Cheesy Baked Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Baked Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole
Looking for a wholesome, delicious dish that combines vibrant vegetables with cheesy, savory goodness? This Cheesy Baked Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s also loaded with nutrients. Made with a base of blended broccoli, eggs, and flour, and topped with a sautéed medley of colorful vegetables and golden cheese, this recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main course or a satisfying side. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this broccoli casserole is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 kg broccoli, cut into florets

1.5 liters water

1 teaspoon salt (for boiling broccoli)

3 eggs

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

100 grams mushrooms, chopped

1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped

1 sweet yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

Vegetable oil or fat (for frying)

Olive oil (for greasing the dish)

150 grams cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and dry mint (to taste)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to preheat at 180°C (360°F). This ensures it’s ready when your casserole is assembled and ready to bake.

Prepare the Broccoli
Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the broccoli florets. Cook the broccoli for 3–5 minutes—just enough to make it tender while keeping a slight crunch. Overcooking will make the base too watery, so be sure to keep it crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander and let it cool slightly.

Create the Broccoli Base
Once cooled, transfer the broccoli to a blender or food processor. Add 3 eggs and 3 tablespoons of flour. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. This green mixture will serve as the nutritious and flavorful base layer of your casserole. If needed, season it with a little salt and pepper.

Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or your preferred fat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Next, stir in the chopped carrots and mushrooms. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing their juices to simmer down.
Finally, stir in the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Season the vegetable mixture with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of dried mint. Cook everything for another minute, just to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole
Grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness to the final dish. Pour the broccoli base mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Next, spoon the cooked vegetable mixture over the top of the broccoli layer, covering it completely.
Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top. You can use cheddar for a sharp bite, mozzarella for that melty stretch, or a blend of both for extra flavor.

Bake
Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. You can broil for the final 1–2 minutes for an even crispier topping.

Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a standalone vegetarian main or a hearty side alongside meat, rice, or salad. This dish also tastes amazing cold the next day.

Cookies Made From Brownie Mix
Cookies Made From Brownie Mix
Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 6 servings)

Calories: 230

Protein: 10g

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fats: 14g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 300mg

Vitamin C: 100% DV

Vitamin A: 60% DV

Calcium: 15% DV

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Casseroles have been a staple in kitchens across the world, from American baked dishes to Mediterranean vegetable gratins. This particular recipe takes its inspiration from Turkish and Middle Eastern vegetable pies, where eggs and vegetables are bound together to form a nutritious, budget-friendly meal. Using broccoli as a base is a modern twist—both gluten-free friendly (when using an alternate flour) and nutrient-dense. The addition of sautéed vegetables and herbs elevates this humble bake into a colorful and satisfying meal that is becoming increasingly popular among plant-based and healthy eating communities.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

Nutrient-rich and colorful – packed with broccoli, peppers, and other veggies

Cheesy and satisfying – the topping melts into a golden, bubbly layer

Flexible and family-friendly – can be customized with your favorite ingredients

Perfect for leftovers – stores well and tastes even better the next day

Vegetarian and healthy – a complete, balanced dish with no meat

Comfort food without guilt – warm, hearty, and nourishing

Health Benefits

Broccoli is high in vitamins K, C, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion

Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, great for skin and eye health

Carrots and onions bring anti-inflammatory benefits and blood sugar regulation

Mushrooms support immune function and offer plant-based protein

Stuffed Cabbage with Rice and Minced Meat
Stuffed Cabbage with Rice and Minced Meat
Cheese provides calcium, protein, and essential fats for energy and bone strength

Olive oil and herbs are heart-healthy and rich in flavor-enhancing compounds

Combined, these ingredients offer a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in every serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side salad – crisp greens with lemon dressing work perfectly

Serve with grains – rice, bulgur, or quinoa add extra texture and make it more filling

Add a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki – for a refreshing contrast

Top with chili flakes or sriracha – if you like a little heat

Slice and pack – for a great lunchbox or picnic option

Cooking Tips

Don’t overcook the broccoli – blanching for just 3–5 minutes keeps it bright and nutrient-rich

Use a food processor – for smoother broccoli base texture

Adjust seasoning – always taste your vegetable mixture before baking

Use parchment paper – if you want an easier cleanup

Let it rest – after baking to allow the layers to set and slice more cleanly

Variations to Try

Add grains – stir cooked quinoa or bulgur into the vegetable layer for a heartier bake

Go spicy – add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy sausage if you’re not vegetarian

Make it vegan – substitute eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan cheese

Try different herbs – thyme, parsley, or basil can be used instead of mint

Add protein – crumbled tofu, lentils, or chickpeas boost the protein content

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole is a wholesome, vibrant, and nourishing dish that’s as comforting as it is healthy. The broccoli-egg base is soft yet sturdy, the colorful vegetables bring depth and sweetness, and the cheese ties it all together with indulgent flair. Whether you’re looking for a meatless dinner, a dish to feed a crowd, or a make-ahead lunch that keeps you full and energized, this casserole checks all the boxes. Serve it once and it’s guaranteed to become a regular on your weekly menu.