Zucchini Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella and Creamy Sauce

This comforting zucchini and vegetable casserole is a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a flavorful sauce. Itโ€™s an easy-to-make dish thatโ€™s both delicious and nutritious. Whether for a light dinner or a family meal, itโ€™s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce with the added richness of cheese and a tangy yogurt sauce.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs (about 150g)
  • 1 tsp salt (5g)
  • ยฝ tsp black pepper (2g)
  • 50 ml milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (about 5g)
  • 2 zucchini (about 250g)
  • 1 red onion (about 100g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15g)
  • 1 carrot (about 70g)
  • 1 red pepper (about 100g)
  • 6 mushrooms (about 100g)
  • 1 can canned corn (about 150g)
  • 1 can canned peas (about 150g)
  • 2 tomatoes (about 200g)
  • 100g mozzarella cheese
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (about 45g)
  • 1 garlic clove (about 5g)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (15g)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (about 5g)

Directions:

  • Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF).
  • Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat with salt, black pepper, milk, and parsley.
  • Grate or finely chop the zucchini and squeeze out the excess juice.
  • Dice the red onion, carrot, red pepper, and mushrooms.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 3 minutes.
  • Add the carrot, red pepper, and mushrooms. Continue frying for another 3 minutes.
  • Add the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, covering the pan.
  • Stir in the canned corn and peas.
  • Mix the beaten egg mixture into the vegetables and transfer everything into a baking dish.
  • Slice the tomatoes and layer them on top of the vegetables.
  • Grate or slice the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the dish.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • While baking, mix the yogurt, garlic, soy sauce, and dill to make a creamy sauce.
  • Once the casserole is done, drizzle the sauce over the top and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes.
  2. Pair with a light salad, like a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
  3. Enjoy with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
  4. Serve with a dollop of extra Greek yogurt or sour cream on top.
  5. Top with freshly chopped herbs for an added burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  • You can add more vegetables based on what you have available, like spinach or bell peppers.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flax egg and use dairy-free mozzarella.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • High in fiber from the zucchini, carrots, and peas, supporting digestion.
  • Rich in vitamins A and C, which help boost immunity.
  • A good source of protein from the eggs and mozzarella cheese.
  • The Greek yogurt adds probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free (if using gluten-free bread for serving)
  • Nut-free

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • You can also freeze this casserole for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe:


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  • Itโ€™s a delicious and filling dish that incorporates lots of fresh vegetables.
  • Easy to make, with minimal prep and cook time.
  • The creamy mozzarella and tangy yogurt sauce make it extra special.
  • Itโ€™s customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Conclusion:
This zucchini and vegetable casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines the wholesome goodness of fresh veggies with the indulgent richness of mozzarella cheese and a creamy yogurt sauce. Itโ€™s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor. Plus, itโ€™s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Youโ€™ll love how comforting and satisfying this dish is!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use different vegetables for this casserole?
    Yes, you can easily swap out vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant depending on what you have available.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day when youโ€™re ready to serve.
  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Yes, simply use a dairy-free mozzarella and replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or omit it entirely.
  4. How can I make the casserole spicier?
    Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeรฑo when sautรฉing the vegetables.
  5. What kind of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
    You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a different flavor profile.
  6. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
  7. How do I reheat frozen casserole?
    To reheat, bake it in the oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  8. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
    Yes, fresh or frozen corn can be used instead of canned corn.
  9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the label of any sauces or condiments for hidden gluten.
  10. Can I add meat to this casserole?
    Yes, you can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or bacon if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.