46 Main Dish-Worthy Casseroles to Feed a Crowd

April 03, 2008
Photo: Gina DeSimone; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
When feeding a crowd or fixing a no-fuss supper, nothing's more satisfying than a cheesy, crumb-topped casserole. These popular recipes will make you want to scrape the pan clean.
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Green Chile-Chicken Casserole

Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke
Green Chile-Chicken Casserole Recipe
Easier to make than rolling enchiladas but just as satisfying, this popular dish is New Mexican comfort food at its best: little bit spicy, a little bit creamy, and a lot filling. Take it to a potluck or team dinner then sit back and wait for the raves.
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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

William Dickey; Melanie Clarke
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
There's a reason why recipes for this Texan favorite abound. It travels well, feeds a crowd, and results in delicious leftovers. This version keeps the convenience of using canned soups, but gets its oomph from the addition of oregano, cumin, and chili powder.

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Extra-Easy Lasagna

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin
Extra-Easy Lasagna Recipe

When we say easy, we mean easy. You don't even have to cook the noodles for this speedy yet impressive lasagna that always gets rave reviews. Lasagna is a family favorite, but this version is extra-special because it only requires 5 quick ingredients: ground beef, pasta sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella (we don’t count the water!). It’s rated 5 stars for a reason. Pro tip: Make a double batch: Enjoy one now and freeze one for a quick meal on a busy weeknight.

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Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Mindi Shapiro
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Although the yellow and green squash give this chicken and rice casserole a colorful appearance, you can use one or the other, if you prefer.

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Chicken Tamale Casserole

Photo: Lee Harrelson
Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe

A simple cornbread base is the secret to getting a hearty (usually time-consuming) Mexican dish on the dinner table in no time. This Chicken Tamale casserole is a quick and easy swap for more traditional tamales - but just as delicious!

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Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Photo: Beth Dreiling; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

We preferred turkey pepperoni, so you don't get a greasy appearance. Freeze the unbaked casserole up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes at room temperature, and bake as directed.

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER
Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Zesty, creamy and loaded with chicken, it's no wonder why this Mexican chicken casserole is one of our top-rated recipes.

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Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate in family-favorite dishes.

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Black Bean and Chicken Casserole

Photo: Dominic Perri; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps 
Black Bean and Chicken Casserole Recipe
This simple Black Bean and Chicken Casserole uses a slow cooker, canned beans and rotisserie chicken to make a super-convenient family meal.
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Mandy’s Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Oxmoor House
Mandy’s Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Prepared in 40 minutes, this quick and easy make ahead dish is sure to make any weeknight or holiday gathering easier. This cheesy dish is similar to the potluck classic known as poppyseed chicken casserole, or Ritz cracker chicken casserole. For even more variations, experiment with adding your favorite veggies, substituting different cheeses, or swapping in low-fat sour cream to reduce the calorie load.

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Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These easy, cheesy chicken enchiladas come together in a snap and are faster and way more delicious than fast food.

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Mom's Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr    
Mom's Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

A traditional creamy chicken casserole can have more than 800 calories per serving! Try our lightened up version that offers great flavor without all the calories.

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Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake

Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake Recipe
Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake incorporates all the flavors from that region. This hearty baked dish is an excellent way to use leftover chicken, and it freezes well for future meals.

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Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Cajun Shrimp Casserole Recipe
If it were possible to put Mardi Gras in a casserole dish, this would be it. The seasoned shrimp-and-rice mixture is full of bayou flavor, while the colorful confetti of red, green, and yellow peppers make this a festive dish for a party.

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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Photo: Oxmoor House
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
You can cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight, and sprinkle with cheese before baking. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes until bubbly.
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Zucchini Casserole with Red-Pepper Aioli

Randy Mayor; Mary Catherine Muir
Zucchini Casserole with Red-Pepper Aioli Recipe
Layer herbed vegetables with cheese and slices of Italian bread, then let an hour in the oven transform the dish into a hearty, satisfying stew. Don't skip the aioli. Seasoned with garlic and roasted, bottled red peppers, this coral-pink sauce adds a kick of color and flavor.

