If you’re looking for a comforting yet nutritious dish that feels like a hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of crispy on top without any heavy cream or cheese weighing it down. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser to share, this casserole hits all the right notes and keeps things wholesome.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Healthy: No heavy creams or cheeses—just fresh veggies and a creamy cornstarch sauce.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making it super accessible.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters in my house gobble this up without hesitation.
Versatile Meal: Great for weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy weekend dinner.

A white oval dish filled with a baked broccoli and mushroom casserole, showing about three layers: the bottom layer is steamed broccoli with bright green stalks and dark green tops, the middle layer has cooked brown mushrooms with a soft texture, and the top layer is a golden-brown crispy breadcrumb topping that covers the vegetables unevenly. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping up some broccoli and mushroom pieces. The dish sits on a round wooden board, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole, healthy vegetable casserole, easy broccoli mushroom bake, nutritious mushroom and broccoli dish, wholesome casserole recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays its part in balancing flavors and textures—fresh, tender broccoli and earthy mushrooms, wrapped in a lightly spiced, creamy sauce and topped with crispy whole-wheat panko for that satisfying crunch.

Flat lay of cooked, diced turkey pieces, fluffy cooked white rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy condensed mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of thick mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely diced white onion, a small white ceramic bowl with finely diced celery stalks, a small white ceramic bowl of pale slivered almonds, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarsely crushed golden Ritz crackers, a small white ceramic bowl with melted yellow butter, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, salt and black peppercorns scattered lightly for seasoning, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole, healthy vegetable casserole, easy broccoli mushroom bake, nutritious mushroom and broccoli dish, wholesome casserole recipe

Broccoli Florets: Fresh is best for texture and flavor; I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin for the best taste and health benefits.
Garlic Cloves: Mince these finely to infuse the dish with that subtle, aromatic punch.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed gently.
Button Mushrooms: Cleaned and sliced, they bring a lovely earthiness.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the casserole a mild smoky warmth without overpowering the veggies.
Low-fat Milk (or milk of choice): I’ve used almond and oat milk here, and both work beautifully if you want dairy-free.
Cornstarch: Key to thickening the sauce while keeping it light.
Sea Salt and Pepper: Adjust to your taste to bring out the natural flavors.
Whole-Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs: Toasted for that irresistible golden topping, or use gluten-free if you prefer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this casserole to match whatever mood or ingredients I have on hand. It’s very forgiving and you can easily make it your own.

Adding Cheese: When I want a richer treat, a sprinkle of parmesan or sharp cheddar right before baking amps up the comfort factor.
Protein Boost: Toss in some cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas to make it a heartier one-dish meal.
Spice it Up: Swap smoked paprika for a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you like a little kick.
Seasonal Greens: I’ve replaced broccoli with asparagus or kale when in season—still delicious!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and ensure your milk and seasonings align to your dietary needs.

How to Make Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Steam the Broccoli

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 2-quart baking dish—this little step saves you from any sticking later. Then, steam those broccoli florets just until tender; it’s tempting to overcook but you want them firm enough to hold their shape in the casserole, not mushy. I like to use a steaming basket over boiling water and cover it tightly—about 5 minutes usually does the trick here.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

While the broccoli steams, heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté diced onions until they’re soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic, mushrooms, and smoked paprika. Stir occasionally so the mushrooms release their juices and caramelize gently—this 5-6 minute step builds amazing flavor layers you’ll notice the moment you take a bite.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, for the magic creamy sauce without cream: whisk together your milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a small pot over medium heat. Be patient here and keep whisking until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes—the cornstarch is your secret weapon for silky smoothness that’s light. Pour this over the broccoli and mushroom mixture in your casserole dish and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 4: Toast and Add the Breadcrumbs

Clean your pan with a paper towel and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Toast the whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden and crisp—it only takes a couple of minutes but adds a wonderful crunch to top off the casserole. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over your dish.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for around 30 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce bubbling gently on the sides. When it comes out, it’s warm, creamy, and so inviting—you’ve got yourself a winner in the kitchen.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Don’t Oversteam Broccoli: I learned the hard way that mushy broccoli ruins the texture—steaming until just tender keeps that perfect bite.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: Toasting in a dry pan brings out the nuttiness and keeps them crunchy after baking.
Constant Whisking for Sauce: To avoid lumps in your cornstarch-based sauce, whisk continuously until thickened.
Fresh Mushrooms Matter: Using fresh over canned mushrooms adds such depth; avoid frozen here as it can get watery.

How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a baked broccoli and mushroom casserole. The dish has a crispy, golden brown breadcrumb topping scattered unevenly across the surface. Underneath the topping are green broccoli florets mixed with browned mushrooms and soft cooked onions, creating a mix of green and brown colors. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl with roasted mushroom slices and broccoli on it. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with red stripes partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole, healthy vegetable casserole, easy broccoli mushroom bake, nutritious mushroom and broccoli dish, wholesome casserole recipe

Garnishes

I like finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—they add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that brightens every bite. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I often pair this casserole with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside some roasted sweet potatoes. It’s also fantastic with quinoa or a bit of crusty whole-grain bread to mop up any creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins or a cast-iron skillet—everyone gets their own crispy-topped portion which always feels extra cozy and festive. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil over the top once baked took it to the next level once when I had guests over, and it was a huge hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I find reheating in the oven keeps the crispy topping intact better than the microwave, which can make breadcrumbs soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to refresh the crisp topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Using unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly for the sauce. Just ensure your milk of choice is low-fat or unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced and the casserole creamy without heaviness.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day before baking—just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When ready, remove the cover and bake it as directed. This makes it a great dish for busy days or meal prepping.
What can I serve with this casserole to make it a full meal?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, or roasted root vegetables. Adding a lean protein, such as grilled chicken or beans, rounds it out nicely for a balanced plate.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but I recommend thawing and draining it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery. Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Broccoli Mushroom Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like you’re indulging without the guilt. I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and they keep asking for more—which is always a good sign! Whether you’re just starting with healthier dinners or looking for a vibrant vegetable side that impresses, this casserole should definitely be in your rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly delicious healthy can be.