🎉 Introduction
If comfort had a flavor, this Vegetable Casserole would be it — rich, creamy, and loaded with tender vegetables, melted cheese, and a golden buttery cracker topping. 🧀🥦
This recipe brings together everything you love about classic comfort food — the creaminess of mushroom soup and sour cream, the heartiness of rice and eggs, and the flavor of perfectly seasoned mixed vegetables.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — easy to make, satisfying to eat, and always a crowd favorite at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Whether served as a main dish or a side, every spoonful delivers creamy texture, cozy flavor, and that irresistible cheesy crunch on top.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Spatula
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
🛒 Ingredients
🥬 For the Casserole
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 heaping cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans, etc.)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
🍘 For the Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2 – Sauté the Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your casserole.
Step 3 – Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, whisked eggs, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked onion. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4 – Add the Vegetables and Rice
Stir in the frozen broccoli florets, mixed vegetables, and cooked rice. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 5 – Season Well
Add garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6 – Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 7 – Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 8 – Add the Topping
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole, covering the surface evenly for that golden, crispy finish.
Step 9 – Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 10 – Cool Slightly & Serve
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The flavors settle beautifully, and the texture becomes perfectly creamy yet firm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes per portion.
💡 Tip: If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the casserole moist, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
🥄 Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup mozzarella or Parmesan to the mix.
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken, ground turkey, or tuna for a heartier version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream soup, vegan cheese, and dairy-free sour cream.
- Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Healthy Twist: Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice and use low-fat dairy.
- Crunch Upgrade: Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan for a crispier topping.
- Holiday Flair: Add chopped roasted red peppers or mushrooms for festive color.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes — steam them lightly first to preserve texture before mixing into the casserole.
2. Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
You can replace it with homemade white sauce or cream of chicken substitute.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
4. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
5. What’s the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar gives the best melt and flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby work too.
6. How can I make it lighter?
Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and skip the cracker topping for fewer calories.
7. Can I add meat to it?
Yes — add cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef to make it a full meal.
8. Can I substitute rice?
Definitely — quinoa, farro, or couscous make great alternatives.
9. What’s the secret to keeping it creamy?
Avoid overbaking; bake just until bubbly and golden for a silky texture.
10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a large roasting pan — just add 10 extra minutes of baking time.
🏁 Conclusion
This Vegetable Casserole is the definition of comfort food made simple. 🥘✨
Every spoonful delivers a combination of creamy rice, tender vegetables, melted cheese, and that golden, buttery topping everyone loves. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights, holidays, or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
It’s a timeless recipe that brings people together — colorful, wholesome, and full of flavor. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked fish, or enjoy it as a comforting vegetarian main dish all on its own.
Vegetable Casserole — Creamy, Cheesy & Comforting Family Favorite
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Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, whisked eggs, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked onion. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the frozen broccoli florets, mixed vegetables, and cooked rice. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole, covering the surface evenly for that golden, crispy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The flavors settle beautifully, and the texture becomes perfectly creamy yet firm.
Notes
Yes — steam them lightly first to preserve texture before mixing into the casserole. 2. Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
You can replace it with homemade white sauce or cream of chicken substitute. 3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. 4. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs. 5. What’s the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar gives the best melt and flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby work too. 6. How can I make it lighter?
Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and skip the cracker topping for fewer calories. 7. Can I add meat to it?
Yes — add cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef to make it a full meal. 8. Can I substitute rice?
Definitely — quinoa, farro, or couscous make great alternatives. 9. What’s the secret to keeping it creamy?
Avoid overbaking; bake just until bubbly and golden for a silky texture. 10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a large roasting pan — just add 10 extra minutes of baking time. 🏁 Conclusion This Vegetable Casserole is the definition of comfort food made simple. 🥘✨ Every spoonful delivers a combination of creamy rice, tender vegetables, melted cheese, and that golden, buttery topping everyone loves. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights, holidays, or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. It’s a timeless recipe that brings people together — colorful, wholesome, and full of flavor. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked fish, or enjoy it as a comforting vegetarian main dish all on its own.
