Vegetable Cheese Casserole
A comforting and colorful casserole packed with fresh broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. A creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese base and a golden mozzarella topping make this a satisfying, guilt-free meal.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease an 8x8 inch or a similar 2-quart baking dish.
Sauté the vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetables cool slightly.
Combine the casserole filling
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg lightly.
- Add the cottage cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the slightly cooled cooked vegetables.
- Mix in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly combined.
Assemble and bake the casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the vegetables on the stovetop, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- 2This casserole is great for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 3Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have. Mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower would also work well.
- 4For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the vegetable mixture for a protein and fiber boost.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your cottage cheese is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Finely chop the vegetables so they blend in more. You can also add 1/2 cup of sweet corn for a touch of sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and A, as well as minerals like potassium.
Good Source of Protein
With cottage cheese, egg, and mozzarella, this casserole is a great source of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and keeping you full.
High in Fiber
The vegetables contribute a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy meal. It's packed with vegetables, providing vitamins and fiber. Using low-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella keeps the fat content in check while offering a good amount of protein.
