Tomato and Fennel Casserole

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Tomato and Fennel Casserole is a comforting, vegetarian-friendly dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious. Sweet onions and tender fennel are sautéed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and a blend of oregano and basil, creating a rich, tangy base. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and optional parmesan cheese, this oven-baked casserole strikes the perfect balance of savory and crisp. It's easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time, and serves as a versatile main course or hearty side dish for any occasion. Garnished with fresh parsley, this casserole is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-pan wonder is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, flavor-packed meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 1 large fennel bulb
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 6 medium fresh tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Thinly slice the onion and fennel bulb. Mince the garlic and dice the tomatoes into small pieces.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel slices, cooking until softened, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Transfer the tomato and fennel mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and optional parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1485.2 grams (1485.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1185

Total Fat 63.00g	81%
Saturated Fat 17.50g	88%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.90g
Cholesterol 53mg	18%
Sodium 3367mg	146%
Total Carbohydrate 123.80g	45%
Dietary Fiber 26.30g	94%
Total Sugars 46.10g
Protein 45.00g	90%

Vitamin D 13IU	64%
Calcium 1067mg	82%
Iron 10mg	55%
Potassium 3891mg	83%

*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: 45.6%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 39.9%