Thanksgiving is all about comfort, family, and indulgence — and few dishes capture that spirit better than casseroles. Warm, creamy, and bursting with seasonal flavors, casseroles are the heart of any holiday spread. But what if you’re planning a plant-based feast? The good news is that vegan casseroles can be every bit as satisfying as their traditional counterparts — and in many cases, even more flavorful.
This guide brings you the top five vegan casserole recipes perfect for your 2025 Thanksgiving table. They’re rich in texture, layered with flavor, and crafted from whole, plant-based ingredients that please vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re looking for a twist on a classic or something completely new, these recipes are designed to make your holiday cooking stress-free and unforgettable.
Why Vegan Casseroles Are Perfect for Thanksgiving
Casseroles are the ultimate make-ahead dish. They save time, feed a crowd, and bake beautifully alongside your main course. For plant-based cooks, casseroles offer an easy way to combine proteins, grains, and vegetables into a single, cohesive masterpiece.
When you make vegan casseroles, you don’t have to compromise on comfort. With the right ingredients — think creamy sauces made from cashews, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs — you can create dishes that deliver the same warmth and nostalgia of traditional holiday fare.
Plus, vegan casseroles fit seamlessly into any Thanksgiving spread. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or whatever sides you love most. And best of all, they’re inclusive — so everyone at your table can dig in together.
1. Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
No Thanksgiving menu feels complete without the iconic green bean casserole. This vegan version is creamy, crunchy, and absolutely satisfying — no canned soup required.
Ingredients:
-
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk (soy or oat works best)
-
1 cup vegetable broth
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 cup crispy fried onions (check that they’re vegan)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Steam or blanch green beans until tender-crisp, then set aside.
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
-
Sprinkle flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, stirring until thickened.
-
Combine the sauce with green beans, season, and transfer to your baking dish.
-
Top with fried onions and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Why it works: This casserole delivers nostalgia without dairy. The creamy sauce coats every green bean, and the crispy topping adds just the right amount of texture.
2. Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole
Sweet potatoes are practically synonymous with Thanksgiving. This vegan twist combines a silky mash with a crunchy pecan topping for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
-
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
-
2 tablespoons maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
-
1 cup chopped pecans
-
2 tablespoons vegan butter
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
-
Boil sweet potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth.
-
Stir in coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
-
Combine pecans, vegan butter, and brown sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle over the top.
-
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is caramelized and golden.
Why it works: The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the nutty crunch. It’s decadent yet wholesome — a perfect dessert-like side that fits right into a Thanksgiving lineup.
3. Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole
This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a crowd. It brings together creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice — all baked to perfection. It’s a great way to introduce more greens into your holiday spread without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups cooked brown or white rice
-
3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
-
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
-
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon paprika
-
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a large casserole dish.
-
In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
-
Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with almond milk, nutritional yeast, mustard, salt, and paprika until smooth.
-
In a bowl, mix rice, broccoli, onion mixture, and sauce. Stir well and pour into your dish.
-
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Why it works: This casserole has everything you need — protein, fiber, and creaminess — without any dairy or processed ingredients. It’s both nourishing and comforting.
4. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
If you’re looking for a centerpiece casserole that doubles as a main course, this lentil shepherd’s pie is unbeatable. It’s loaded with protein-rich lentils and vegetables, topped with a golden layer of mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup dry brown or green lentils, cooked until tender
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 onion, diced
-
2 carrots, chopped
-
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
-
1 cup vegetable broth
-
2 tablespoons tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon thyme
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (made with vegan butter and plant-based milk)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and carrots until softened.
-
Stir in lentils, peas, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
-
Spread lentil mixture into a casserole dish, then layer mashed potatoes on top.
-
Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
Why it works: It’s hearty, filling, and comforting — everything a Thanksgiving entrée should be. This casserole is a showstopper that even meat-eaters will love.
5. Vegan Stuffing Casserole
Stuffing is the soul of Thanksgiving, and turning it into a casserole makes it even easier to serve. This vegan version packs all the flavor of traditional stuffing — herbs, onions, and bread — with a perfectly crisped top.
Ingredients:
-
8 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or whole grain)
-
1 tablespoon vegan butter
-
1 onion, chopped
-
3 celery stalks, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups vegetable broth
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
-
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
-
1 teaspoon thyme
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
-
Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in vegan butter until soft.
-
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.
-
Gradually add broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
-
Transfer to the casserole dish and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
Why it works: It’s aromatic, crunchy on top, soft in the middle, and packed with classic Thanksgiving flavors — a perfect companion to any vegan main.
How to Plan Your Vegan Casserole Menu
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, consider choosing two or three of these casseroles for a balanced spread. Here’s how to plan:
-
For a main course: The Lentil Shepherd’s Pie or Broccoli Rice Casserole offer substance and protein.
-
For side dishes: The Green Bean and Sweet Potato Casseroles add variety, color, and flavor contrast.
-
For a classic comfort addition: The Stuffing Casserole ties it all together and feels traditionally festive.
Each of these casseroles can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and baked right before serving. That means less stress and more time to enjoy the holiday with your guests.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Casseroles are designed for convenience, and vegan versions are no different. Here’s how to make them ahead and store them safely:
-
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.
-
Freeze: Most of these casseroles freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap securely. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
-
Reheat: To reheat leftovers, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
These make-ahead strategies are lifesavers during the busy Thanksgiving week, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without last-minute kitchen chaos.
A Compassionate Holiday: Food, Family, and Values
Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude — for good food, good company, and the world around us. Serving vegan dishes is a small way to show gratitude for all living beings and the planet we share.
As more families embrace plant-based cooking, vegan casseroles are becoming the new tradition. They’re vibrant, nourishing, and filled with the same comfort that defines this beloved holiday.
If you’re passionate about compassionate living beyond the dinner table, you might enjoy exploring The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed T-shirts made from organic cotton — a thoughtful, ethical gift for friends or family who share your plant-based values. It’s another way to celebrate kindness during the season of giving.
Final Thoughts
These five vegan casserole recipes prove that Thanksgiving doesn’t need to rely on animal products to feel indulgent and festive. Each casserole captures the essence of the holiday — hearty ingredients, cozy flavors, and crowd-pleasing textures — all while keeping the focus on compassion and sustainability.
Whether you’re hosting a full vegan feast or just want to add one plant-based dish to your menu, these casseroles will make your table shine. They’re easy to prepare, nourishing, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from every guest.
This Thanksgiving, celebrate the abundance of plants, the warmth of community, and the joy of sharing food that everyone can enjoy. Let your casseroles be a reflection of what the holiday truly means — gratitude, togetherness, and love.