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Creamy Veggie (or Chicken + Veggie) Casserole

Updated on 3 min read

Golden, creamy, cheesy, and unbelievably comforting — this is one of those cozy oven bakes that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family-style dinner. You can keep it vegetarian or boost the protein with chicken. Either way, it comes out rich, satisfying, and perfectly set, just like the picture.

⭐ Why This Casserole Is a Winner

  • Creamy without being heavy
  • Packed with vegetables (and optional lean protein)
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Great for leftovers and reheating
  • Customizable for high-protein, low-carb, or family-style eating

🕒 Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 6 generous portions
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30–40 minutes
  • Total Time: ~55 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

🥦 Vegetable Base

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

🍗 Optional Protein Add-In

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
    • Rotisserie, baked chicken breast, or leftover chicken all work

🥚 Creamy Pouring Mixture (The Yellow Sauce)

This is what makes the casserole set beautifully and slice clean.

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half (creamier option)
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Optional flavor boosts:
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • Pinch of nutmeg (classic casserole flavor enhancer)

🧀 Cheese Topping

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese
    • Mozzarella + cheddar is ideal
    • Add a little parmesan for extra depth if desired

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add diced carrots and cook 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Add mushrooms and broccoli. Cook another 4–5 minutes, just until vegetables soften slightly but still have texture.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  7. If using chicken, stir it in now and heat through.

➡️ Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish (9×13-inch or similar).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Egg Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • Eggs
    • Milk or cream
    • Sour cream or yogurt
    • 1 cup grated cheese
    • Salt, pepper, and optional mustard or nutmeg
  2. Whisk until smooth and pale yellow.

➡️ Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the vegetables (just like in the image).

Step 3: Add Cheese & Bake

  1. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
  2. Place dish on the center oven rack.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until:
    • Top is golden and bubbly
    • Center is fully set (no jiggle when gently shaken)

➡️ If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

  • Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  • This helps it set and makes clean portions.

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving – Chicken Version)

  • Calories: ~380–420
  • Protein: ~30–35 g
  • Carbs: ~12–15 g
  • Fat: ~22 g

(Vegetarian version will be slightly lower in protein and calories.)

🔁 Variations & Customizations

High-Protein Version

  • Use skim milk + Greek yogurt
  • Add extra chicken or cooked turkey
  • Use reduced-fat cheese

Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly

  • Skip carrots
  • Use heavy cream instead of milk
  • Add zucchini or spinach

Extra Flavor Ideas

  • Add smoked paprika
  • Stir in pesto or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs after baking

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4 days
  • Reheat: Oven or microwave
  • Freezer: Yes — freeze in portions up to 2 months

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