Comfort food is essential for crisp fall nights, and hearty casseroles are perfect for warming you up. One classic dish is beef and broccoli casserole. Cubed beef and broccoli are mixed with a creamy mushroom soup base and layered in a baking dish with rice or egg noodles. As it bakes, the beef becomes tender and the broccoli softens, allowing all the flavors to blend together. Top it with cheese and bread crumbs for extra decadence.
Another option is chicken pot pie casserole. Diced chicken, peas, carrots and corn are combined in a homemade gravy, flavored with rosemary and thyme. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with a pie crust or homemade biscuit dough before baking. The filling bubbles as it cooks, and the crust becomes golden brown. The result is a delicious mix of textures in every bite. Serve it on its own or with a simple salad.
Finally, for vegetarians, there’s cheesy potato casserole. Thinly sliced potatoes are mixed with cheese, cream, butter and herbs like chives and parsley. The casserole is baked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. The potatoes absorb the creamy cheese with herbs as it bakes, becoming rich and decadent. Top it with bread crumbs or crushed crackers and more cheese for extra crunch. Comfort food at its finest, cheesy potato casserole is always a crowd pleaser. Hearty, homemade casseroles are the perfect meal for a chilly fall evening.