Cheesy Vegetable Casserole: A Comforting and Hearty Family Favorite

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy vegetable casserole fresh out of the oven. This dish combines a variety of colorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all mixed with tender rice and topped with a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s the perfect dish to serve as a main course or a hearty side for family gatherings and weeknight dinners. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this vegetable casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a medley of veggies in every bite!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 10.5 oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 heaping cups frozen broccoli
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 2 cups cooked white long-grain rice

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• One cup of crushed Ritz crackers (approximately three-quarters of a sleeve)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Onion:
   • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.).
4. Combine the Vegetables and Rice:
   • Add the frozen broccoli, mixed vegetables, cooked rice, and whisked eggs to the creamy sauce mixture.
5. Season the Casserole:
   • Add the garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.).
7. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish on its own or as a hearty side with your favorite protein.

Conclusion:

This cheesy vegetable casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining a variety of vegetables with creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a medley of veggies while indulging in a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served as a main course or a side, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dish!