Looking for a wholesome, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare? Veggie casseroles are the perfect solution!
These versatile recipes combine a bounty of fresh vegetables with simple seasonings and a crispy, golden topping, making them ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this easy veggie casserole recipe will satisfy your cravings without any fuss.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious casserole that’s packed with flavor and texture. Plus, casseroles are incredibly forgiving—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add in some protein for an extra boost.
Dive into this guide and discover how simple it is to create a nutritious, tasty dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy veggie casserole recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, healthy meal. It’s loaded with colorful vegetables, providing a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The creamy, cheesy (or dairy-free) sauce binds everything together, while a crunchy topping adds the perfect finish.
Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also makes excellent leftovers and can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this casserole offers convenience, comfort, and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Fresh or frozen |
Carrots | 1 cup | Thinly sliced |
Zucchini | 1 cup | Diced |
Red bell pepper | 1 medium | Diced |
Yellow onion | 1 small | Chopped |
Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons | For thickening sauce |
Milk | 2 cups | Dairy or plant-based |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups | Or vegan cheese |
Breadcrumbs | ½ cup | For topping |
Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Optional, for topping |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | Or fresh |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the broccoli, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté the veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic first, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but still have some bite.
- Make the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine veggies and sauce. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the veggies and gently mix to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble the casserole. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese (if using) for a crunchy golden crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges and the topping nicely browned.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.”
You can easily swap the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.
For a vegan casserole, use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter. This recipe also pairs well with cooked quinoa or brown rice stirred into the veggie mixture for added protein and heartiness.
Want to add a protein boost? Toss in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or tofu cubes before baking.
To keep things exciting, consider experimenting with herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of thyme. A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can add a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This veggie casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty bread or homemade rolls.
Looking for complementary dishes? Try pairing this casserole with a fresh Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a fusion-inspired dinner.
If you want to make a full plant-based feast, explore our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for effortless main courses that complement casseroles perfectly.
For a taste of island flair, check out Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor to round out your dinner table with vibrant, tropical flavors.
Conclusion
Easy veggie casseroles are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that suits any lifestyle or occasion. This recipe is flexible, delicious, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you satisfied and energized.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet without spending hours in the kitchen.
With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this casserole is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, its leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Don’t forget to try some of the variations and serving suggestions to keep your meals exciting and fresh.
Happy cooking, and be sure to explore more exciting recipes on our site to continue your culinary adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Veggie Casserole
Description: A simple and delicious veggie casserole perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and garlic.
- Add cooked quinoa, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes until vegetables are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 28 g
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