If you’re searching for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, this healthy vegetarian casserole recipe is your new go-to. Combining vibrant vegetables, protein-rich beans, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s a dish that satisfies all cravings without compromising on nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this casserole offers convenience and taste in every bite.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian, making it a fantastic option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption or simply enjoy a delicious plant-based meal.
Get ready to impress your loved ones with a casserole that’s as nourishing as it is delightful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian casserole is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or beans depending on what you have on hand.
Second, it’s a balanced meal, offering a good mix of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
It also uses simple pantry staples and fresh produce, making it budget-friendly and accessible. The creamy sauce and melted cheese on top add just the right amount of indulgence while keeping the dish wholesome.
Best of all, it’s a one-dish wonder, so cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan for cooking quinoa
- Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Sauté the vegetables: While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, black beans, corn, Greek yogurt, half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
Feel free to customize this casserole to your taste or what’s in season!
- Use brown rice or couscous instead of quinoa for a different texture.
- Add chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra greens.
- Swap the black beans for chickpeas or kidney beans to change the flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Calcium | 250 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed green beans for a complete meal. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the creamy casserole.
For extra protein, serve alongside a simple chickpea salad or enjoy with a warm slice of crusty whole-grain bread. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a perfect lunch option.
Conclusion
This easy healthy vegetarian casserole is a perfect addition to your recipe collection. It combines simple ingredients with vibrant flavors and offers a nutritious, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Its versatility means you can adapt it to suit your preferences or whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Not only is it delicious and wholesome, but it’s also straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and busy weeknights. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more creative dishes like the Kosher Lasagna Recipe, the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe, or the flavorful Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipes.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Easy Healthy Vegetarian Casserole
Description: A delicious and nutritious vegetarian casserole packed with vegetables and protein. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, cooked quinoa, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 40 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Easy Healthy Vegetarian Casserole”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and nutritious vegetarian casserole packed with vegetables and protein. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup quinoa, rinsed”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, chopped”, “1 zucchini, chopped”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in black beans, cooked quinoa, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}