My 19 Fall Casserole Recipes That Don’t Need a Side Dish

There’s a certain kind of magic in a recipe that saves you from making anything else. With 19 casseroles that hold their own, the idea of needing a side dish feels unnecessary. They bring the comfort, the substance, and the ease all in one go. Less cooking, fewer dishes, and more time pretending you planned it that way.

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Simple comfort shows up in recipes that make a full meal in one pan. With Cabbage Casserole, you get a hearty mix that feels full even without an extra dish. It’s easy to cut and serve for any night. Cleanup is always quick when this casserole is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

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.

Families with picky eaters are always pleased to see Hamburger Casserole. The classic mix inside this dish makes it an easy win during dinnertime. Everything needed for a full meal is baked together. People rarely ask for anything else once this is served.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When a dish is rich and balanced, sides really aren’t needed. French Onion Casserole delivers big flavor with every bite. The crisp top and soft inside work together for a full meal. This one always leaves everyone ready for seconds.
Get the Recipe: French Onion 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.

Quick mornings or lazy evenings both get easier with Breakfast Casserole. Every serving gives a mix of filling elements packed in one pan. There’s no need for toast or extra dishes. People reach for it no matter what time of day.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

All the fun of a favorite handheld meal lands right in a baking dish with The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. It’s simple enough to prep and brings everyone to the table. The full flavor makes other sides unnecessary. Everyone leaves the table full.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some casseroles are filling enough for even the hungriest group. Ham and Potato Casserole mixes all the main parts of a meal into one scoop. Every bite delivers something soft and satisfying. People agree it works as a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No one asks for extra vegetables when there’s Broccoli Casserole around. Each piece delivers plenty of greens with everything built right in. The soft texture makes it easy for kids and adults. Even leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Anyone wanting a meal that feels a little special often picks Million Dollar Casserole. Rich layers and a creamy base combine in a way that fills everyone up. There’s no room left for extra sides. Friends usually ask for this recipe after one serving.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

French Toast Casserole

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

Sweet casseroles can work for breakfast or dinner, so French Toast Casserole fits in any time. It holds together perfectly and packs enough inside for a full meal. The aroma often brings everyone to the table. Kids especially enjoy finding it set out in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Easy Walking Taco Casserole

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taking a favorite snack and baking it into a meal, Easy Walking Taco Casserole brings a bit of fun to every bite. It’s filling enough on its own, no chips needed on the side. Layers inside make each scoop different. Guests talk about it long after dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Those looking to enjoy vegetables in a main dish like Yellow Squash Casserole will find plenty here. The soft squash bakes right in, making a plate of its own. There’s enough bulk that no other dinner items are needed. This one gets requests for repeats.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People who love a good breakfast turn to Biscuits and Gravy Casserole any time hunger hits. Flaky layers combined with a smooth sauce cover all the bases. One serving covers all your cravings. Even big eaters walk away happy.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole

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

No meal planning is needed when you set out Hashbrown Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser thanks to the mix of crisp and creamy in each bite. Hearty enough for the whole family, there’s no need for extra sides. This dish holds up well for leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing pasta night into one big pan is easy with Ravioli Casserole. Plump pasta mixed in a single dish means everyone eats well with just one scoop. It’s filling and loved by both kids and adults. Cleanup is simple when you only have one pan to wash.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Potato Casserole

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

Sometimes you want comfort food with no fuss, and Potato Casserole does just that. Creamy, layered potatoes turn into a meal by themselves. After the first serving, people usually go back for more. Even those who don’t love potatoes enjoy this dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mixing protein and carbs in one pan, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole delivers all you need for dinner. It comes out warm and firm enough to cut into neat squares. Seconds are almost expected when this dish is served. Nobody misses extra courses when it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a delightful blend of flavors.
Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Nights are easier to plan when everyone enjoys Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. It’s hearty enough for non-vegans, too. Every forkful has plenty of texture and warmth for a real meal. Most people agree one dish is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice 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.

If you like cornbread in your meal, Easy Cornbread Casserole covers both bread and main in one go. Moist and filling, it keeps hunger away longer. Dinners feel less rushed when this is on the table. You won’t hear anyone asking what else is for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning pasta into a one-pan dinner gets simple with Spaghetti Casserole. It’s easy to serve, quick to clean up, and there’s never much left. Each slice holds everything needed for a full meal. This recipe is a favorite for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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