Cheesy Vegetable Casserole with Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Peppers

This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish, combining tender broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers with a creamy egg and cheese mixture. Perfect as a main course or a satisfying side, it’s a great way to enjoy a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • Broccoli: 400 g (14 oz), cut into florets
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Carrot: 1 medium, sliced
  • Peppers: 200 g (7 oz), chopped (mix of red, yellow, or green)
  • Mushrooms: 200 g (7 oz), sliced
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black pepper: To taste
  • Oregano: To taste
  • Eggs: 4 large
  • Cream (20%): 200 ml (3/4 cup)
  • Mozzarella cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add broccoli florets, sliced carrot, chopped peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:
6. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Add the cream to the eggs and whisk until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole:
8. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
9. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the baking dish.
10. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables, ensuring even coverage.
11. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake:
12. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

Serve:
13. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh oregano if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.

Cooking Tips

  • Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier topping.
  • Customize the vegetables based on what you have available, such as zucchini or spinach.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra cheesy crust.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Broccoli: High in vitamin C and fiber.
  • Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene for healthy skin and vision.
  • Mushrooms: Provide B vitamins and antioxidants.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Gluten-free.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and packed with nutritious vegetables.
  • Perfect for meal prepping or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
  • The creamy, cheesy topping takes this dish to the next level.
  • A versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite vegetables.

Conclusion
This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines vibrant, fresh vegetables with a creamy egg mixture and a cheesy topping. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Add it to your recipe collection for a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, thaw and drain the vegetables before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
  2. What cheese works best for this recipe?
    Mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of Parmesan and Gruyère are ideal options.
  3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
    Substitute cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
  5. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
    Ensure all vegetables, especially broccoli, are well-drained before assembling.
  6. Can I add meat to this dish?
    Yes, cooked chicken or crumbled sausage works well.
  7. What can I serve with this casserole?
    Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes.
  8. How do I store leftovers?
    Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  9. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream and vegetables may change.
  10. What’s the best way to reheat it?
    Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through for the best texture.