This creamy baked vegetable casserole is a delightful and healthy dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and smothered in a delicious creamy sauce, it’s a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, sliced yellow and red bell peppers, chopped onion, and chopped tomato. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixed vegetables into a greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly. This will ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Melt Butter
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce (Continued)
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste. This mixture is known as a roux and will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Season: Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour Sauce Over Vegetables: Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the mixed vegetables in the baking dish. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed to cover all the vegetables.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the vegetables and sauce. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or even spinach would be great additions.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella provides a nice creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan for different flavors.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Protein Addition: To make this dish more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, ham, or bacon to the vegetable mixture before baking.
Health Benefits
This creamy baked vegetable casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: These cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins A and C, tomatoes provide a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Onions and Garlic: These add depth of flavor and are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
This creamy baked vegetable casserole is a wonderful dish to serve as a main course or a side dish. Its rich and flavorful sauce combined with a variety of fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in many households. The combination of tender vegetables, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!
