vegetable casserole

Here’s a detailed vegetable casserole recipe, perfect as a comforting main or hearty side. This version is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, but it can easily be adapted to vegan or gluten-free diets.

Hearty Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

🥦 Ingredients

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced (or shredded)
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Base

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 ½ cups milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
½ cup vegetable broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or plant-based cheese)
½ teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (gluten-free if needed)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly steam the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for about 5–6 minutes, or until just tender. (You can also parboil them.)
Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil or butter over medium heat.
Add onion, cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and mushrooms, cook another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux (it’ll look paste-like).
Slowly pour in the milk and broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
Stir in mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

3. Combine and Assemble

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the vegetables (steamed and sautéed).
Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and gently mix.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch (or similar-sized) greased casserole dish.

4. Add Topping

Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan (if using).
Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling.

6. Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Pairs well with a green salad or crusty bread.

🧑‍🍳 Variations

Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, lentils, or cooked quinoa to the mix.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Low-Carb: Swap out breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.