Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole

Name: Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups zucchini, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1 cup carrots, grated; 1 cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole when I want to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug. The combination of seasonal vegetables, creamy sauce, and rich cheese makes this casserole not just satisfying but also incredibly comforting. It's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home, providing a delicious way to sneak in those veggies. Plus, the leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a wonderful make-ahead dish for the week ahead.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-01-13T19:28:18.275Z

When I first tried making a vegetable casserole, I was skeptical about how diverse flavors could meld together. To my delight, the blend of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach not only looked vibrant, but tasted fantastic once baked. I also added a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving, which elevated the taste remarkably.

One of my best tips is to mix the vegetables with the sauce before layering them. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. I love how you can customize this dish based on what vegetables you have on hand, making it both versatile and resourceful.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A colorful mix of flavorful vegetables to brighten your meal
Creamy and cheesy goodness that brings everyone together
Perfect for meal prep or as a comforting weekend treat

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Selecting the right vegetables is key to achieving a vibrant and tasty casserole. Seasonal produce not only ensures freshness but also adds various textures and flavors that enhance the final dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots provide a beautiful color palette and a balance of sweetness and earthiness. Feel free to swap in veggies like broccoli or cauliflower based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, making this dish versatile and adaptable.

The combination of sautéed onions and garlic creates a fragrant base that infuses the entire casserole with aromatic depth. Sautéing the vegetables until they start to soften helps lock in nutrients while setting the tone for the casserole’s overall texture. Aim for a slight caramelization, as it adds complexity to the flavors. If you find your vegetables browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low and continue sautéing gently.

The Creamy Sauce Magic

The creamy sauce is what unites all the ingredients, creating a luscious mouthfeel that elevates this casserole. Using heavy cream provides rich flavor and helps achieve that comforting, enveloping texture that makes each bite satisfying. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider substituting half-and-half or evaporated milk, but keep in mind that this may alter the creamy consistency slightly.

Cheese is another star in this dish, with both mozzarella and Parmesan providing essential flavor notes. The mozzarella helps with that gooey stretch, while Parmesan adds a sharp richness that balances the creaminess. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese blends like gouda or fontina for a unique twist. Just remember to shred your cheese fresh; pre-packaged shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients to make this delicious casserole.

Vegetables and Herbs

2 cups zucchini, diced
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup carrots, grated
1 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Sauce

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil

Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Once everything is prepped, you're ready to assemble and bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your tasty casserole.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Then, add zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and spinach, sautéing until they start to soften.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine heavy cream, grated cheeses, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Layer the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sautéed vegetables at the bottom. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and sauce.

Add the Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, sprinkling the mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serve

Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Don't forget to enjoy every mouthful of your creation!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftover roasted veggies for added flavor. For a healthier twist, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option, like Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Just assemble as directed, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to account for the cold casserole. This technique ensures that dinner is a breeze, making your weeknight meals more enjoyable.

Leftovers store beautifully too! Place any remaining casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. When reheating, be sure to do so in the oven to maintain the desired texture; a microwave can leave the breadcrumb topping soggy. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in increments, checking regularly for doneness.

Serving Suggestions

This Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole stands alone as a hearty vegetarian meal, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete dining experience. Adding a light vinaigrette to your salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, making each bite harmonious and balanced.

For a fun variation, consider serving the casserole with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side for added creaminess and tang. Furthermore, you could top the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving to enhance the visual appeal and introduce a burst of fresh flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.

→ What vegetables work best for this recipe?

Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and carrots are great, but you can use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes! The casserole is completely vegetarian and packed with nutrients from the vegetables.