Vegetable Casserole Recipe – Fast, Cheesy & Crowd-Favorite Comfort

Vegetable Casserole is your weeknight dinner hero. It’s hearty, cozy, and cheesy in all the right ways. This isn’t just another veggie dish—it’s the kind that gets even picky eaters asking for seconds. Packed with broccoli, mixed vegetables, and rice, and smothered in a creamy, cheddar-laced sauce, it’s the definition of comfort. That buttery cracker topping? Pure magic.

Whether you’re juggling work, wrangling kids, or just tired of washing a million pots, this one-dish wonder has your back. Plus, the best part? It’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it before life starts lifing. Serve it at potlucks, holidays, or those regular ol’ Tuesdays that deserve a little something extra. With vegetable casserole, dinner feels doable and delicious.

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What is Vegetable Casserole?

Vegetable casserole is a baked dish that brings together vegetables, a creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping into one comforting pan of goodness. Think of it like a warm veggie hug that somehow manages to taste indulgent while still getting in your greens. It’s often made with frozen or fresh vegetables (broccoli, peas, carrots—you name it), a binder like cream of mushroom soup or sour cream, and something to give it body like rice or pasta.

Cheddar cheese is the usual MVP here, melting into everything for that creamy, crave-worthy texture. And the topping? Buttery crushed crackers or breadcrumbs take it to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, vegetable casserole is that dependable dish that fits right in.

Reasons to Try Vegetable Casserole

If “what’s for dinner?” haunts your soul at 6 p.m., vegetable casserole might just be your new go-to. First, it’s an all-in-one dish, which means fewer dishes (can I get an amen?). Second, it’s flexible—you can swap in whatever veggies are hiding in your freezer or fridge. Got picky eaters? The cheesy, creamy goodness helps sneak in the good stuff without complaints. It’s also perfect for making ahead—assemble it earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready.

Hosting a potluck or family dinner? This dish holds its own right next to fancier mains. Plus, if you’ve got vegetarians in the family or are trying to eat less meat, it’s a solid option that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. And let’s be honest, that buttery Ritz cracker topping is reason enough.

Ingredients Needed to Make Vegetable Casserole

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 10.5 oz can 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 black pepper
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions to Make Vegetable Casserole

Making this cozy vegetable casserole is easier than you might think—and with this clear, step by step guide, you’ll feel totally confident even if you’re not a regular in the kitchen. Each stage includes helpful details, timing tips, and even ways to switch things up, so your casserole turns out golden, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a large casserole dish using a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a whole lot easier. If you’re not sure what size dish to use, a standard 9×13-inch pan works great. Want extra tips on prepping bakeware the right way? Check out our guide on baking tips for casseroles, especially helpful if you’re working with glass or ceramic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced yellow onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent—usually about 4–5 minutes. This simple step builds the flavor base of your casserole, so don’t rush it. If your eyes water while chopping onions, chill them in the fridge first—that trick works wonders.

Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Base Ingredients

Now it’s time to build that creamy, dreamy sauce. To the pot with the sautéed onion, stir in:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. These pantry staples come together quickly and make for a rich, flavorful base. If you’re curious about other cream soup options, visit our post on ingredient substitutions for casseroles to switch things up.

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted into the sauce. The cheese should be gooey and creamy—this step gives your casserole that irresistible cheesy texture that holds everything together. If you like a little kick, feel free to substitute in some pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese here.

Step 5: Mix in the Vegetables

Add 2 heaping cups of frozen broccoli and 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables right into the pot. Stir to coat the veggies with the cheesy sauce. They don’t need to be fully thawed—just slightly warmed so they blend well with the mixture. Using frozen veggies keeps things quick and easy, but you can totally go fresh too! Need help choosing the best fresh veggies? Our easy stuffed bell peppers recipe has great tips on prepping and softening them.

Step 6: Add Rice and Whisked Eggs

Once the veggies are mixed in, fold in 2 cups of cooked rice and 2 whisked eggs. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. The eggs help bind the casserole while the rice gives it structure and makes it extra satisfying. If you’re looking for a protein boost or grain alternatives, our cheesy ground beef and rice casserole has ideas for customizing your grain base.

Step 7: Transfer to the Casserole Dish and Add Cheese

Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now take the remaining cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) and sprinkle it generously over the top. This is where things start looking real cozy—just imagine that bubbling golden top once it’s baked!

Step 8: Bake Covered for 20 Minutes

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered. This traps the heat and melts everything together without drying it out. It’s basically giving the casserole a warm hug before it finishes cooking.

Step 9: Add the Buttery Cracker Topping

While the casserole is baking, mix 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. After the 20-minute mark, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. This cracker topping is like the cherry on top—adding buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.

Step 10: Bake Uncovered Until Golden

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. If you want it extra crispy, give it a quick broil for 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is beautifully golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes scooping easier. Grab your favorite serving spoon and get ready for comfort in every bite!

What to Serve with Vegetable Casserole

Vegetable casserole is pretty much a one-pan wonder, but if you want to round it out, there are some tasty options. It pairs beautifully with protein—think roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple grilled sausage. Need ideas? Try it with our KFC chicken bowl casserole for a comfort food overload. For a lighter pairing, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic green beans. And if you’re going full comfort mode, a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce is basically non-negotiable.

Key Tips for Making Vegetable Casserole

Want to make sure your casserole turns out dreamy every single time? Here are a few helpful tips. First, don’t skip sautéing the onion—it adds a depth of flavor you’ll miss if you rush it. Let your veggies thaw slightly before mixing to avoid excess water. Stir your eggs in after the mixture has cooled just a bit so you don’t accidentally scramble them. And don’t skimp on the cracker topping—it’s the crunchy crown on your creamy kingdom. Making it ahead? Assemble everything except the topping, then add crackers just before baking so they stay crisp. Lastly, if you’re craving variety, try mixing in some cooked ground beef and rice like in this recipe for a heartier version.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Vegetable Casserole

Leftovers? You’ve got lunch (or tomorrow’s dinner) handled. Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Want to freeze it? You totally can. Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if needed. Just remember: wait to add that buttery cracker topping until right before baking so it doesn’t go soggy on you.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! It already is. Just double-check that your soup base is vegetarian-friendly (some cream of mushroom soups use meat-based broths).

Can I swap out the cheese?
Yes! Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a little heat.

Do I have to use frozen veggies?
Nope—fresh works too. Just chop them small and steam lightly before mixing.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Sure thing. Cook it fully before adding. It brings a fun texture and extra protein.

Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s creamy, cheesy, and cozy—perfect for sneaking in veggies.

Final Thoughts

Vegetable casserole is the kind of dish that makes you look like you tried way harder than you actually did. It’s warm, filling, family-friendly, and, dare we say, a little addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to stretch one meal across two nights, this creamy classic delivers. Don’t be surprised if it ends up in your weekly rotation or becomes your go-to holiday side. With easy prep, a flexible ingredient list, and freezer-friendly leftovers, vegetable casserole is the kind of comforting win every busy home cook deserves.

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