It’s that time of year again—Thanksgiving—the perfect occasion for a hearty casserole.
Holiday meals can lead to overindulgence and extra calories, so here’s a better option: high-protein casseroles for your Thanksgiving table. They’re flavorful, satisfying, and help you get plenty of protein without skimping on taste.
I’ve made many of these recipes for Thanksgiving and other gatherings. They’re crowd-pleasers—even for people who don’t realize they’re high in protein.
1. High Protein Southwest Chicken Casserole
Inspired by Southwestern flavors, this casserole is bold, cheesy, and packed with lean protein. It combines shredded chicken, beans, peppers, and spices for a comforting dish with plenty of flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 376
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 7.6g
- Sugar: 6.4g
2. High Protein Spaghetti Casserole
A pasta-lover’s dream—spaghetti meets casserole. Lean ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs come together to create a hearty, protein-rich family favorite.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 605
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugar: 14g
3. Meatballs Pasta Casserole
Comforting and simple, this one-dish meal layers pasta, sauce, and tender meatballs for an easy, cheesy casserole the whole family will enjoy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 369
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 5.6g
4. Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
If you love buffalo sauce, this dish is for you. It combines spicy buffalo chicken with roasted cauliflower and creamy cheese, making it a great way to sneak veggies into a crowd-pleasing casserole.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 419
- Fats: 31g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 2.7g
5. Chicken Burrito Casserole
Perfect for hosting, this chicken burrito casserole takes minimal prep—about 10 minutes—then bakes in the oven. It’s a great make-ahead option that delivers bold, Tex-Mex flavors.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 521
- Fats: 24g
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 4.1g
6. Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A dump-and-bake take on classic chicken Parmesan: shredded or leftover chicken layered with sauce and cheese for an easy, protein-rich dinner.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 503
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 61g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 7.7g
7. Fajita Chicken Casserole
Seasoned chicken with melted mozzarella and colorful bell peppers bakes into a satisfying, low-carb, naturally gluten-free casserole. It’s an easy one-pan meal for busy nights.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 363
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 49g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 3.8g
8. Keto Ground Beef Casserole
A keto-friendly casserole with ground beef, zucchini, and a blend of cheeses. Low in net carbs and high in fat and protein, it’s filling and rich while feeling lighter thanks to the vegetables.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 443
- Fats: 35g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 6.1g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 2.6g
9. Lazy Lasagna Casserole
All the comforting flavor of lasagna without the fuss. This simpler version still delivers substantial protein and classic Italian flavors.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 449
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 9.2g
10. Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole
A Mexican-inspired vegetarian casserole with sweet potatoes, black beans, salsa, and cheese layered with tortillas. It’s flavorful, hearty, and provides a good dose of vitamin A.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 492
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 71g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
11. Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Crisp bacon, tender chicken, Colby Jack, and cauliflower in a creamy ranch base make this one irresistibly flavorful and perfectly suited for low-carb meal rotation.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 315
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 1.8g
12. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the work: ground turkey, rice, tomatoes, spinach, and melty cheeses create a comforting, deconstructed version that’s easy to serve.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 386
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 4.6g
13. Tex-Mex Casserole
A lively Tex-Mex blend of black beans, rice, ground beef, salsa, and peppers. This dish is flavorful, filling, and a great option for meal prep or crowds.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 269
- Fats: 0.7g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 1.8g
14. Pizza Pasta Casserole
All the comforts of pizza and pasta in one dish. Pepperoni, sauce, and cheese combine with pasta for a nostalgic, protein-forward comfort meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 526
- Fats: 24g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 11g
15. Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole balances sweet, savory, and spicy with protein-rich chicken and vitamin A–packed sweet potatoes, creating a nutritious, flavorful side or main dish.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 443
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 6.8g
- Sugar: 6.5g
16. Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Bring Asian-inspired flavors to your table with a teriyaki-style casserole. It’s high in protein and umami while remaining relatively low in fat for a satisfying, lighter option.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 428
- Fats: 3.7g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 20g
17. Chicken Broccoli Bake
A classic comfort bake combining chicken, broccoli, and gooey cheese. It’s an easy way to get vegetables on the plate while enjoying a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 354
- Fats: 24g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 8.9g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 2.8g
18. Keto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
Simple to assemble and delicious: roasted cauliflower, shredded chicken, and creamy cheese make this an easy, low-carb family favorite.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 342
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 4.6g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 1.5g
19. Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Not all casseroles are for dinner—this savory breakfast bake with sausage, spinach, eggs, and cheese is filling and perfect for brunch or make-ahead mornings.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 407
- Fats: 31g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 8.1g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 4g
20. Egg Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon
A great way to start the day with protein: eggs, broccoli, bacon, and cheese bake into a savory, portable dish that reheats well for lunches.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 453
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 8.7g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 2.9g
21. Quinoa Enchilada Bake
A satisfying vegetarian option: quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese with enchilada sauce offer earthy, creamy textures and plant-based protein plus useful minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 346
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 6g
22. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Skillet Casserole
Ideal for feeding a crowd after an overnight stay, this skillet casserole layers chicken sausage, cheese, eggs, and pastry for a crowd-pleasing breakfast everyone can enjoy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 255
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
23. Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
A veggie-forward casserole that gets savory depth from artichokes and spinach, plus shredded chicken and cheese for protein. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and great texture.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 213
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
24. Egg Casserole
Budget-friendly and protein-rich, this egg casserole blends eggs, cheese, bacon, and vegetables for a classic brunch dish that’s easy to prepare and low in carbs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
25. Easy Harvest Chicken Casserole
Celebrate fall with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds paired with chicken and cheese. It’s a seasonal casserole with sweet and savory balance.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 361
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
26. Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole
All the cheeseburger flavors in a low-carb casserole: sautéed beef and mushrooms with melted Swiss and goat cheese make a rich, satisfying dish that can be adapted with other cheeses or jalapeños for heat.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 540
- Fats: 35g
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 6.5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
27. Cauliflower Casserole
A lower-carb alternative to traditional starch-heavy casseroles, this creamy cauliflower bake is topped with crispy bacon and parsley for texture and flavor while still being filling and satisfying.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 366
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g