As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a hearty, comforting meal. Fall casseroles, with their rich flavors and easy preparation, make the perfect centerpiece for a cozy Sunday dinner. From creamy chicken and rice to savory butternut squash and sage, these dishes capture the essence of the season.
I love how casseroles bring everyone together, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas and warmth. Whether you’re looking for a classic family favorite or something new to try, these 20 fall casseroles will make your Sunday dinners unforgettable. Let’s dive into these delicious, soul-warming recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Chicken Casseroles
Chicken casseroles offer a delectable blend of flavors perfect for fall. Each recipe combines tender chicken with unique, flavorful ingredients.
1. Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole marries moist chicken with savory stuffing. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the flavor. Add a touch of cream for extra richness. Bake until golden brown and crispy on top. It’s a comforting and hearty meal for chilly evenings.
2. Spinach & Artichoke Casserole with Chicken and Cauliflower Rice
This casserole features a creamy blend of spinach and artichokes mixed with chunks of chicken. Cauliflower rice keeps it light and low-carb. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful, melty finish. It’s nutritious and satisfying.
3. Buffalo Chicken & Cauliflower Casserole
Buffalo Chicken & Cauliflower Casserole combines spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and roasted cauliflower. Top with a sprinkle of blue cheese for tangy contrast. Bake until bubbly. Serve with a side of celery sticks to balance the heat.
4. Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole
Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole uses cauliflower rice as a healthy alternative to traditional rice. Mixed with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a wholesome dish. The baked, cheesy crust forms an irresistible top layer.
5. French Onion Dip Chicken & Rice Casserole
This casserole pairs chicken with the rich flavors of French onion dip. Cooked rice forms the base, absorbing the flavorful dip. Caramelized onions and melted cheese add depth. Bake until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
6. Chicken Potpie with Cauliflower Topping
Chicken Potpie with Cauliflower Topping reimagines the classic potpie. Instead of pastry, a layer of mashed cauliflower provides a creamy topping. The filling includes chicken, carrots, peas, and a savory gravy. This low-carb alternative is both hearty and healthy.
7. Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake
This bake partners chicken with spaghetti squash for a lighter twist on traditional pasta casserole. The spaghetti squash strands mimic noodles, offering a unique texture. A homemade tomato sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella complete the dish. It’s comforting without the carbs.
Vegetarian Casseroles
Vegetarian casseroles offer delightful options for those seeking meat-free comfort food. Here’s a selection of five must-try recipes.
8. Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits
This potpie combines the earthy flavors of kale and white beans. I top it with chive biscuits, which provide a flaky, savory crust. The creamy mixture of vegetables and beans nestled under the biscuits makes for a hearty and nutritious dish.
9. Vegetarian Quinoa & Squash Casserole
A nutritious and delicious choice, this casserole features quinoa and roasted squash. I mix these with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, then top it with a layer of melted cheese. The combination of grains and vegetables creates a satisfying meal rich in textures and tastes.
10. Noodle-Less Butternut Squash Lasagna
This lasagna replaces noodles with thinly sliced butternut squash. I layer the squash with ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce. It’s a lower-carb, veggie-packed variation on a classic favorite and offers a creamy, comforting dinner option.
11. Spaghetti Squash Casserole
A creative spin on spaghetti, this casserole uses roasted spaghetti squash as the base. I combine it with a tomato and basil sauce, then sprinkle on mozzarella. Once baked, it creates a stringy, cheesy delight that satisfies pasta cravings without the carbs.
12. Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna
In this lasagna, I layer butternut squash and spinach between lasagna noodles. The rich blend of vegetables, ricotta, and béchamel sauce makes each bite deliciously creamy. This dish combines the wholesome flavors of fall vegetables in a classic, comforting format.
These vegetarian casseroles not only celebrate the flavors of fall but also provide nourishing and hearty meals perfect for Sunday dinners.
Shepherd’s Pie Variations
Combining traditional flavors with unique twists, Shepherd’s Pie variations bring comfort and creativity to the table. They’re perfect for fall Sundays when you crave hearty and satisfying meals.
13. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie integrates the creaminess of mashed sweet potatoes with savory ground beef. It’s rich in flavor and nutrients, making it a healthier option. For an added touch, I’ll sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking. This casserole uses ingredients like garlic, onion, carrots, and peas for the filling while the sweet potato mash provides a unique spin on a classic.
14. Taco Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Taco Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie fuses taco seasoning with the lusciousness of sweet potatoes. This dish layers seasoned ground turkey, black beans, and corn under a smooth sweet potato crust. Topping it with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro enhances its vibrant flavors. It’s a delightful mix of spicy and sweet that’s perfect for a fun, tasty twist on traditional comfort food.
Stuffing and Rice Casseroles
Stuffing and rice casseroles deliver robust flavors perfect for fall Sundays. Here are some delicious recipes that blend traditional ingredients with creative twists.
15. Wild Rice Stuffing with Apple & Sausage
Wild rice stuffing offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Apples provide sweetness, while sausage adds savory richness. Cook wild rice and mix it with sautéed onions, celery, apples, and crumbled sausage. Season with sage, thyme, and salt. Bake until golden. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry or on its own as a hearty main course.
Sweet and Savory Casseroles
Delve into a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors with these fall casseroles. Combining unique ingredients, these recipes are perfect for adding a comforting twist to your Sunday dinners.
16. Sweet Potato, Sausage & Apple Casserole
This casserole merges the sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes with the savory taste of sausage. Layer peeled, cubed sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish. Add browned sausage crumbles and cubed apples. Sprinkle chopped pecans and dried cranberries over the top for added texture and flavor. Combine eggs, milk, and a dash of cinnamon in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Pour the mixture over the contents in the baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This sweet and savory casserole pairs well with a leafy green salad to balance its rich flavors.
Additional Fall Casseroles
Here are a few more comforting casseroles perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner. Each dish celebrates the season’s flavors and adds variety to your fall menu.
17. Autumn Vegetable Gratin
This gratin layers root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all thinly sliced. Mixed with a creamy Gruyère cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs, the dish bakes until bubbly and golden. It pairs well with roasted poultry or serves as a main course for vegetarians. The combination of tender vegetables and rich cheese makes this gratin a family favorite during the fall season.
18. Pumpkin and Kale Lasagna
This lasagna uses pumpkin puree and kale, bringing a unique twist to a classic dish. Alternate layers of lasagna noodles with a mix of ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, sautéed kale, and a rich béchamel sauce. Top it with mozzarella and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The pumpkin adds a slight sweetness while the kale contributes a subtle bitterness, creating a balanced, hearty meal. This lasagna turns into a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for cooler autumn evenings.
Tips for Perfect Fall Casseroles
Crafting the perfect fall casserole involves a few key strategies. These methods ensure every dish is flavorful, convenient, and festive.
Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight
Using seasonal ingredients enhances the flavor and nutrition of your casseroles. Fall vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and kale are at their peak during this time. Incorporate apples, cranberries, and pumpkins for added autumnal essence. Spices such as sage, thyme, and nutmeg complement fall produce and elevate the overall taste of your dishes.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Preparing casseroles in advance saves time and stress. Assemble the dish as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it if planning to bake within 24 hours. For long-term storage, freeze the casserole. Use aluminum pans for easy freezing and reheating. Label each dish with the name and date to keep track of your inventory. Thaw frozen casseroles in the refrigerator overnight before baking to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Sunday Dinner
Pair casseroles with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal. Serve savory casseroles like shepherd’s pie with a crisp, fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Sweet casseroles, like sweet potato and apple, pair well with green side salads featuring ingredients like arugula and pecans. To complete the meal, offer warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls. For dessert, consider seasonal pies or spiced cakes to maintain the autumn theme.
Conclusion
Fall casseroles bring warmth and comfort to Sunday dinners like nothing else. With rich flavors and easy prep, they’re perfect for gathering loved ones around the table. From chicken and vegetarian options to unique takes on Shepherd’s Pie and savory quiches, there’s something for everyone.
Using seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and sweet potatoes ensures these dishes are both delicious and nourishing. Whether you’re making a big family meal or prepping mini casseroles, these recipes are sure to become go-to favorites.
Enjoy exploring these 20 fall casseroles and creating cozy, memorable Sunday dinners all season long.