The original vegetable casserole is a timeless dish that brings wholesome flavors and comforting textures together in one delightful bake. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this recipe combines a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this casserole is straightforward to prepare and customizable to your liking. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way it turns simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal.
In this post, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step recipe for the beloved original veg all casserole, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your cooking experience. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this classic comfort food that never goes out of style!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable casserole is loved for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh veggies with a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a rich, satisfying taste that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in a variety of nutrients while indulging in a delicious meal.
It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for batch cooking. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
The casserole also freezes well, so leftovers can be enjoyed later without losing flavor or texture.
If you enjoy hearty, comforting dishes like the Bahamian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe: A Tasty Delight or crave a wholesome side like Allens Green Beans Recipe, this veg all casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans) | 4 cups | Thawed |
| White mushrooms | 1 cup | Sliced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | For sautéing and sauce |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons | For thickening sauce |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole or 2% milk recommended |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups | Shredded |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Dry breadcrumbs | 1 cup | For crunchy topping |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Grated, mixed with breadcrumbs |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish (optional) |
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Oven mitts
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Grater (for cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, releasing those wonderful fragrant notes.
- Add mushrooms and vegetables: Toss the sliced mushrooms into the pan and sauté until they begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the thawed mixed vegetables, stirring everything together for another 3 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and removes excess moisture.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but avoid browning.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Spoon the vegetable and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole for a deliciously crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce.”
Feel free to customize this casserole to your taste. You can swap out the mixed vegetables for fresh seasonal veggies like broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based milk, and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
For a protein boost, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu cubes. Another great idea is to mix in some cooked rice or quinoa to make it even heartier.
If you enjoy casseroles, you might also like our Bak Chor Mee Recipe: Authentic Singaporean Noodle Guide or try the comforting flavors of Baiao De Dois Recipe: A Taste of Brazilian Comfort.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the rich creaminess of the dish. It also complements roasted or grilled proteins such as chicken or fish, making it perfect for a well-rounded meal.
For a cozy vegetarian dinner, serve the casserole alongside crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls. If you’re planning a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be served straight from the casserole dish, keeping it warm and inviting.
Looking to add a sweet finish? Try topping your meal with our Baileys Whipped Cream Recipe: A Delicious Topping for a decadent dessert experience.
Conclusion
The original veg all casserole is a classic recipe that delivers comfort, nutrition, and versatility in every bite. Its creamy, cheesy sauce combined with a crunchy topping makes it an enduring favorite for all occasions.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole fits perfectly into your culinary repertoire.
Easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish you can enjoy again and again with different twists. We hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as you do eating it.
Be sure to bookmark this page and explore more recipes like Almond Cake And Pastry Filling Recipes for your next cooking adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Original Veg All Casserole Recipe
Description: A hearty and comforting vegetable casserole with a blend of fresh and canned veggies. Perfect as a wholesome side or a light main dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables, drained
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup fresh carrots, sliced
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil diced potatoes and carrots until tender, about 10 minutes; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed vegetables, green beans, cooked potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour soup mixture over vegetables and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Top with crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 28 g
