Vegetable Casserole: A Comforting and Cheesy Delight

Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish that combines a mix of vegetables with a creamy sauce, rice, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a holiday side dish. Here’s how to make this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Oleo (margarine) or butter, divided in half
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 jar Cheez Whiz
  • 1 cup Minute Rice
  • 1 (12-ounce) package frozen California blend vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Cook the frozen California blend vegetables according to the package instructions. Get rid of any excess water and then set it aside.
  3. Cook the Onion:
    • In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of the Oleo (or butter) over medium heat.
    • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, cream of mushroom soup, Cheez Whiz, and Minute Rice. Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated.
    • Add the cooked California blend vegetables to the mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Prepare the Casserole:
    • Transfer the vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
    • In a small skillet, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of Oleo (or butter) over medium heat.
    • Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir until they are well coated and slightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the Topping:
    • Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
  8. Bake the Casserole:
    • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
  9. Serve:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve hot as a comforting side dish or a main course.

Conclusion:

This Vegetable Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy mushroom soup, Cheez Whiz, and tender vegetables with a crispy breadcrumb topping makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and sure to please, this casserole is a great addition to any family dinner or holiday feast. Enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness of this delightful vegetable casserole!