Hungry guests tend to turn into snack-hunting detectives, but a list packed with 31 home-cooked favorites is enough to keep everyone glued to their plates. Each dish is built to handle group gatherings, hectic meals, and anyone who claims to be “just here for the sweets.” Who knew dinner could be such a fun distraction from cake conspiracies and pie heists?

Five Beer Braised Bratwurst cooking in a skillet with a thick, light brown gravy or sauce. — Oma’s Beer Braised Bratwurst. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Oven Baked Ribs

Anyone looking for comfort food can find what they need with Oven Baked Ribs as a crowd-pleasing main dish. These ribs are coated with a flavorful blend of spices and cooked until tender, delivering a hearty centerpiece for gatherings. The slow baking method allows rich flavors to develop fully while keeping the meat juicy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Families appreciate how quick and convenient Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin is for weeknight dinners shared with loved ones. With its smooth consistency and gentle spices, the soup warms everyone before dessert is served. Canned pumpkin gives the recipe reliable results any time, making it easy for anyone to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

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✅ Spaghetti Casserole
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✅ Tuna Noodle Casserole.
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Smothered Pork Chops with Onions & Mushrooms

Gathering loved ones together for a comforting dinner is simple with Smothered Pork Chops with Onions & Mushrooms. Tender pork chops are cooked to perfection and blanketed with a rich mixture of onions and mushrooms. This recipe delivers generous, delicious portions and layers of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops with Onions & Mushrooms

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate. — Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When a crowd needs something hearty and flavorful, Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is the answer. Seasoned ground beef, cooked with tomatoes and spices, turns into a versatile base for tacos, rice bowls, and more. The recipe comes together quickly, letting hosts spend more time with guests.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Mississippi Meatballs

A close-up of a meatball on a fork, with more meatballs in the background. — Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s always a reason to make Mississippi Meatballs when keeping a group happy through the meal. These meatballs are simmered in a tangy, flavorful sauce that adds excitement to an ordinary dinner lineup. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it perfect for busy families or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Bringing everyone together is easy with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole featuring layers of chicken, ham, and a creamy cheese topping. This casserole makes a complete meal that cuts down on prep time during busy evenings. The familiar flavors evoke childhood favorites, keeping guests happy before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chef Jenn’s Braised Red Cabbage

A serving of cooked red cabbage with pieces of bacon and carrots on a white square plate, with a spoon beside the food. — Chef Jenn’s Braised Red Cabbage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Any meal becomes comforting with Chef Jenn’s Braised Red Cabbage as a vibrant side dish bursting with flavor. Slow-braised cabbage absorbs tangy vinegar and subtle sugars, turning simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing addition. This recipe complements many main dishes and brings color and freshness to the table without overwhelming other flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Braised Red Cabbage

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Easy meal preparation and guaranteed crowd pleasure meet in Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Tender chicken is roasted with aromatic rosemary and lemon, creating a balanced and flavorful dish for everyone at the table. The sheet pan method provides speedy cleanup and plenty of servings. Hosts enjoy how effortless this recipe is, allowing more time to connect with their guests.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Gathering around Pasta e Fagioli Soup means loved ones share hearty bites, beans, pasta, and vegetables in a robust broth. This one-pot meal makes it easy to cook for a group while delivering fulfilling bites that everyone enjoys. The pasta and beans offer richness that keeps the crowd happy until dessert time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Cheeseburger Pie

Keeping a table satisfied until dessert is simple with Cheeseburger Pie, blending ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden crust. This playful main dish captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in every slice. Making it as a casserole lets families enjoy familiar flavors with ease and plenty of portions.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pie

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A light, yet fulfilling meal emerges when creating Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce for any gathering. Sweet cherry tomatoes cook down into a vibrant sauce that coats each strand of pasta, bringing freshness to the table. The dish comes together quickly for busy hosts while remaining popular with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Chicken Piccata

A lemony, buttery sauce coats tender poultry in Chicken Piccata, a dish that brings people together for a memorable meal. Capers add a pleasant tang that balances the richness and keeps each bite interesting. This recipe is simple enough for small groups but also scales for large gatherings. Everyone looks forward to sharing such a comforting classic before indulging in dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Generous servings keep everyone warm when making Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup as the centerpiece for any gathering. Chicken and wild rice mingle in a rich, creamy broth, creating a fulfilling bowl that pleases every guest. This recipe serves well as a main course, filling plates and bellies with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta. — Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big gatherings benefit from the heartiness supplied by Authentic Bolognese Sauce, simmered with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatics. Slow cooking brings out full flavors that pair perfectly with pasta for a substantial meal. This dish turns any dinner into a special occasion, delivering generous portions.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Grilled California Chicken Burger

Anyone looking for a filling handheld option enjoys Grilled California Chicken Burger layered with avocado and fresh fixings. Grilled chicken provides lean protein while toppings add brightness and crunch. Each serving feels enjoyable and nourishing, making it a favorite when feeding a group. Guests appreciate their delicious meal before dessert is brought out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled California Chicken Burger

