Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This comforting vegetable casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Packed with broccoli, mixed vegetables, and rice, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The crispy Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 heaping cups frozen broccoli
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted into the sauce.
5. Step 5: Mix in the frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, cooking until heated through.
6. Step 6: Whisk the eggs separately, then incorporate them along with the cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, stirring well.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining 7 ounces of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
8. Step 8: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Step 9: While baking, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. After the initial 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add cooked chicken or turkey to make it a heartier meal.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• You can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen; just blanch them briefly before mixing.
• Use whole grain or brown rice for a healthier twist.
• Sprinkle some paprika or smoked paprika on top for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole without the cracker topping for up to 2 months; add fresh topping when baking after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping just before the final baking step to keep it crispy.

Can I use fresh cheese instead of shredded cheddar?

Shredded cheddar melts best for this recipe, but you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella or a mix of your favorites. Just ensure they melt well to keep the creamy texture.

Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This comforting Vegetable Casserole is a creamy, cheesy medley of broccoli, mixed vegetables, and rice baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with savory seasonings and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetable Mixture

• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 heaping cups frozen broccoli
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Topping

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Onions: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the small chopped yellow onion until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix Cream Base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the creamy mixture.
5. Combine Vegetables: Add the frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir and cook just until the vegetables are heated through to maintain some texture.
6. Add Eggs and Rice: Incorporate the whisked eggs and cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a casserole dish and pour the vegetable and rice mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining 7 oz cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to set the casserole.
9. Prepare Topping: While baking, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter to create a buttery crunchy topping.
10. Bake Uncovered: After 20 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping becomes golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• Ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding to the mixture to avoid undercooked texture.
• Frozen vegetables should be thawed slightly or heated through to prevent excess water in the casserole.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed nuts.
• Covering the casserole during initial baking helps keep moisture in for a creamy texture.
• The cracker topping adds a nice crunchy contrast; don’t skip it!

Keywords: vegetable casserole, cheesy vegetable bake, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy vegetable dish