19 casserole recipes to make Thanksgiving prep effortless

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Thanksgiving prep can feel like a marathon, but these 19 casserole recipes make it more like a casual stroll. No stress, just dishes that come together easily and leave space for actual family time. From classic favorites to some unexpected twists, there’s a casserole for every taste at the table. It’s the holiday help everyone needs to keep things simple and delicious.

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’ve got a bunch of hungry mouths to feed and not enough hours in the day, Crack Chicken Casserole is your go-to. It pulls together familiar flavors in a new way, making everyone feel right at home at the Thanksgiving table. It’s uncomplicated, filling, and doesn’t demand your attention every second, freeing you up for all the other Thanksgiving prep. Plus, it’s always a hit, proving that sometimes simple really is best.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that fits right into Thanksgiving without any fuss. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for seconds, no questions asked. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it ensures you have more time to spend on what really matters during the holidays: family. There’s no drama with this casserole, just good old-fashioned goodness.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thanksgiving morning can be as stress-free as the afternoon with Easy Cornbread Casserole. It’s a no-brainer choice for a side dish that everyone tends to dig into without a second thought. Not only does it free up your oven for the turkey since it can be made ahead, but it also brings a bit of Southern charm to your table. Trust me, it rounds out the meal in a way that just feels like Thanksgiving should.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re aiming to impress without the stress, Eggplant Casserole has got your back. It’s a bit off the beaten path for Thanksgiving, showing off that you’re not just about the turkey and stuffing. This dish is all about bringing something different to the table and watching as it disappears faster than you’d think. It’s the sleeper hit of Thanksgiving, offering a bit of sophistication without any of the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, sticking to the classics with a twist is the best way to go, and Easy Chicken Casserole is proof of that. It marries traditional flavors with a simplicity that can’t be beaten, making your Thanksgiving prep a breeze. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lets you focus on enjoying the holiday rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a good chicken dish at Thanksgiving?
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With everyone going green these days, Vegetable Casserole is your ticket to a Thanksgiving everyone can feel good about. It’s packed with nutrients and tastes so good, even the kids will be asking for seconds. It’s a smart way to sneak in those veggies during a meal known for indulgence. Plus, it’s a welcome break from the endless parade of meat and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When your Thanksgiving morning is as packed as the evening, Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast is the hero you didn’t know you needed. Whip it up the night before, and you’ve got a worry-free, hearty start to a marathon day. It allows for a moment of calm before the storm of cooking and socializing hits. Plus, it’s customizable to whatever you’ve got in the fridge, making it a perfect no-waste option.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a hearty meal that invites everyone to dig in, Hamburger Casserole has got it all. It’s a nod to the simpler times, blending ground meat and other goodies in a way that just feels right for a Thanksgiving gathering. This casserole is all about the comfort, serving up big flavors without the big headache of complex dishes. Best part? It feeds a crowd with minimal effort, making it a surefire win.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re on the hunt for a dish that screams Thanksgiving from the first bite, Thanksgiving Casserole doesn’t disappoint. It’s like the holiday served in a dish, offering all the flavors you crave without the day-long prep. This dish is your secret weapon for a laid-back holiday that still feels special. Plus, it lets everyone sample a bit of everything, which is what Thanksgiving is all about.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Granola with nuts and oats is drizzled with honey, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a vegan sweet potato casserole.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Switching things up for your diet or catering to a crowd with diverse eating habits? Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is the dish that ensures no one misses out on the holiday cheer. It’s as comforting and heartwarming as any traditional Thanksgiving dish, without any of the animal products. This casserole proves that being plant-based doesn’t mean missing out on flavor or festivity.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Brussels Sprout Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon.
Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brussels Sprout Casserole is the dark horse of Thanksgiving sides, turning this often-misunderstood vegetable into the star of the show. It’s about giving those Brussels sprouts a chance to shine in a creamy, crunchy topping that even skeptics will love. This casserole is how you make vegetables the most talked-about dish at the table. Everyone will be surprised they’re going back for seconds (or thirds) of Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprout Casserole

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t overlook the power of a great side dish like Potato Casserole to round out your Thanksgiving feast. It’s got all the comforting elements expected from a holiday meal, wrapped up in one tasty package. It’s the kind of side that makes people feel at home, sparking memories of past gatherings. Easy to prepare, it allows you to enjoy the holiday without being chained to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want to bring a bit of fun to your Thanksgiving spread, Easy Tater Tot Casserole is there to lighten the mood. Kids and adults alike can’t help but crack a smile when they see it on the table. It’s ridiculously simple to make, ensuring you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you could be kicking back with family. Plus, it has a way of making everyone feel like a kid again, if only for a meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is the side dish that can make anyone a cauliflower convert. It’s all about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that’s hard to stop eating. Serve this at Thanksgiving, and watch as it quickly becomes a new holiday tradition. It’s a sneaky way to get more veggies in while still packing a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This dish takes the spirit of the open range and brings it to your Thanksgiving table. It’s a hearty dish that fills you up and keeps you going, perfect for a long day of festivities. Cowboy Casserole is a nod to rustic, comfort food at its best, making everyone feel welcome and well-fed. Plus, it just goes to show that sometimes, the humblest dishes are the biggest crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When your Thanksgiving starts with brunch, Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole sets the tone for a day of indulgence. It’s a no-fuss, satisfying way to begin the festivities, perfect for fueling up for the cooking marathon ahead. This dish combines favorite breakfast staples in one, meaning less time cooking and more time celebrating. It’s a warm welcome to a day dedicated to gratitude and good eating.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring on a bit of spice and everything nice with Taco Casserole this Thanksgiving. It’s a festive twist on traditional holiday flavors, offering a bit of kick to the dinner table. This dish is all about breaking the mold and inviting some unexpected fun into the meal. It’s easy, it’s flavorful, and it just might become a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate way to kickstart a day of thanks. It’s a communal dish, meant to be shared as everyone gathers around the table, starting the day with warmth. This casserole is the answer to the big-day breakfast dilemma, balancing ease and taste. Plus, it’s a reminder that Thanksgiving is not just about the dinner; it’s about the whole day.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish brings a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving morning, prepping your palate for the feast to come. It’s an effortless way to serve up something special while still leaving plenty of room for turkey and all the trimmings. French Toast Casserole is a morning crowd-pleaser, ensuring the day starts with a moment of joy. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to start a day of thanks with a bit of sweetness?
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

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