Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables, you'll need about 9 cups total. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until just tender, then drain and pat dry before assembling the casserole. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soupy.

My family doesn't like Velveeta. What's a good substitute?

You can make a simple homemade cheese sauce by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually adding 1½ cups milk. Once thickened, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar, monterey jack, or your favorite melting cheese until smooth.

Can I add other seasonings to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! Try adding ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the vegetables before topping with cheese. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also add a nice flavor dimension without making it spicy.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese, whole grain crackers instead of Ritz, and cut the butter in half. You can also increase the vegetable-to-cheese ratio for fewer calories per serving.

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Cheesy Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) bag broccoli frozen (see note 1); 1 (16 ounce) bag carrots frozen; 1 (16 ounce) bag cauliflower frozen; 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta sliced (see note 2); 1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed (see note 3); 1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)

Description

An easy vegetable casserole recipe featuring a mix of tender broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, topped with rich Velveeta cheese and crispy Ritz cracker crumbs for a comforting and delicious dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

- 1 (16 ounce) bag broccoli frozen (see note 1)
- 1 (16 ounce) bag carrots frozen
- 1 (16 ounce) bag cauliflower frozen

Cheese

- 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta sliced (see note 2)

Topping

1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed (see note 3)
1/4 cup butter, melted (1/2 stick)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the vegetables: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. Stir to combine and microwave uncovered on high until the vegetables are warm, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the microwave-heated vegetables to a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
Layer with cheese: Evenly place the sliced Velveeta cheese over the vegetables, ensuring full coverage.
Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, add crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Toss together to combine evenly.
Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker mixture over the Velveeta cheese layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the cracker topping is golden brown, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Notes

Vegetables: Package sizes might vary slightly. Aim for about 48 ounces total (3 pounds, approximately 9 cups) of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. If substituting fresh vegetables, blanch them in boiling water until tender, then drain and pat dry. Use about 9 cups of chopped fresh vegetables.
Velveeta: If Velveeta is not preferred, you may replace it with a homemade cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
Crackers: For a homemade touch, substitute the crushed Ritz crackers with homemade bread crumbs if desired.
Yield: This recipe makes approximately 12 (1-cup) servings.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup