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Cheesy Vegetable Casserole – Comforting and Easy Side Dish

This Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, cheesy blend of vegetables and rice, topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Friday 22 November 2024
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
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Cheesy Vegetable Casserole | Myhomemaderecipe.com

This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with a medley of vegetables and a creamy, cheesy sauce. With a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole is perfect for any family dinner or holiday gathering.

INGREDIENTS

  • Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely diced, adds flavor and aroma to the base.
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon, used for sautéing the onion, bringing richness to the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.5 oz can, providing a creamy, savory foundation.
  • Milk: ½ cup, helps to thin and smooth the cream sauce.
  • Sour Cream: ½ cup, adding a tangy creaminess to the mixture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 8 oz, divided, for a melted cheesy layer and additional topping.
  • Frozen Broccoli: 2 heaping cups, adding texture and nutrients.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 3 cups, a colorful mix that complements the creamy base.
  • Eggs: 2 large, whisked, to bind the ingredients together.
  • Cooked Rice: 2 cups, using white long grain rice, forming a hearty base.
  • Garlic Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhancing the savory flavor.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon, seasoning for overall taste.
  • Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon, adds subtle depth and warmth.
  • Italian Seasoning: ½ teaspoon, introducing a hint of herb flavor.
  • Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adding a mild kick to balance flavors.
  • Ritz Crackers: 1 cup, crushed, for a buttery and crispy topping.
  • Melted Butter (for topping): 2 tablespoons, helping to achieve a golden, crispy crust on the topping.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and aromatic.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Vegetables
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Then add the frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, stirring until they are coated and heated through. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs and Rice
Whisk the eggs and add them to the mixture, along with the cooked rice. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 9: Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy vegetable goodness.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve this casserole warm alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a standalone dish for a hearty vegetarian option.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

Helpful Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting consistency and flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini, to suit your preferences.
  • For a lighter option, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Tip: Add a hint of nutmeg to the creamy base for an extra layer of warmth and complexity, a tip often suggested by chefs for cream-based dishes.
  • Chef Tip: Use a light broil for the last minute of baking to make the topping extra crispy.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • This casserole brings together creamy, cheesy textures with a satisfying crunch, making it a comforting crowd-pleaser.
  • It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
  • Simple to make with everyday ingredients, yet deliciously rich in flavor and texture.

VARIATIONS

  • For added protein, mix in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey.
  • Swap the Ritz cracker topping with panko breadcrumbs for a different crunchy texture.
  • Make it a one-dish meal by adding diced ham or crumbled cooked sausage.

Side Dishes

This Vegetable Casserole combines cheesy goodness with a medley of vegetables and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a hearty side dish for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced.
02 1 tablespoon Butter.
03 10.5 oz can of Cream of Mushroom Soup.
04 ½ cup Milk.
05 ½ cup Sour Cream.
06 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided.
07 2 heaping cups Frozen Broccoli.
08 3 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables.
09 2 large Eggs, whisked.
10 2 cups Cooked Rice.
11 ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt.
12 ½ teaspoon Salt.
13 ½ teaspoon Mustard Powder.
14 ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning.
15 ¼ teaspoon Pepper.
16 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed.
17 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for topping).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper until combined.

Step 04

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted into the mixture.

Step 05

Stir in frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, allowing them to heat through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 06

Stir in the whisked eggs and cooked rice until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.

Step 07

Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.

Step 08

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cracker mixture on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 09

Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

  1. A comforting, cheesy vegetable casserole perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
  2. Versatile and easy to prepare with any frozen vegetables you have on hand.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29g
  • Protein: 11g