Mom’s Meatball Casserole

A hand lifts a serving of meatball casserole from a rectangular baking dish, showing melted cheese stretching. — Mom’s Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Families and friends always appreciate Mom’s Meatball Casserole, filled with juicy meatballs nestled in flavorful tomato sauce and cheese. This casserole delivers generous servings that ensure even big groups get enough to enjoy. It’s easy to prepare in advance, letting hosts relax and partake in the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Meatball Casserole

Baked Brie in a Bowl

Sharing Baked Brie in a Bowl brings guests together as they dig into warm, gooey cheese topped with sweet and spicy additions. This appetizer serves as an interactive experience that sets the stage for a relaxed evening meal. With straightforward ingredients, hosts can create a memorable start without stress.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes. — Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty portions and bold flavors take center stage in Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells designed for feeding hungry groups. Pasta shells filled with ricotta and mozzarella bake up golden and bubbly for impressive presentation and taste. This recipe provides plenty to go around, making it easy to keep the crowd content.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Beef Bourguignon

Slow-cooked beef, red wine, and vegetables come together in Beef Bourguignon, a classic option for filling stomachs and pleasing palates. This French-inspired recipe develops layers of deep flavor during its gentle cooking process. Generous batch cooking ensures everyone at the table enjoys luxurious comfort until dessert becomes the focus.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

White Chicken Enchiladas

Gathering a crowd for dinner makes sense with White Chicken Enchiladas, featuring tender chicken wrapped in tortillas and covered in creamy sauce. The mild flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a safe bet for group meals. This dish bakes up quickly and feeds many, reducing effort for busy hosts.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Enchiladas

Dutch Apple Danishes

Sweet apples tucked inside flaky pastry help create Dutch Apple Danishes, a favorite treat for finishing a comforting meal. These pastries balance tender fruit filling with chewy dough, offering guests something to talk about long after dessert is served. Easy preparation allows bakers to produce enough for larger groups without stress.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Nobody leaves the table hungry when Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist combines creamy cheese sauce and a hint of added flavor for a familiar yet special meal. The extra ingredient boosts traditional mac and cheese into something memorable for family dinners or parties. Large servings mean everyone gets their fill, while leftovers are rare.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin. — Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding Greek Lemon Potatoes to the dinner spread brings bold flavor and appealing texture for a crowd-friendly side. Roasted until golden and coated with tangy lemon, these potatoes pair well with many main courses. Cooks appreciate the simple ingredients and reliable results that please a range of guests. Everyone enjoys how the potatoes round out any meal until dessert arrives.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad

Any gathering becomes special with Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad dressed with tangy vinegar and tasty bacon. Served warm, it offers comfort and a pleasant contrast alongside richer mains. Hosts enjoy preparing it for groups because it’s simple yet always popular. Its flavors bring something unique to the table, keeping guests content through the main course.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad

Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata

Generous servings of Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata make sure that big groups stay full before dessert. Tender salmon is baked with pillowy gnocchi and topped with gremolata for a fresh finish. The oven does most of the work, allowing hosts to focus on other dishes or guests. People love how this recipe keeps dinner interesting while offering reliable comfort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata

Best Ever Giant Meatballs

A stack of giant meatballs garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs served on a black rectangular slate plate. — Best Ever Giant Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sharing plates of Best Ever Giant Meatballs means everyone enjoys big, meaty bites simmered in flavorful tomato sauce. These meatballs are designed for gatherings, with far more substance than traditional sizes. The recipe yields generous portions, perfect for keeping all guests happy until dessert makes an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it. — Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dinner logistics become easier with Slow Cooker German Pot Roast that cooks low and slow, turning beef and vegetables into tender perfection. This recipe feeds a crowd without the need for constant attention, freeing up hosts to mingle. Aromatics and broth blend for a hearty flavor that warms the room.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

Close-up of browned sausages on a bed of sauerkraut and breadcrumbs in a baking dish. — Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Filling plates with Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut ensures all guests enjoy tasty sausage alongside tangy cabbage, a pairing that pleases many. Quick skillet preparation makes hosting stress-free and efficient. The combination of hearty knackwurst and flavorful sauerkraut satisfies even the biggest appetites.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Skillet Knackwurst & Sauerkraut

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon pieces, with one square being served from the dish using a spatula. — Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Generous helpings of Twice-Baked Potato Casserole guarantee that nobody goes hungry during long dinners with friends and family. Mashed potatoes blend with cheese and bacon before baking, creating a rich and filling side or main dish. This recipe can be prepared in advance, making it easy to serve a large group.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Even vegetable sides become memorable with Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone, which combines rich cheese and leafy greens for a crowd-pleasing dish. Mascarpone adds smoothness and flavor that turn simple spinach into something worthy of any dinner spread. The recipe is easy to scale up for bigger gatherings without losing quality.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Turkey à la King

Serving Turkey à la King to a crowd brings together tender turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce ladled over rice or toast. Every bite offers warmth and comfort, perfect for keeping guests satisfied throughout the evening meal. Quick to assemble, it suits busy hosts while still creating a memorable experience.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King