The Best Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort comes calling with this delectable cheesy vegetable casserole that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.

Crisp vegetables nestled in a creamy, golden sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Every forkful promises warmth and satisfaction, blending fresh produce with rich, melted cheese.

The casserole delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence that makes dinner feel special.

Vegetables take center stage, transforming from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings will never be the same once you serve this crowd-pleasing dish.

Savor each delightful bite and watch as smiles spread around the table.

What Makes This Vegetable Casserole Special

• Whip up a delightful vegetable casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
• Packed with vegetables, rice, and cheese, this recipe offers a balanced meal that sneaks extra nutrients onto your family's plate without sacrificing flavor.
• Easily customizable with different vegetables or cheese types, making it perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying various taste preferences.
• Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings where you want a reliable, satisfying side dish that everyone will enjoy.

What’s in This Cheesy Veggie Casserole

• Frozen Broccoli, Mixed Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious blend of vegetables that adds texture and essential nutrients to the casserole.
• Cooked Rice: A hearty base that provides substance and helps bind the casserole together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the casserole hold its shape and add richness.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for deep flavor.
• Sour Cream, Milk: Create a creamy and smooth sauce that enhances the overall texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty flavor that makes the casserole extra delicious and comforting.

• Onions: Add a savory base flavor to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Serves as a creamy sauce base with additional umami flavor.
• Garlic Salt, Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Mustard Powder, Italian Seasoning: Bring depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Ritz Crackers: Create a crispy, buttery topping that adds crunch and extra richness.

Must-Have Tools for Veggie Casserole

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing onions and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and blending ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient quantities.
• 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish: Ideal size for baking and serving the casserole.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole to golden perfection.

How to Bake This Veggie Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Sauté Onion Magic

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic salt
• Salt
• Mustard powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Cheese Infusion

Sprinkle in cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a luxurious, gooey mixture.

Step 5: Vegetable Party

• Frozen broccoli
• Mixed vegetable blend

Let them warm through, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Rice and Egg Harmony

Gently mix in whisked eggs and cooked rice.

Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.

Top with remaining cheese for extra indulgence.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter.

Step 8: Crispy Topping Finale

Pull the casserole out, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture on top.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve warm.

Watch everyone dig in with pure delight!

Top Tips for Cheesy Veggie Casserole

• Slightly thaw frozen vegetables before adding to enhance flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before adding to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Use day-old cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a firmer texture in the casserole.
• Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan cheese, and coconut cream for a lactose-free version.

Fun Casserole Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Veggie Delight: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Vegan Veggie Casserole: Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup, vegan cheese alternatives, and replace eggs with silken tofu or chickpea flour to create a dairy-free version.
• Protein-Packed Power Casserole: Add cooked chicken or diced ham to transform the dish into a complete meal with additional protein for hearty appetites.

Serving Suggestions for Veggie Casserole

• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this casserole with grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a complete protein-packed dinner.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture of the casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a fried egg and fresh herbs.
• Potluck Perfect: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, as it travels well and reheats beautifully for shared meals.

Storing Your Vegetable Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp topping.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Simply chop fresh broccoli and mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and slightly blanch them before adding to the casserole to ensure they cook properly.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy sauce and crunchy cracker topping make this casserole appealing to children. The vegetables are mixed into a creamy base, which helps picky eaters enjoy their veggies.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

• What type of rice works best in this recipe?

White rice or long-grain rice are ideal.

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Comforting and Easy Side Dish Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy vegetable casserole combines seasonal vegetables with creamy cheese for a hearty side dish. Layers of fresh produce and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 heaping cups Frozen Broccoli
• 3 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced

Dairy and Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 2 large Eggs, whisked
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for topping)

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups Cooked Rice
• 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a comprehensive vegetable medley casserole by heating the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, gently melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Create a creamy base by incorporating cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, regular salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper, whisking until thoroughly blended.
4. Introduce shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly.
5. Fold in frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, allowing them to warm through while maintaining their vibrant texture and nutritional integrity.
6. Integrate whisked eggs and pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution and a consistent texture throughout.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese for additional flavor complexity.
8. Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes, simultaneously preparing a crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
9. After initial baking, uncover the casserole and sprinkle the cracker mixture across the surface, returning to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to rest momentarily before serving warm, showcasing the harmonious blend of vegetables, cheese, and crunchy topping.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook rice in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese, coconut milk, and dairy-free cream soup to accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu cubes to transform this side dish into a complete, hearty main course with extra protein.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Experiment with fresh or seasonal vegetables instead of frozen mix to customize the casserole and enhance nutritional variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg