Broccoli-Bean Casserole
A hearty broccoli and bean casserole with cheesy topping and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting vegetarian main or side dish with savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a small skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of margarine until bubbly.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine blanched broccoli florets, drained white beans, diced pimientos, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the coarsely shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with the remaining margarine and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil in place of oregano. If you don't have white beans, chickpeas or kidney beans can be good substitutes. Blanching the broccoli before mixing helps retain its bright color and crunch. You can also swap margarine for olive oil or butter, depending on your dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or whole grain bread for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete vegetarian dinner. Consider offering a light dessert, such as Virginia Apple Cake, to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will keep the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Bean Casserole contains roughly 996 calories, with 17g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1311mg per serving (57% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute nutritional yeast for cheese to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Additionally, there are various plant-based cheese products available that melt well and can be used in this casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for a great make-ahead meal option!
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).