Thanksgiving is about gathering, sharing, and celebrating comfort food with the people you love. Casseroles are a timeless part of that celebration—warm, hearty, and layered with flavors that taste like home. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes offer the same sense of nostalgia and satisfaction, minus the dairy, meat, or eggs.
Whether you’re hosting a full vegan feast or simply want to include a few plant-based dishes everyone will enjoy, vegan casseroles are the perfect addition to your menu. They’re easy to prepare, can feed a crowd, and often taste even better the next day.
In this post, we’ll explore the best family-friendly vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes, featuring classic ingredients like sweet potatoes, green beans, lentils, mushrooms, and more—all transformed into crave-worthy comfort dishes that everyone at your table will adore.
Why Vegan Casseroles Are Perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving casseroles are more than just side dishes—they’re the heart of cozy, communal dining. When made vegan, they’re even more inclusive and nutritious. Here’s why they deserve a place on your holiday table:
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Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Even non-vegans love them because they’re flavorful, creamy, and satisfying.
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Make-Ahead Magic: Most casseroles can be assembled a day in advance, then baked before serving.
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Balanced Nutrition: Plant-based casseroles offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats from whole-food ingredients.
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Customizable: You can adjust flavors and ingredients based on what your family loves.
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Comfort Food with a Conscience: Compassionate eating that aligns with your values and supports sustainability.
With those benefits in mind, let’s dive into some truly delicious vegan Thanksgiving casserole ideas.
1. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Why it’s a classic:
This dish defines comfort and tradition. With creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onions on top, it’s a must-have for any Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
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1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
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1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp flour (or gluten-free flour)
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1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk
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½ cup vegetable broth
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1 tsp soy sauce
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½ cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Steam green beans for 5 minutes and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
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Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
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Stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in plant milk and broth.
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Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
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Combine green beans with the sauce in a casserole dish.
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Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then top with crispy onions and bake 10 more minutes.
Pro tip:
Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor.
2. Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole
Why it’s special:
This casserole is like dessert disguised as a side dish. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes meet a crunchy, buttery pecan topping—a plant-based twist on a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
Filling:
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4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut milk
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
Topping:
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1 cup chopped pecans
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp melted vegan butter
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2 tbsp flour
Instructions:
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Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash until smooth.
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Mix in maple syrup, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Spread into a greased casserole dish.
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Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
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Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Pro tip:
Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over the top before serving for extra sweetness and shine.
3. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Why it’s hearty:
Loaded with protein-rich lentils and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this casserole is the ultimate vegan main course. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for big family gatherings.
Ingredients:
Filling:
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2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
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1 onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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1 cup peas
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup vegetable broth
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1 tsp thyme
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1 tsp rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
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4 cups mashed potatoes (made with plant milk and vegan butter)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and carrots until soft.
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Add lentils, tomato paste, broth, and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Pour mixture into a casserole dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
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Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Pro tip:
Use red lentils for a creamier texture or add mushrooms for extra depth.
4. Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Why it’s kid-approved:
Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole sneaks in veggies while delivering that cozy, family-friendly flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked brown rice
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2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
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1 cup unsweetened plant milk
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1 cup vegan shredded cheese
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
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Stir in cooked rice, steamed broccoli, plant milk, and vegan cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Pro tip:
Top with crushed vegan crackers for extra crunch.
5. Vegan Stuffing Casserole
Why it’s festive:
Traditional stuffing meets plant-based comfort in this flavorful casserole. With sautéed veggies, herbs, and broth-soaked bread cubes, it’s a Thanksgiving essential.
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or whole-grain)
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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1 onion, diced
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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1 carrot, diced
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2 tsp sage
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1 tsp thyme
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2 cups vegetable broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Sauté onion, celery, and carrot in vegan butter until softened.
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Stir in herbs and seasonings.
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In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed mixture.
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Add broth until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
Pro tip:
Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
6. Vegan Mac and Cheese Casserole
Why it’s comfort food:
Rich, creamy, and nostalgic—this dish wins over kids and adults alike. The baked topping gives it a beautiful golden crust.
Ingredients:
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12 oz elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta)
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1 cup cashews, soaked
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2 cups plant milk
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2 tbsp nutritional yeast
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp mustard
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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Blend soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, and spices until smooth.
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Mix sauce with cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
Pro tip:
Add steamed broccoli or roasted butternut squash for a veggie-packed upgrade.
7. Harvest Vegetable & Quinoa Casserole
Why it’s wholesome:
This colorful, nutrient-rich casserole combines quinoa with roasted vegetables and herbs, offering a lighter yet satisfying option for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked quinoa
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1 zucchini, chopped
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1 sweet potato, cubed
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 cup kale, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp thyme
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Toss vegetables in olive oil and spices, then roast for 25 minutes.
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Combine roasted vegetables with quinoa in a casserole dish.
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Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.
Pro tip:
Top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
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Prepare in advance: Assemble casseroles up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
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Freezer-friendly: Most vegan casseroles freeze well for up to three months. Reheat covered at 350°F.
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Reheat smartly: Add a splash of broth or plant milk to restore creaminess when reheating.
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Portion control: Store leftovers in single-serving containers for easy meals post-holiday.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
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Serve Green Bean Casserole alongside mashed potatoes and vegan gravy.
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Pair Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with cranberry sauce for balance.
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Offer Sweet Potato Casserole as a dessert-like side next to savory dishes.
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Combine Broccoli Rice Casserole with vegan stuffing for a full meal.
Creating a variety of casseroles ensures everyone finds something they love—and makes Thanksgiving feel even more abundant.
A Vegan Thanksgiving Beyond the Table
A compassionate Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s also about how you live your values daily. Embracing plant-based traditions supports the environment, animal welfare, and your well-being.
If you’re proud to live a vegan lifestyle and want to show it off, check out The Dharma Store. They sell vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—ethical, stylish, and perfect for wearing while cooking, celebrating, or relaxing after a big holiday meal.
Living vegan means making choices that nourish both body and soul, and The Dharma Store makes it easy to wear your compassion with pride.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving casseroles embody what the holiday is all about: warmth, gratitude, and sharing good food with loved ones. With these vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes, you’ll bring comfort, flavor, and inclusivity to every dish you serve.
From creamy green bean classics to hearty lentil shepherd’s pie and sweet potato delights, each casserole captures the spirit of plant-based comfort food. They’re family-friendly, crowd-approved, and easy to make—a true reflection of what vegan cooking is all about: love, abundance, and compassion.
So preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and create a feast your family will remember long after the last slice of casserole is gone. This Thanksgiving, let your table—and your heart—be full.