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Swiss Chard Spanakopita Casserole

Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke
Swiss Chard Spanakopita Casserole Recipe
Sandwiching a savory filling of chard and two types of cheese between pan-sized sheets of phyllo pastry is much less work than wrapping individual pastries, but it tastes just as good as the traditional Greek version. Fresh parsley and mint add a delightful brightness.

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Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta and Collard Greens

Jim Franco
Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta and Collard Greens Recipe
Earthy collard greens are a welcome addition to this creamy, cheesy dish. A truly satisfying meatless casserole, it works equally well as a main dish or side.
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Baked Polenta with Sausage and Tomato-Pepper Sauce

Iain Bagwell
Baked Polenta with Sausage and Tomato-Pepper Sauce Recipe
Tubes of prepared polenta make this casserole a snap to prepare. Its robust topping of onions, peppers, and Italian sausage might tempt you to drape your dinner table in red-checked cloth and blast Puccini from your speakers.

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Sausage and Bean Casserole

Randy Mayor; Katie Stoddard
Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe
A traditional French cassoulet is a sumptuous, soul-warming symphony of tender beans, sausage, duck legs, and pork. But assembling the dish can take more than four hours. This simplified casserole relies on the same delicious marriage of beans and sausage, but the whole thing can be on the table in less than 45 minutes.

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Mac and Texas Cheeses With Roasted Chiles

Mac and Texas Cheeses With Roasted Chiles Recipe
This all-time favorite Southern side dish is transformed into a larger-than-life main dish, Texas style, with the addition of roasted poblano chile peppers. It's definitely big and rich enough to be the main course with whipping cream, butter, and three different kinds of cheese.
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Curried-Chicken Potpie

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Curried-Chicken Potpie Recipe
All you love about chicken pot pie is right here: a flaky crust, tender chunks of chicken, and a creamy, veggie-packed filling. But the addition of curry takes this ultimate comfort food casserole to a whole new level of flavor.

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Shepherd's Pie

Fast and easy, this classic dish is perfect for busy weeknight meals. Kidney beans adds a healthy dose of fiber, and using prepared mashed potatoes and salsa saves on prep time and clean-up.

Recipe: Shepherd's Pie

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Photo: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole image

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Mediterranean Lamb Casserole

Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay Clark
Mediterranean Lamb Casserole Recipe

This easy take on Greek comfort food is rich, meaty, and tangy. The strong lamb is balanced by sweet onions and carrots, and rich eggplant that are all set off with the warm spices. Tomatoes and yogurt give it brightness and the pitas provide texture and toastiness. If you’d like to add a veggie side, try a salad or roasted asparagus or broccoli with lemon zest and olive oil. 

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Soba Noodle and Pork Casserole 

Soba Noodle and Pork Casserole  Recipe

This is not your mom's creamy noodle casserole. After this dish, miso cream sauce will be your new go-to sauce for everything. It only has 3 ingredients, it's perfectly seasoned and creamy, and just thick enough to hold up to a good noodle. The creaminess is complemented by the crunchiness of the peanuts and panko in this casserole and the green onion and cilantro brighten it up. Make this dish gluten-free by replacing the panko with extra peanuts and using gluten-free miso. We think Togarishi-- a Japanese 7-spice blend found at Asian markets-- is worth the buy, but if you cannot find it use Chinese 5-spice. 

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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas and Breadcrumbs

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas and Breadcrumbs Recipe

We love the old-school feel of this skillet supper. If you can't find whole-wheat panko, sauté fresh whole-wheat crumbs until crisp.

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Simple Enchilada Casserole

Time Inc. Video Studio 
Simple Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Spicy, creamy, and wholly comforting! 

