Description
Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring a variety of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas. Blended with a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, it can also serve as a satisfying vegetarian main dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of celery soup)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, cook the carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Drain the vegetables well and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Mix the Vegetables and Sauce: Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty stew for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole compared to frozen options.
- Experiment with Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegan alternative, and use plant-based cheese and dairy-free butter for a fully vegan casserole.
- Add Extra Herbs and Spices: Add thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic boost, or sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Vegetable Casserole, Vegetable Side Dish, Healthy Casserole, Baked Casserole, Vegetarian Side Dish