A-B-C Casserole
A creamy vegetable casserole combining broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and water chestnuts, topped with cheese and crunchy crackers, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower according to package directions and drain.
- In a bowl, combine drained asparagus, water chestnuts, Velveeta cheese, and soup; mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 6 x 9-inch dish.
- Dot with melted margarine and sprinkle with crumbled Ritz crackers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or garlic. If you don't have Velveeta, a combination of cream cheese and cheddar can work as a substitute. You can also customize the vegetables by adding frozen peas or corn. This casserole is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for quick dinners or potlucks, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This A-B-C Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. For a comforting dessert, consider making Giant Snickerdoodle Cookies to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A-B-C Casserole contains roughly 574 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 716mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower; just steam them until tender before combining with the other ingredients. Fresh vegetables might require slightly longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the Velveeta cheese, are certified gluten-free to avoid any issues.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. If you do this, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will be going into the oven cold. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).