Different Ways to Use a Cast Iron Casserole

A Le Creuset cast iron casserole (also known as a Dutch Oven) is an extremely versatile piece of cookware and can be used for several different cooking methods and recipes. Featuring durable construction, excellent heat retention and a vibrant, colourful enamel, it can be passed on from generation to generation—epitomising the buy-it-for-life nature of our cookware.


With so many uses and cooking styles, our cast iron pots will quickly emerge as a household favourite. Be inspired by just some of its many uses: slow cooking and one-pot meals, braising and frying and baking.

Slow Cooking and One-Pot Meals

Slow Cooking and One-Pot Meals

Our cast iron cookware really shines when it comes to preparing delicious casseroles, one-pot meals and stews. They're perfect when batch cooking or meal prepping because of the amount of food they can hold. The casseroles' enamelled cast iron construction offers superior heat retention, maintaining a consistent temperature and cooking food evenly throughout.


While slow-cooking meals, all the rich ingredients immerse themselves in the dish as it is being prepared. A tight-fitting lid locks in moisture and flavour, ensuring the ingredients are tender. The sand-coloured enamel allows you to monitor cooking with ease as the ingredients simmer to perfection. This Beef Bourguignon is just one example of a delicious recipe that can be prepared in a casserole.

Braising and Frying

Braising and Frying

Our cast iron cookware easily goes from stove to oven to table, ideal for braising! The Signature Shallow Casserole, in particular, is a favourite for this cooking style.


Sear on the stovetop to seal in juices and build flavour, add liquid, cover with the lid, and place into the oven to finish cooking. The steady, even heat will transform ingredients into fork-tender dishes you can bring to the table for serving. Our Coq au Vin Mousseux makes for a delicious recipe to experiment this cooking technique with.

Baking Sweet and Savoury Treats

Baking Sweet and Savoury Treats

While our cast iron casseroles are synonymous with slow-cooking recipes, they can also be used to prepare delicious loaves of bread, cakes, and other sweet or savoury baked treats—further showing off their versatility. From baking Casserole Seed Bread to Raspberry Twisted Buns, having a cast iron casserole will add to the functionality of your kitchen.


Enamelled cast iron creates the perfect environment for bread baking since it traps steam and moisture inside the pot to create artisan-quality bread with a crispy crust and tender crumb. It also maintains a gentle and uniform heat, resulting in perfectly cooked and golden-brown baked goods and desserts. Pro tip: Turn the casserole lid upside down and use it as a separate baking surface for pot pies.

 

Cast Iron Cooking Tips

Now that you’re familiar with the techniques our cast iron casseroles can be used for, discover our top tips for cooking with cast iron to get the very best out of your dishes and unlock their full culinary potential.

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Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron

Although buying a casserole may seem like a significant purchase, you truly get your money’s worth with this iconic piece of cookware. It allows you to prepare many dishes and perfect different cooking techniques all in one pot.

 

While all shapes and sizes of casseroles have a use, choosing one you need really comes down to what kinds of things you like to cook and how many people you typically feed. Read more on how to choose a casserole to suit your cooking needs.

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