veggie casserole

A veggie casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish, usually packed with a variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, and sometimes cheese or other toppings. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a veggie casserole:

Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, or zucchini)
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), optional for a cheesy version
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, steam or boil your mixed vegetables and diced potato until they are tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, quinoa or rice (if using), diced tomatoes, and sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in the vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish (9×9 inches works well). If you’d like a cheesy casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Then, top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

This dish is versatile, so you can add or swap out different vegetables, grains, or even add beans like chickpeas for extra protein. The casserole is also perfect for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time.