasagna’s laid-back cousin and feeds just as many hungry guests. Al dente pasta is tossed with marinara, dollops of ricotta, and plenty of mozzarella before a quick trip to the oven. The result is saucy and comforting, with crispy edges that everyone fights over. Make two pans if you expect requests for seconds.

3. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Ground lamb or beef simmers with onions, carrots, and peas, bound together by a glossy gravy scented with Worcestershire sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes spread over the filling and bake to a lightly crisped crown. The finished pie slices cleanly, holding layers in place for easy plating. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

4. Tuna Noodle Casserole

This pantry hero mixes canned tuna, egg noodles, and peas in a silky mushroom sauce. A crushed potato chip or buttered breadcrumb topping adds the essential crunch. Bake until the edges bubble and the topping turns golden. It’s a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks.

5. Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Seasoned ground beef meets black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex foundation. A layer of shredded cheddar glues everything together, while tater tots on top bake to crunchy perfection. Serve with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce on the side. Kids and adults both line up quickly for this one.

6. Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole

Fresh or frozen broccoli florets fold into fluffy rice bathed in a sharp cheddar sauce. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top ensures a melty, bronzed finish. This side dish is hearty enough to stand in as a vegetarian main. Make it ahead and warm just before serving to keep things simple.

7. Breakfast Sausage & Egg Casserole

Whisked eggs, milk, and sharp cheese soak cubed bread overnight so flavors meld. In the morning, scatter cooked breakfast sausage over the top and bake until puffed and golden. The strata-style bake slices neatly for a buffet line. It’s equally handy for brunch gatherings or breakfast-for-dinner nights.

8. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Blanched green beans swim in a creamy mushroom sauce enriched with garlic and thyme. The famous crunchy onion topping provides texture and a hint of sweetness. Bake until the sauce bubbles and onions crisp further. It’s a seasonal staple that disappears quickly long before the turkey does.

9. Beef & Cornbread Tamale Casserole

Ground beef, tomatoes, and chili spices make a saucy base reminiscent of tamale filling. A quick cornbread batter pours over the top and bakes into a fluffy lid. Poke holes and drizzle with enchilada sauce for extra moisture and flavor. Serve squares with a dollop of sour cream and chopped scallions.

10. Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

This dish borrows everything loved about the classic dip and turns it into dinner. Shredded chicken blends with cream cheese, chopped spinach, and marinated artichokes for a rich filling. Mozzarella melts over the top to hold the mixture together. Offer crusty bread for sopping up the extra sauce.

11. Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Shredded chicken, hot sauce, and ranch-seasoned cream cheese create a spicy, creamy filling. A layer of mozzarella and blue cheese bakes to a gooey lid that tames the heat slightly. Serve spooned over celery sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted rolls. It doubles as a game-day dip if you scale the servings smaller.

12. Lasagna Roll-Up Casserole

Instead of stacking sheets, each noodle gets spread with ricotta and spinach, rolled, and nestled upright in marinara. The format makes portioning tidy and ensures every bite has equal filling. A final sprinkle of mozzarella browns under the broiler. Freeze the rolls individually for future quick dinners.

13. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Roasted cubes of sweet potato pair with smoky black beans for a vegetarian filling that doesn’t miss the meat. Corn tortillas layer with enchilada sauce and cheese, building a lasagna-style stack. Bake until the top is bubbly and edges start to crisp. Avocado slices and a squeeze of lime brighten each serving.

14. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Thinly sliced beef sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms forms the heart of this sandwich-inspired bake. A layer of provolone melts over the top for unmistakable cheesesteak flavor. Small bread cubes mixed in below soak up juices and keep the casserole cohesive. Serve with pickle spears on the side for authenticity.

15. Cajun Dirty Rice Casserole

Andouille sausage, ground pork, and the “holy trinity” of celery, peppers, and onions lend rich spice to long-grain rice. Instead of stovetop simmering, everything bakes together so the rice absorbs smoky broth in the oven. A final scatter of scallions adds freshness. It’s hearty enough to work as a one-pan main course.

16. Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole

Earthy cremini and shiitake mushrooms cook down with garlic and thyme before joining nutty wild rice. A splash of white wine and vegetable broth keeps the mixture moist during baking. Gruyère sprinkled on top melts into the grains without overpowering the mushrooms. Serve alongside roast chicken or as a vegetarian centerpiece.

17. Ham & Swiss Potato Casserole

Thinly sliced potatoes layer with leftover ham and Swiss for a gratin that doubles as breakfast or dinner. A simple cream sauce binds everything while the top turns crispy. The smoky ham complements mild Swiss in every forkful. Add a green vegetable on the side and you’re set.

18. Greek Pastitsio Casserole

Penne or bucatini stack with cinnamon-scented beef and a velvety béchamel sauce. Baking melds the layers into a custardy, slightly sweet dish reminiscent of lasagna with Mediterranean flair. A sprinkle of kefalotyri or Parmesan provides a salty finish. Let it rest 15 minutes before slicing for tidy servings.

19. Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

Roasted chicken, al dente penne, and basil pesto combine for a fresh twist on baked pasta. Cherry tomatoes burst in the heat, adding pops of color and acidity. Mozzarella and Parmesan melt together for a gooey, fragrant top. It’s a summer garden in casserole form.

20. BBQ Pulled Pork Biscuit Casserole

Tender pulled pork gets mixed with barbecue sauce and spread in a cast-iron pan. Fluffy biscuit dough dots the surface and bakes into buttery pillows that soak in smoky juices. Serve straight from the skillet for a casual vibe. A quick pickle salad on the side cuts the richness.

