If you’re looking for a comforting, colorful dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, this Vegetable Casserole is an absolute winner. It brings together luscious creamy mushroom soup, tender broccoli, and vibrant mixed vegetables layered with cheesy goodness and a crispy cracker topping, creating a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. Perfect for any day you want an easy yet impressively tasty meal, this Vegetable Casserole hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and crispy all at once.

Vegetable Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vegetable Casserole lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is satisfying and delightful.

1 small yellow onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 tablespoon butter: Provides richness and a perfect base for the onions.
10.5 oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy earthiness and helps bind the casserole.
½ cup milk: Lightens up the creaminess for a smooth sauce.
½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and additional creaminess that balances flavors beautifully.
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Cheddar lends sharp, melty indulgence layered throughout and on top.
2 heaping cups frozen broccoli: Provides vibrant green color and a fresh crunch.
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that adds sweetness and variety.
2 large eggs (whisked): Acts as the perfect binder, keeping everything together.
2 cups cooked rice: Offers a hearty base with a tender bite, soaking in all those wonderful flavors (long grain white rice works best).
½ teaspoon garlic salt: Brings savory depth and a touch of spice.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a subtle tangy kick that wakes up the taste buds.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the vegetable medley.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Sharpens the overall flavor with mild heat.
1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed, about ¾ sleeve): Creates an irresistible buttery and crispy topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the cracker topping brown and adds richness.

How to Make Vegetable Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is crucial because those softened onions lay the flavor foundation for the entire casserole, adding a gentle sweetness and aroma you’ll savor.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Next, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and your blend of seasonings — garlic salt, regular salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, dreamy mixture. Then, add 1 cup of your shredded cheddar cheese and stir it in as it melts into every nook of the sauce, giving it that luscious, cheesy comfort we all crave.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Heat Through

Toss in your frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, stirring until they’re heated through. The veggies bring freshness, color, and a nutritious punch, balancing the richness of the sauce perfectly. Once warmed, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly so the eggs won’t scramble in the next step.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Rice

Whisk your eggs thoroughly, then fold them into the vegetable and sauce mixture along with the cooked rice. Combining cooked rice adds a hearty texture that makes this casserole filling and satisfying, while the eggs act as a binder, helping everything hold its shape beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer this rich and creamy mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish and bake at 350° for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping and Finish Baking

While the casserole bakes, mix your crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until fully combined. Once the initial baking is done, remove the cover and evenly spread the buttery cracker topping across the casserole. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. The result? A perfectly crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy interior underneath. Once done, take it out of the oven and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Vegetable Casserole

Garnishes

To really elevate your Vegetable Casserole presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top. These fresh, green herbs add not only a pop of color but a subtle brightness that complements and refreshes each rich, creamy bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole works wonderfully as a main or a hearty side, but pairing it with simple green salads, crusty bread, or a light soup can turn it into a complete meal. The fresh salads balance the casserole’s richness, while a warm bowl of soup can make your meal extra comforting during chillier months.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make the Vegetable Casserole feel special for a gathering, try serving it in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. That personal touch adds charm and ensures each person gets a golden, crispy topping on their serving. For potlucks, baking it in a disposable foil dish makes transport easy with no mess to clean up afterward.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Vegetable Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors develop even more deeply, making your next meal just as enjoyable, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to save a portion for later, Vegetable Casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and reheat on a busy night when comfort food calls.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350° oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, removing the foil the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping again. You can also microwave single servings for convenience, though the oven will preserve that delightful crispy crust best.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will work wonderfully; just steam or blanch them lightly before mixing to ensure even cooking in the casserole.

Is this Vegetable Casserole gluten-free?

As written, the cracker topping contains gluten. You can swap out Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t include meat. Just make sure the soup you use doesn’t contain chicken broth or other animal derivatives.

What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is perfect here for its bold flavor and melting qualities, but you can add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness if you like.

Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a day before baking. Add the cracker topping just before popping it in the oven for best crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Casserole has become one of my absolute favorites because it creates that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures all in one dish without any fuss. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends, it always delivers comforting, vibrant flavors that bring smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making and eating this savory, colorful traditional favorite as much as I do!