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Creamy Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez  
Creamy Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Wild rice is wonderfully fragrant; it’s the perfect counter to the creamy, earthy mushroom mixture and has enough texture that the grains won’t bloat or fall apart in the casserole. Simmer 11/2 cups rice in 6 cups water for 45 minutes and drain. You can also use 1 (13-ounce) package frozen cooked wild rice, such as Engine 2, which is sold at Whole Foods. Cook the mushroom mixture on the stove while the chicken finishes in the oven (use the same casserole dishes to avoid extra clean up). Serve with simply sautéed green beans or a mixed greens salad.

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Mexican Chili Verde Chicken Casserole

Photo: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey and Gordon Sawyer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Mexican Chili Verde Chicken Casserole Recipe

This casserole is a favorite in our test kitchen and it's easy to see why. It's delicious, family friendly and easy to prep. You might want to double this recipe—you're going to want leftovers. 

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Shrimp and Grits Casserole 

Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay Clark
Shrimp and Grits Casserole  Recipe

This casserole is tangy and cheesy, but thanks to the tomato and mushroom mixture there’s a nice richness here as well—just how shrimp and grits should be. It’s perfect for a holiday potluck or buffet-style brunch, especially with a crisp green salad and a mimosa or Bloody Mary. 

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Ramen Casserole

Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay Clark
Ramen Casserole Recipe

If you love ramen, you’ll love this casserole. It’s got that rich, comfort-food vibe, all while feeling like an upgraded college microwaveable ramen. The smoke from the pork and nori, combined with rich hits of mushrooms, egg, and bamboo add a lot of depths to instant noodles. You can find smoked pork near ham cubes, which is in the meat section by the chicken, or you can get it prepared in the deli. For an upgrade, grab pulled pork from your favorite barbecue place—it’ll be worth the extra deliciousness. 

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Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Don't Stir!

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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Photo: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Adam Hickman and Briana Riddock
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce Recipe

Are you ready for the best chicken enchiladas of your life? While you could use a rotisserie chicken for this cheesy enchilada recipe, poaching chicken breasts in a delicately flavored liquid both creates succulently tender meat (that won’t dry out as the casserole bakes) and adds another layer of flavor to the dish. The key to successful poaching is temperature control; you want to keep your poaching liquid from ever reaching a boil. In fact, you should aim to keep the water at a state of releasing wispy spouts of steam from the surface, but never bubbling, throughout the entirety of the cooking process. (It’s not nearly as intense/difficult as it seems.) You should also try to purchase chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. While the total prep time on this recipe isn’t exactly what you might consider “speedy,” it’s a fun dish to prepare and assemble with another helper in the kitchen. Prep a pan (or two, so you have one for the freezer!) on Sunday to enjoy heading into a new week. Featuring smoky ancho chili powder and some of the poaching liquid, the homemade enchilada sauce is another distinguishing delight of this dish; however, if you’re looking to shave time off of the recipe, you can substitute store-bought sauce. And if you opt to use rotisserie or leftover chicken as a shortcut, but still want to make your sauce from scratch, simply substitute water and/or chicken stock for the liquid called for. 

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Eggplant Lasagna

Photo: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Adam Hickman
Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

Our eggplant lasagna is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that results from swapping traditional lasagna noodles for slabs of fresh eggplant. Besides being a great gluten-free and low-carb alternative to classic lasagna, this comforting casserole is the perfect way to put a load of summer eggplant to good use. The best eggplant to use in this lasagna recipe are the most tubular-shaped that you can find, as these will give you the most even planks of eggplant (vs. the eggplants with large, round bottoms). This cheesy eggplant bake also gets bonus points for being make-ahead friendly. You can prepare and assemble the eggplant lasagna and refrigerate for up to two days before baking; just plan on the lasagna needing a couple of extra minutes in the oven. 

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Cheeseburger Casserole

Time Inc. Video Studio
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If there’s anything that says grade-A comfort food better than a bacon cheeseburger-inspired bake, we don’t know what it is. This family-friendly casserole is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to serve dinner for a crowd (the recipe is easily doubled or tripled). Feel free to swap the American cheese slices for whatever type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Swiss. 

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