Hearty Vegetable Casserole

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Vegetable Casserole is a one-dish wonder that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring a vibrant medley of vegetables—like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli—simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with oregano and basil, this casserole delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. A base of wholesome brown rice is topped with the savory vegetable mixture and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. With its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and comforting flavors, this vegetarian delight is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it fresh from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, for a crowd-pleasing dish that's equally healthy and delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced (e.g., red, yellow)
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until transparent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and sliced carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about 7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Mix in the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8

In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked brown rice evenly. Layer the vegetable mixture over the rice.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable layer.

Step 10

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2251.6 grams (2251.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1579

Total Fat 60.20g	77%
Saturated Fat 20.30g	102%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 4131mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate 208.40g	76%
Dietary Fiber 37.90g	135%
Total Sugars 60.90g
Protein 66.40g	133%

Vitamin D 14IU	70%
Calcium 1235mg	95%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 4774mg	102%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.0%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 50.8%