This delicious and wholesome vegetable casserole is the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. Packed with vibrant veggies, rich seasonings, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this casserole brings warmth and comfort to the table. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Prepare the Vegetables – Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
- Cook the Vegetables – Add the carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and corn to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Season the Mixture – Add salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese – Stir in half of the shredded cheese and let it melt into the mixture, creating a rich and cheesy base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy – Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, comforting vegetable casserole as a standalone meal or a side dish with your favorite main course.