7 Hearty Casserole Recipes for Large Gatherings

Discovering the joy of serving a large group with a single, delicious dish can be one of the most fulfilling experiences for any home cook. Casseroles, known for their hearty nature and capacity to feed many, stand as the quintessential comfort food for gatherings. Whether it's a holiday feast, a family reunion, or just a weekend get-together, here are seven casserole recipes tailored to make your next gathering memorable. From the richness of cheesy potatoes to the comforting layers of lasagna, each recipe offers something special to share with a crowd.

1. Cheesy Potato Casserole

What could be more heartwarming than creamy, cheesy potatoes? This casserole is a crowd-pleaser due to its simplicity and universal appeal:

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

Here’s how to prepare this cheesy delight:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the soup, sour cream, and cheese. Layer potatoes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, then cover with the creamy mixture.
3. Combine the melted butter with cornflakes or breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

🔥 Note: For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts to the topping.

2. Shepherd’s Pie for a Crowd

Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its best, and scaling it up for a large gathering is simple and satisfying:

• 3 pounds of ground lamb or beef
• 2 cups of diced onions
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of diced carrots
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup of peas
• 3 cups of beef stock
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 8 cups of mashed potatoes

To prepare this dish:

1. Brown the meat with the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Drain the fat.
2. Add tomato paste and stock, simmer until thickened. Add peas and transfer to a large casserole dish.
3. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes, making a smooth or decorative finish.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden.

🌿 Note: Adding chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the meat mixture elevates the flavor.

3. Layered Tex-Mex Casserole

Inject some spice into your gathering with this vibrant Tex-Mex casserole:

• 2 pounds of ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 2 cups of salsa
• 1 cup of black beans, drained
• 1 cup of corn kernels
• 6-8 tortillas (flour or corn)
• 3 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Green onions, sour cream, and avocado for garnish

To make this festive dish:

1. Cook meat with taco seasoning, stir in salsa, beans, and corn.
2. Layer tortillas with meat mixture and cheese in a 9x13 inch dish, ending with cheese on top.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and avocado slices before serving.

This casserole not only tastes great but also presents well, making it perfect for a family-style feast.

4. Italian Sausage and Pasta Bake

Bring the flavors of Italy to your gathering with this easy and flavorful pasta bake:

• 2 pounds of Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 pound of penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Here’s how to make this comforting dish:

1. Sauté the sausage, onions, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add tomatoes and cream, simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Mix in the pasta, pour into a large baking dish, and top with mozzarella.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

💡 Note: For a richer flavor, try adding some Parmesan into the sauce.

5. BBQ Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for something with a southern twist, this BBQ chicken casserole will be a hit:

• 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce
• 2 cups of cooked rice
• 1 can of black beans, drained
• 1 cup of corn
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup of green onions, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup of ranch dressing

Follow these steps for a sweet and savory delight:

1. Combine chicken with BBQ sauce, then mix with rice, beans, and corn.
2. Spread mixture in a 9x13 inch dish, drizzle with ranch dressing, and top with cheese.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for color.

This dish embodies the spirit of a backyard BBQ, bringing those flavors inside for a cozy gathering.

6. Green Bean Casserole

This classic casserole is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s a versatile side dish that can complement any meal:

• 2 cans of green beans, drained
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 ¹⁄₃ cups of French’s fried onions

To make this timeless dish:

1. Mix all ingredients except for ²⁄₃ cup of fried onions in a 1 ¹⁄₂-quart baking dish.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
3. Top with remaining onions, bake 5 more minutes to get them crispy.

🌼 Note: Consider making your own fried onions for an extra special touch.

7. Veggie Lasagna

For those looking for a vegetarian option or just something different, this vegetable lasagna is a perfect choice:

• 15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 2 cups of spinach
• 2 cups of ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup of parsley, chopped
• 3 cups of marinara sauce
• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese

To construct this layered delight:

1. Mix ricotta with the egg and parsley.
2. Spread some marinara in the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish. Layer noodles, then ricotta, veggies, marinara, and cheeses. Repeat layers.
3. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncovered for another 25 minutes until bubbly.
4. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

The array of vegetables not only adds nutrition but also brings a variety of textures to this comforting dish.

These hearty casserole recipes are designed not just to feed a crowd but to bring joy and warmth to your gatherings. They are easy to prepare, can be scaled according to the number of guests, and offer something for everyone. Whether you're hosting a potluck, a family dinner, or an informal get-together, these casseroles provide a sense of community through food. Remember, the beauty of a casserole lies not just in its taste but in the memories it helps create. Enjoy the process of cooking, and the shared moments around the table will be all the sweeter for it.

Can I prepare these casseroles in advance?

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Absolutely! Many casseroles can be assembled and refrigerated for a day or two before baking. Just ensure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold, and always allow the dish to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

How do I store leftover casseroles?

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Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just be sure to cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What are some good casserole dishes for feeding vegetarians at gatherings?

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Consider making the Veggie Lasagna or the Green Bean Casserole, which are both delicious and easily adaptable to be vegetarian-friendly. You could also add grilled vegetables or use a cream-based sauce for another option like macaroni and cheese or a sweet potato casserole.