Creamy Vegetable Casserole – Cozy & Easy Family Dinner

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 large eggs, whisked; 2 cups cooked white long grain rice; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about ¾ sleeve); 2 tablespoons melted butter

This might be the coziest, most comforting dinner you whip up on a busy night—my Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. It's packed with veggies, rich and cheesy, and comes together faster than you’d think!

A white rectangular dish holds a creamy veggie casserole with multiple layers visible. The top layer is golden brown and crisp, made of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted cheese, covering the dish unevenly. Beneath, chunks of green broccoli peek through the crust. A spoon lifts a portion from the dish, showing a moist, creamy inside with a mix of small bright orange carrot pieces, yellow corn kernels, green beans, and bits of broccoli. The creamy sauce base is pale and smooth, binding the vegetables together. The dish sits on a black marbled surface, and the background is slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this creamy vegetable casserole more times than I can count, and every time it feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s one of those dishes you can trust to satisfy picky eaters while sneaking in wholesome veggies effortlessly.

Super simple prep: Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, meaning you can throw this casserole together in under an hour.
Veggie-packed and comforting: It’s like your favorite creamy casserole but with a veggie boost that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Flexible and customizable: You can swap vegetables and cheeses based on what you have or your dietary preferences.
Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: This recipe often earns me “Can I have seconds?” requests from my toughest critics.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient brings something special to the table, creating a creamy, flavorful base packed with tender vegetables and just the right touch of crispiness on top. Here’s what you’ll want to know when shopping:

Flat lay of a small yellow onion finely diced on a simple white ceramic plate, a few small pats of butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with creamy condensed mushroom soup, a small white bowl of fresh milk, a small white bowl with smooth sour cream, a small pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful of bright green fresh broccoli florets, a small heap of fresh mixed vegetables including carrots, peas, and green beans, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of cooked fluffy white long grain rice on a white ceramic plate, and a small white bowl containing crushed Ritz crackers, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened—it’s the first step to building flavor.
Butter: Essential for sautéing the onions and giving the topping a golden crunch.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy heart of the casserole; you can also use homemade soup to make it lighter or more gourmet.
Milk & Sour Cream: Combine to create extra richness and that silky texture in the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness from the cheese balances the creaminess and adds wonderful meltiness—feel free to mix white and yellow cheddar.
Frozen Broccoli: Convenient and locks in nutrients and flavor; no need for fresh if you're short on time.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Versatility at its best—peas, carrots, corn, and beans make the casserole colorful and nutritious.
Eggs: They help bind all the ingredients so the casserole sets nicely when baked.
Cooked Rice: Adds heartiness and soaks up all the creamy sauce; I love using long grain white rice cooked in chicken broth for a flavor boost.
Seasonings (Garlic Salt, Mustard Powder, Italian Seasoning, Pepper): These kick up the flavor without overpowering the veggies.
Ritz Crackers & Butter (Topping): The secret to a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts againt the creamy base perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this creamy vegetable casserole recipe is how forgiving it is. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand or swap the rice for quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb version.

Variation: One winter, I swapped the frozen mixed veggies for fresh sautéed mushrooms and kale—it was a hit and gave the dish an earthy, green boost I still crave.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based sour cream and cheese alternatives, swap the eggs for a flax "egg," and make your own creamy mushroom sauce for a delicious plant-based twist.
Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or cooked lentils for a heartier meal that stands alone without sides.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe

A white round dish filled with a creamy vegetable casserole that has three main layers: the base is soft rice mixed with small pieces of colorful vegetables like yellow corn, green beans, orange carrots, and peas, the middle layer includes bright green broccoli florets scattered throughout, and the top layer is a thick, crunchy golden-brown crust made of crumbs. A spoon lifts a scoop of the creamy rice and vegetable mixture, showing the soft texture inside with the crisp crust around the edges. The dish sits on a black marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften Onions and Build the Sauce

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add your finely diced yellow onions. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they're soft and translucent — I like to stir occasionally and keep the heat moderate to avoid browning. Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and all your seasonings. Mix until everything’s smooth and combined. Adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese at this point helps melt it down into the sauce, adding a beautiful sharpness that makes this casserole sing.

Step 2: Warm the Vegetables and Let Cool Slightly

Add the frozen broccoli and mixed veggies directly into your sauce. Let them warm through gently on the stove. This step thaws the veggies and blends their flavors with the creamy base. Remember to remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when mixed in, so take your time here!

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Rice, Transfer to Casserole Dish

Stir in your whisked eggs and cooked rice. The eggs will bind everything together beautifully, while the rice adds that satisfying heft. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Scatter the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top — this layer will bake into a luscious, melty blanket.

Step 4: Bake, Top with Crackers, and Finish

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. While it bakes, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter—this topping is what gives the dish that irresistible golden crunch. After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly, then bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling gently around the edges.

Top Tip

From my years making this creamy vegetable casserole recipe, I've found a few tricks that really boost the dish from good to unforgettable.

Cook Rice in Broth: Cooking your rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory flavor—trust me, it makes a big difference.
Don't Skip Cooling the Sauce Before Eggs: Pouring hot sauce over eggs too soon often leads to scrambled lumps. Letting the sauce cool briefly keeps the texture silky and smooth.
Use Sharp Cheddar: A sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy punch that balances the creaminess and sweet veggies.
Try Alternative Toppings: If you're craving variety, sprinkling crispy fried onions or parmesan panko on top can add exciting textures and flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe

A white pot filled with a thick creamy mixture of white sauce with small dark specks, smooth and slightly swirled on the surface. Next to it, the same pot shows the white creamy mixture topped with a generous layer of bright orange shredded cheese, piled unevenly but covering most of the top. A red and white spatula rests inside the pot, partially covered with the creamy mixture in both images. The background is changed to a black marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving. It’s a simple touch, but the freshness contrasts so well with the richness of the casserole. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes add a nice little kick if the crowd likes some heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty, but I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted or steamed asparagus also complements it beautifully, offering a fresh, light side to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or potlucks, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—everyone gets their own bubbling cheesy dish! You could also layer this casserole with sliced tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for added flair and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I've found that storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through—that crispy topping softens but the casserole stays creamy and delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well! Assemble and bake it, then let it cool completely before freezing in portions. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly. The texture stays surprisingly good if you avoid overcooking when reheating.

Reheating

To keep the topping crispy, I reheat leftovers uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but the texture won't be quite as crisp on top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this creamy vegetable casserole recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh veggies, steam or sauté them until they’re almost tender to ensure they cook fully in the casserole. Avoid overcooking to keep them vibrant and not mushy.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade version using a simple roux, mushrooms, and broth. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup works as a similar creamy base. There are also dairy-free or lower-sodium canned alternatives available.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking and add a bit more baking time to ensure it’s heated all the way through.

What if I don’t eat eggs—can I omit them?

The eggs act as a binder to help the casserole set. If you want to omit eggs, you could try an egg substitute like a flax egg or chia egg. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly softer without eggs.

Final Thoughts

This creamy vegetable casserole recipe is one of those dishes that feels like comfort food and good nutrition all wrapped up in one pan. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving an easy weeknight meal, this casserole delivers on both flavor and ease. Give it a try—you’ll probably find it popping up on your table again and again, just like I do!