Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole

Name: Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup chopped bell peppers; 1 cup diced zucchini; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making this Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole because it brings the family together around the dinner table, creating a delightful experience filled with fresh flavors. With a medley of seasonal vegetables and a cheesy topping, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. It requires minimal preparation and can be assembled in just a few minutes. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. This casserole is perfect for any Sunday gathering or as a wholesome meal any day of the week.

Created by

Noemi Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-13T23:04:20.903Z

Every Sunday, I look forward to creating this delicious Baked Vegetable Casserole. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; I can use whatever veggies are in season or left in my fridge. I recently experimented with adding some roasted red peppers and zucchini, which elevated the dish with more flavor and color. The best part? I make it ahead and just pop it in the oven before dinner, making it a stress-free family meal.

This casserole is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to encourage everyone to eat their veggies. By layering the ingredients, the flavors meld beautifully during baking. If you prefer a crispier topping, I recommend briefly broiling it at the end. Trust me, your family will keep asking for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Colorful and nutritious gathering of seasonal vegetables
Cheesy, golden topping that adds a delightful crunch
Perfectly comforting meal for cold Sundays

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Select fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are excellent companions, but you can customize based on what's available. For instance, substituting asparagus or spinach can add unique flavors and nutritional benefits. Aim for a vibrant mix to enhance both the visual appeal and taste of the dish. If using frozen vegetables, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture which can make the casserole soggy.

Chopping the vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking. Aim for bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch—for optimal tenderness and to help the casserole maintain structure. If you prefer a more tender bite, briefly sauté the vegetables in olive oil for 5-7 minutes before assembling. This step adds a deeper flavor profile and softens the vegetables, which can be a nice contrast to the crunchy topping.

Cheese and Topping Techniques

The choice of cheese is crucial for flavor and meltiness. I recommend a combination of cheddar for its sharp flavor and mozzarella for its gooey texture. When layering the cheese, ensure it's evenly distributed so every bite includes that delightful cheesiness. For a gourmet twist, consider adding grated Parmesan sprinkled on top for an extra layer of flavor. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the calories.

The breadcrumb topping not only adds texture but also soaks up moisture from the egg and vegetable mixture. For added flavor, try mixing in dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumbs. This will infuse the topping with aromatic notes. If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or panko crumbs to create a similar crunch. Spraying the topping lightly with olive oil before baking ensures it turns golden brown instead of dry or bland.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious casserole:

Vegetable Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
1 medium onion, diced

Other Ingredients

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble and bake your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine all chopped vegetables and set aside. You can sauté them briefly if you prefer a softer texture.

Mix the Egg Base

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Layer the vegetable mixture in a greased baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake and Serve

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the vegetable mixture. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can assemble it one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with aluminum foil. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, this dish freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole as directed without baking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

For reheating, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until it’s heated through and golden on top. If frozen, bake directly from the freezer at the same temperature, but increase the baking time to about 1 hour or until bubbly in the center. This allows for a quick meal any day of the week, making it perfect for busy families.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this casserole with a side salad enhances the meal’s freshness. A simple green salad with a lemon-olive oil dressing balances the richness of the dish while adding a refreshing crunch. Additionally, if you have leftovers, try serving it in a tortilla as a wrap or mixing it into a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice for a hearty lunch.

For a complete Sunday dinner experience, add a protein like roasted chicken or grilled fish alongside the casserole. This adds variety to the meal while the casserole remains the star of the show. The earthy flavors of the vegetables will complement savory proteins beautifully, making for a well-rounded feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding to the casserole.

→ How can I make this casserole vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and the cheese with a plant-based option or nutritional yeast.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully.