casserole

A casserole is both a class of baked dishes and the vessel in which they are prepared and served. In cooking, a casserole refers to a one-dish meal consisting of a protein, starch, vegetables, and a sauce or binder, assembled in a shallow, typically lidded dish and baked until hot and bubbling. The term comes from the French word casserole, meaning a large cooking pot or saucepan, and has been used in English since the 19th century.

Typical ingredients include meat such as beef, chicken, or tuna; starches like pasta, rice, or potatoes; vegetables; and a sauce, often dairy-based or tomato-based. Toppings such as grated cheese, breadcrumbs, or fried onions are common. Popular examples include tuna noodle casserole, chicken and rice casserole, and various vegetable or meat-and-potato combinations. Many casseroles are designed to be assembled ahead of time and baked later, sometimes using condensed soups or thickeners as a base to create a cohesive bake.

Casseroles are a staple of home cooking in North America, valued for convenience, economy, and the ability to use leftovers. Similar dishes exist in other cuisines under different names, with regional variations in ingredients and sauces. The concept emphasizes one-dish meals that can feed several people, often prepared for family meals, potlucks, or church gatherings, and adapted to personal tastes and dietary needs.