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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a comprehensive vegetable medley casserole by heating the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment.
- In a large pot over medium heat, gently melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Introduce shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly.
- Fold in frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, allowing them to warm through while maintaining their vibrant texture and nutritional integrity.
- Integrate whisked eggs and pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution and a consistent texture throughout.
- 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.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes, simultaneously preparing a crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- 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.
- 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