Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s packed with nutrients and completely plant-based? Simple healthy vegetable casseroles are the perfect answer for anyone wanting to enjoy comfort food without meat.
These casseroles feature fresh, vibrant vegetables baked to perfection, offering a medley of textures and flavors that satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to add more veggies to your diet, these recipes are incredibly easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
From weeknight dinners to meal prep for the week, a vegetable casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a single dish.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of simple healthy vegetable casserole recipes with no meat, designed to be both flavorful and nutritious. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and suggestions to customize your casserole to your liking.
Get ready to dive into comforting, wholesome meals that celebrate the best of seasonal veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetable casseroles are a fantastic way to combine multiple healthy ingredients into one easy-to-make dish. You’ll love how these recipes:
- Are packed with vitamins and fiber from fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes.
- Offer versatility and creativity—swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or add herbs and spices to suit your palate.
- Require minimal prep and cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights or beginners in the kitchen.
- Are budget-friendly, using common pantry staples along with fresh produce.
- Make great leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunches or next-day dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (mix of red, yellow, green)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional for added texture and protein)
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (optional)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor, optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten flavor)
Equipment
- Oven-safe casserole dish (approx. 9×13 inches)
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
- Frying pan or skillet for sautéing vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering during baking)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the large mixing bowl. Add cooked quinoa or brown rice if using, plant-based cheese (if desired), nutritional yeast, dried oregano, basil, lemon juice, and almond milk.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors combine well.
- Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to customize your vegetable casserole with whatever seasonal or leftover vegetables you have on hand. This recipe is very forgiving and versatile!”
- Make it gluten-free: Use quinoa or rice as the grain base instead of breadcrumbs or pasta.
- Boost protein: Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or beans for more plant-based protein and fiber.
- Try different cheeses: Use vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese sauces for creamy texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky kick. For an easy homemade spice blend, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
- Add fresh herbs: Finish with chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream before baking for a richer texture.
- Use seasonal veggies: Try butternut squash and kale in autumn, or asparagus and peas in spring.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Protein | 6-8 grams |
| Fat | 8-10 grams (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
| Carbohydrates | 22-28 grams |
| Fiber | 6-8 grams |
| Vitamin A | 40% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 60% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 15% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw to add a crisp contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic herb focaccia.
If you want to keep it super light, try it with a side of steamed greens or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. The leftovers also make excellent lunch options—just reheat in the microwave or oven.
Looking for other vegetarian meal ideas? Explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for wholesome inspiration.
Conclusion
Simple healthy vegetable casseroles are a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, meat-free dinner that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. With fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious meal that satisfies your hunger and your health goals.
These casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, and they offer endless possibilities for customization.
By incorporating seasonal vegetables and your favorite plant-based ingredients, you’ll never get bored of this versatile dish. Don’t forget to explore more meatless recipes like our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for even more tasty options.
Enjoy cooking, stay healthy, and savor every bite of your homemade vegetable casserole!
📖 Recipe Card: Simple Healthy Vegetable Casserole
Description: A quick and easy vegetable casserole packed with fresh veggies and wholesome flavors. Perfect for a nutritious meat-free meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked vegetables, quinoa, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 25 g
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