Vegetable Potato Casserole with Cheese

This Vegetable Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with hearty vegetables. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish and works well for family meals or casual gatherings.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup (125 ml / 4.3 fl. oz.) liquid yogurt
  • 4 tbsp (100 g / 3.5 oz.) flour
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • Italian herbs, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Sunflower oil, for frying

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Peel and slice the potatoes. Soak them in water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Chop the onion, grate the carrot, and slice the bell pepper and tomatoes.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the chopped onion until transparent.
  3. Add the grated carrot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
  2. Add the liquid yogurt, flour, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Potatoes and Batter:

  1. Add the drained potato slices to the batter and mix until the potatoes are well coated.

Bake the Base:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. Grease a baking dish and pour in the potato mixture.
  3. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

Top the Casserole:

  1. After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven.
  2. Top the baked potatoes with sautéed onions and carrots, then layer the sliced bell pepper and tomatoes.
  3. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top.

Final Bake:

  1. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

5 Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
  • Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
  • Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Complement with a warm bowl of soup for a cozy dinner.
  • Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Cooking Tips

  • Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly for quicker, uniform cooking.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
  • If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the final bake.
  • For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes provide energy and are a good source of potassium.
  • Carrots and bell peppers add vitamins A and C.
  • Cheese offers calcium and protein for bone health.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes may change.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A hearty and filling dish made with simple ingredients.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
  • A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fiber.

Conclusion
This Vegetable Potato Casserole with Cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Its combination of creamy potatoes, tender vegetables, and melty cheese makes it a comforting meal for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
    Yes, sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and extra nutrients.
  2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
    Yes, assemble the dish up to the first bake and refrigerate. Add toppings and bake the final 10 minutes before serving.
  3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
    Mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda are great options for melting.
  4. Can I add other vegetables?
    Absolutely! Try zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for more variety.
  5. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.
  6. How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
    Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra depth.
  7. What size baking dish should I use?
    A medium-sized dish (9×13 inches) works perfectly for this recipe.
  8. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Freezing is not recommended as potatoes can become mushy when thawed.
  9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
    Yes, fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the flavor.
  10. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Substitute yogurt and cheese with plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.