Classic Vegetarian Vegetable Casserole Recipes for Every Meal

Updated On: October 8, 2025

There’s something truly comforting about a classic vegetarian vegetable casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to your table and joy to your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this vegetable casserole perfectly balances fresh produce, creamy textures, and savory herbs. Loaded with vibrant vegetables and topped with a golden crust, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of the season while keeping things wholesome and meat-free.

Plus, casseroles are so easy to customize, making them a versatile choice for any home cook. Today, I’m excited to share with you a tried-and-true recipe that’s both nutritious and irresistibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic vegetarian vegetable casserole is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, providing a medley of textures and flavors in every bite.

The creamy sauce binds everything together perfectly, making it satisfying without being heavy. It’s also incredibly flexible — you can swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners or potlucks a breeze. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 9×13 inch casserole dish
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch. Remove from heat.
  5. Mix the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine veggies and sauce: Add the sautéed vegetables to the sauce mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
  7. Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  8. Add the topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden crust.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add a layer of mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese before the breadcrumb topping.

You can easily swap out the vegetables to suit your preferences or what’s in season. Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet corn for a twist.

If you want to make this recipe vegan, substitute the cheese with vegan cheese options and use vegan mayo and yogurt.

For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for an added crunch. When reheating leftovers, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from burning.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/6 of casserole)
Calories 280
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 5g
Fat 18g
Saturated Fat 6g
Sodium 350mg
Calcium 200mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a simple side of garlic bread for a complete meal. For those looking to add some protein, consider serving it alongside a hearty lentil soup or a chickpea salad.

It also makes a fantastic side dish for any holiday meal or potluck.

If you like experimenting with flavors, try serving it with a splash of balsamic glaze or a dollop of your favorite chutney to add a tangy contrast. For more vegetarian inspiration, check out our Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe or try something sweet like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for dessert!

Conclusion

This classic vegetarian vegetable casserole is a wonderful addition to any kitchen repertoire. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers comforting flavors that everyone will appreciate.

The best part is how adaptable it is—you can easily tailor the vegetables and seasonings to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole hits all the marks in taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Don’t forget, casseroles are perfect for making ahead and saving for later, so you’ll always have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other favorites like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and the delightful Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Classic Vegetarian Vegetable Casserole

Description: A hearty and nutritious casserole packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect as a comforting main dish or a side.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Steam broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, combine steamed vegetables, sautéed vegetables, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Marta K

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