Thanksgiving Casserole Meal Prep: Get One, Two, or Three Casseroles Ready Ahead of the Big Day

Introduction

When Thanksgiving approaches, prepping ahead is the key to stress-free hosting. Having one, two, or even three casseroles already underway the day prior means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen on the big day and more time enjoying festivities. These classic casseroles—like green bean casserole, sweet potato bake, and cheesy broccoli gratin—cover a range of Thanksgiving side dish favorites while streamlining your holiday game plan.

Why Prepping Thanksgiving Casseroles Ahead is a Game Changer

Thanksgiving is all about gathering together and savoring comforting, shareable dishes. By preparing casseroles in advance, you not only maximize flavor development (as many casserole flavors deepen over time), but also free up precious oven space and save yourself last-minute hurdles. Plus, casseroles easily reheat and serve a crowd, making them the MVPs of any holiday table.

Three Must-Have Thanksgiving Casseroles to Prep in Advance

Choose one, two, or all three of the crowd-pleasing casseroles below. Each recipe is designed to be prepped a day ahead, refrigerated, and then quickly baked or reheated before serving. Prepare them the night before—your future self will thank you!

Thanksgiving Casserole Ingredient List

Classic Green Bean Casserole:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fried onions, divided
• Salt and pepper

Sweet Potato Casserole:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes with CookifyAI to automatically generate a smart shopping list that organizes ingredients by store section—perfect for making sure you don’t forget anything for your Thanksgiving celebration.

Instructions

1. Prep all casserole filling mixtures:
• Green Bean Casserole: Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 4 minutes, drain and cool. Mix with mushroom soup, milk, half the fried onions, salt, and pepper. Spread in a baking dish.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Boil sweet potatoes until tender. Mash with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread in a baking dish.
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Mix cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread into a baking dish.
2. Cover and chill: Tightly cover each casserole with foil or an airtight lid. Store in the refrigerator overnight.
3. On Thanksgiving Day: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casseroles from the fridge and let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
4. Top the green bean casserole with remaining fried onions and the sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows just before baking.
5. Bake each casserole uncovered for 25–35 minutes, or until heated through and toppings are bubbly and golden.
6. Serve hot, garnished as desired. Enjoy the ease and flavors on your busy Thanksgiving.

Serving Ideas for Thanksgiving Casserole Sides

These make-ahead casseroles pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or your plant-based main. Round out the flavors by adding a fresh cranberry salad, a warm bread basket, and a tangy gravy on the side. For an elegant touch, garnish your casseroles with chopped parsley or a drizzle of melted butter before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each casserole serves 6–8, making them perfect side dishes for small or large Thanksgiving gatherings. Calories per serving will vary: green bean casserole ~180; sweet potato casserole ~220; cheesy broccoli rice casserole ~250. As hearty, comforting sides, enjoy them in moderation alongside lighter salads and mains.

Thanksgiving Casserole Prep Recap

With these classic recipes, you’re prepped for a smooth holiday—full of flavor, tradition, and less kitchen stress. Having one, two, or three casseroles prepped in advance ensures that everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving food sides are ready to serve, letting you focus on family, friends, and gratitude.

Weekly Meal Planning

These casserole recipes aren’t just for Thanksgiving—they’re perfect to work into your weekly meal prep for cozy, family-style dinners! Save and schedule these casseroles with CookifyAI to plan which days to make them and generate one consolidated shopping list that covers everything on your weekly menu.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculate total ingredients needed for multiple casseroles effortlessly
• Organize shopping lists by grocery aisle for quicker trips
• Prevent last-minute store runs and duplicate purchases
• Reduce food waste by coordinating ingredients and portions

Pro tip: Planning several casseroles for the week? Schedule your recipes to easily see ingredient overlaps—for example, milk and eggs—so you buy just the right amount. It’s a smart way to simplify holiday and everyday meal prep while keeping your kitchen running efficiently.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: ~30 minutes per casserole
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes (per casserole, on Thanksgiving Day)
Total Time: About 1 hour per casserole (excluding refrigeration time)