Smoker casseroles are the perfect way to combine the rich, smoky flavors of outdoor cooking with the comforting heartiness of a casserole dish. Whether you’re gathering around the fire pit with family or hosting a casual weekend barbecue, these recipes bring a delightful twist to traditional casseroles by infusing them with subtle smokiness that elevates every bite.
From smoky cheesy potatoes to pulled pork and beans, smoker casseroles offer a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal option that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
In this post, we’ll explore several delicious smoker casserole recipes that you can customize according to your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, we’ll cover everything from ingredients and equipment to cooking tips and serving suggestions.
Ready to fire up your smoker and create some unforgettable meals? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoker casseroles combine the best of both worlds: the deep, smoky aroma from the smoker and the convenience of a one-dish meal. These casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings, offering a hands-off cooking experience without sacrificing flavor.
The slow-smoking process tenderizes ingredients and infuses them with rich, wood-fired notes that can’t be replicated in a traditional oven.
Additionally, smoker casseroles are incredibly versatile. You can tailor them to include your favorite proteins, vegetables, and spices, or create vegetarian versions bursting with smoky goodness.
Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs smoked pulled pork (or smoked chicken, beef, or a plant-based alternative)
- 4 cups diced potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or smoked gouda for extra flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite smoky BBQ sauce)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for heat
Equipment
- Smoker with temperature control (charcoal, pellet, or electric)
- 9×13 inch casserole dish (metal or ceramic works well)
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil for covering casserole
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking internal temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C). Add your preferred wood chips—hickory, applewood, or mesquite are excellent choices for a bold smoky flavor.
- Cook the potatoes: Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Spread them evenly in the casserole dish and place the dish in the smoker. Smoke for about 45 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the potatoes cook, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Set aside.
- Mix the casserole filling: In a large bowl, combine the smoked pulled pork, sautéed vegetables, frozen corn, sour cream, barbecue sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine potatoes and filling: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the casserole dish from the smoker. Add the meat and vegetable mixture on top of the potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Smoke the casserole: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and return it to the smoker. Smoke for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Finishing touches: Remove the casserole from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheese varieties like smoked mozzarella or smoked cheddar. You can also add a splash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce if you want to intensify the smoky notes.
Feel free to customize your smoker casserole by swapping the pulled pork with smoked chicken, brisket, or even a hearty plant-based protein like smoked jackfruit or tempeh. For a vegetarian twist, try layering smoked mushrooms and smoked tofu with your favorite vegetables.
You can also add extra veggies like smoked zucchini, smoked tomatoes, or even smoked beans for added nutrition and texture. If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream before topping with cheese.
Want to spice it up? Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your barbecue sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This smoker casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides that balance its smoky richness. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to refresh the palate.
Try our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a quick, healthy accompaniment.
For a heartier meal, serve with warm cornbread or garlic bread. You might also enjoy it alongside smoky baked beans or grilled seasonal vegetables.
Looking for more easy, delicious casseroles? Check out our Cooking Light Vegetarian Casserole Recipes for Easy Meals for inspiration on lighter versions.
More Smoker Casserole Recipes to Try
Smoked Mac and Cheese Casserole
This creamy mac and cheese gets a smoky upgrade by cooking it in the smoker. Use sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a luscious cheese blend.
Add crispy smoked bacon or jalapeños for extra flair.
Smoky Vegetarian Bean Casserole
A vegetarian casserole packed with smoked beans, tomatoes, corn, and peppers. Toss in smoked paprika and cumin for depth, then top with crunchy breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese before smoking.
Smoked Breakfast Casserole
Perfect for brunch, this casserole layers smoked sausage or tempeh, eggs, cheese, and potatoes. Smoke it slowly for a savory, smoky breakfast treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Sweet Potato and Smoked Gouda Casserole
Combine roasted sweet potatoes with smoked gouda and sautéed onions. Add a sprinkle of thyme and smoked chili powder before smoking to bring out the natural sweetness and smoky complexity.
For more creative and healthy meal ideas, explore 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals and Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.
Conclusion
Smoker casseroles are an exceptional way to enjoy the flavors of outdoor cooking with minimal fuss and maximum taste. The smoky infusion, combined with hearty ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and your choice of protein, creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re an experienced pitmaster or a home cook looking to try something new, these casseroles offer endless customization and crowd-pleasing results.
With simple preparation, versatile ingredient options, and the ability to feed a crowd, smoker casseroles are ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend get-togethers. Don’t forget to experiment with different smoky cheeses, spices, and vegetables to make each casserole your own.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to check out other favorites like our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Happy smoking and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Smoker Casserole
Description: A hearty casserole combining smoked meats and vegetables for a flavorful meal. Perfect for slow cooking in a smoker to infuse rich smoky flavor.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT3H
Total Time: PT3H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups smoked potatoes, diced
- 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- In a large bowl, combine smoked sausage, smoked potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Mix in sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded smoked cheddar cheese.
- Place casserole dish in smoker and cook for 3 hours until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from smoker and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 32 g | Carbs: 15 g
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