Hearty Vegetable Casserole A Comforting Delight

Hearty Vegetable Casserole: A Comforting Delight

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Dive into the comforting world of a Hearty Vegetable Casserole that brings together a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables and rich flavors, all baked to perfection. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious powerhouse, perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to potlucks. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and watch it quickly become a favorite at your table!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for added texture)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, corn, onions, and garlic. If using quinoa or rice, add it to the mix for added texture.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the drained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Pour the vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the vegetable casserole.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  7. Serve: Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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