21. Shrimp & Grits Casserole

Stone-ground grits simmer until thick, then pour into a baking dish with sharp cheddar stirred in. Cajun-seasoned, fully cooked shrimp nestle on top before a short bake melds flavors. The casserole emerges creamy in the middle with a lightly set surface. Garnish with chopped scallions for color.

22. Meatball Sub Casserole

Store-bought or homemade meatballs simmer in marinara, then tuck under a layer of provolone. Cubes of Italian bread crisp on top, echoing the classic sandwich. Each scoop delivers saucy meat, gooey cheese, and crunchy croutons. It’s easier than assembling dozens of subs yet just as satisfying.

23. Caprese Pasta Casserole

Juicy tomatoes roast down with garlic and olive oil, coating pasta in a light, sweet sauce. Fresh mozzarella pearls melt in pockets throughout the dish. A shower of torn basil after baking keeps flavors bright. Serve warm or at room temperature for picnic-style gatherings.

24. Chili Mac Casserole

This mash-up marries beef chili and creamy mac ’n’ cheese in one pan. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmer first, then elbows finish cooking in the same sauce. Cheddar and Monterey Jack blanket the top for a melty finish. Ladle into bowls and add sliced green onions for crunch.

25. Lemon Orzo Chicken Casserole

Small orzo pasta cooks in chicken broth scented with fresh lemon juice and zest. Cubes of seasoned chicken and baby spinach fold in for protein and color. The casserole bakes until the liquid absorbs and the top turns lightly golden. It’s light yet filling, perfect for spring gatherings.

26. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Breaded eggplant slices bake instead of fry, then layer with marinara and cheese in true Parmesan style. Repeating layers create a tower of saucy, cheesy goodness. Rest the casserole before cutting so it holds its shape. Serve with garlic bread for dunking.

27. Cuban Sandwich Casserole

All the flavors of a Cubano—smoky ham, roast pork, Swiss, tangy pickles, and mustard—merge in strata form. An egg custard poured over ensures the bake sets like a savory bread pudding. The top toasts up buttery and crisp. Slice into squares and serve with extra mustard on the side.

28. Reuben Casserole

Corned beef, sauerkraut, rye bread cubes, and Thousand Island dressing layer together for an unmistakable deli flavor. Swiss cheese melts over the top, forming a stretchy blanket. Baking melds flavors and crisps the bread edges. Dollop extra dressing after scooping for full sandwich vibes.

29. Pierogi Casserole

Frozen potato-cheddar pierogies save time while delivering authentic Eastern European comfort. They bake in a creamy sauce of caramelized onions, sour cream, and broth. Cheddar scattered on top browns under high heat. Sprinkle bacon bits and chives for a loaded baked potato feel.

30. Moroccan Chickpea & Couscous Casserole

Warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon perfume tender chickpeas and roasted vegetables. Couscous steams in vegetable broth right in the same dish, absorbing aromatic flavors. Raisins add subtle sweetness, while toasted almonds provide crunch. Serve with a drizzle of yogurt sauce to finish.

31. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted potato chunks mix with sour cream, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon for a side dish that steals the show. The bake emerges gooey in the middle with a cheesy crust on top. Chives scattered over add freshness and color. It pairs well with grilled meats or stands alone for casual gatherings.

32. Orange Teriyaki Chicken Rice Casserole

Chicken thighs marinate briefly in teriyaki sauce and fresh orange juice, then bake over jasmine rice. As the rice cooks, it soaks up sweet-savory juices, becoming flavor-packed. Peas and carrots stirred in halfway add color and crunch. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a take-out twist.

33. Jambalaya Casserole

All the bold ingredients of stovetop jambalaya transfer to the oven for hands-off cooking. Smoked sausage, diced chicken, and cooked shrimp mingle with tomatoes, peppers, and spiced rice. Baking ensures the grains cook evenly without constant stirring. A squeeze of lemon at the table brightens the spices.

34. Mediterranean Quinoa Casserole

Protein-rich quinoa bakes with tomatoes, vegetable broth, and oregano until fluffy. Spinach, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta stir in for salty contrast. A sprinkle of pine nuts on top toasts during baking for extra texture. This meatless option holds well at room temperature for buffet service.

35. Mac & Cheese with Bacon Crumble

A thick béchamel blended with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cloaks elbow macaroni. Before baking, a mix of panko and chopped bacon scatters over the surface for smoky crunch. The contrast between silky sauce and crisp topping keeps each bite interesting. Make a double batch if kids are involved—this one vanishes fast.

36. Ratatouille Pasta Casserole

Roasted summer vegetables lend depth to a simple tomato sauce tossed with penne. The mixture bakes under a modest layer of mozzarella that melts without overpowering the produce. Fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil finish the dish. It’s a vibrant way to feed vegetarian friends.

37. Swedish Meatball Noodle Casserole

Allspice-scented meatballs bake atop egg noodles bathed in a sour-cream gravy. As it heats, the noodles absorb savory sauce while staying tender. Lingonberry jam on the table provides the traditional sweet accent. It’s comfort food that scales easily for big gatherings.

38. Lemon Garlic Seafood Casserole

Mild white fish, cooked shrimp, and tender scallops bake in a bright lemon-garlic butter. A topping of seasoned breadcrumbs turns crisp, adding contrast to the tender seafood beneath. The dish feels elegant yet comes together in one pan. Serve over rice or alongside crusty bread to catch every drop of sauce.

39. Apple Sausage Stuffing Casserole

Sweet-tart apples and savory pork sausage mingle with cubes of toasted bread, celery, and onion. Chicken broth and melted butter moisten the mix before baking into a crisp-topped, tender-centered stuffing. Sage and thyme perfume the whole pan. Though built for Thanksgiving, it works any time roasted meats are on the menu.