Easy & Delicious Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Craving a comforting and healthy dish? This vegetable casserole recipe is your answer! Packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, it's a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own. Get ready to discover how to make this simple and delicious casserole. Let's dive in!
Why You'll Love This Vegetable Casserole
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this casserole comes together in no time.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini – the possibilities are endless!
- Healthy and Nutritious: A great way to load up on your daily dose of vegetables.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and warm, it's the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
How to Make Vegetable Casserole: Step-by-Step
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables in the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Don't Overcook the Vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu to the casserole.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: Focus on broccoli and add extra cheese for a super cheesy delight.
- Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a different flavor.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Add sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
- Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or baked ham.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner on its own.
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Get Creative with Your Casserole
This vegetable casserole recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to create your own unique version. Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun in the kitchen!
Ready to make this amazing vegetable casserole? Gather your ingredients and let's get cooking! Share your creations with us – we'd love to see your variations!