Introduction
Welcome to our delicious and savory recipe for Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole. This wholesome and mouthwatering dish is packed with nutritious vegetables and ooey-gooey cheese, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty main course or simply want to add more veggies to your diet, this casserole is sure to please your taste buds. Get ready to indulge in a medley of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more!
Ingredients
To create this delectable Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 2 large carrots
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 yellow bell pepper
– 1 small eggplant
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup cauliflower florets
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce:
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole:
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash all the vegetables thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Keep the vegetables separate as they will be added to the casserole in layers.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Next, add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetables, excluding the broccoli and cauliflower. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
Grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Start by spreading a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a layer of the sautéed vegetables on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Repeat these layers until all the vegetables and cheese are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serving
Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Variations
While the Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole is already a versatile dish, you can make some variations to cater to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:
Adding Protein:
If you’re looking to add more protein to your meal, you can include cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu between the layers of vegetables. This will create a heartier casserole that satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
Customizing Seasonings:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to add your personal touch to the casserole. You can try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole turns out perfectly:
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:
When sautéing the vegetables before assembling the casserole, make sure not to overcook them. They should be slightly tender but still have a nice crunch when you bite into them. This will help retain their nutritional value and prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Use a Variety of Cheese:
While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are the traditional choices for this casserole, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Gouda, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese can add unique flavors and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of vegetables and gooey cheese in a satisfying and nutritious way. With its layers of sautéed veggies, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and indulge in a comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Simply assemble the layers as instructed in the recipe but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole freezes well. Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer individual portions or the entire dish to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is highly customizable, and you can use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may require different cooking times.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started on creating this mouthwatering Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole. Enjoy the process and savor the flavors as you indulge in this wholesome and delicious dish!
Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole
A wholesome and mouthwatering casserole packed with nutritious vegetables, flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This cheesy baked vegetable casserole is a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 medium-sized zucchinis
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2 large carrots
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1 red bell pepper
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1 yellow bell pepper
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1 small eggplant
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup cauliflower florets
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1 cup sliced mushrooms
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1 onion, diced
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3 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
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2 cups tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add mushrooms, cook until browned, then set aside. Sauté the remaining vegetables until slightly tender.
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Prepare the sauce in a saucepan by heating tomato sauce with herbs and seasonings.
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Grease a baking dish, layer tomato sauce, sautéed vegetables, and cheeses. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let the casserole cool, garnish with basil leaves, and serve warm.
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Variations: Add protein like chicken or tofu between layers. Customize seasonings with different herbs and spices.
