Vegetarian Casserole
This hearty vegetarian casserole combines tender green beans, sweet corn, and crunchy topping for a flavorful, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers creamy, savory notes with a crispy cracker and almond crust that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. can shoepeg corn, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can French-style green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 box Ritz crackers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the shoepeg corn, green beans, chopped celery, bell pepper, onion, sour cream, and cream of celery soup in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart shallow casserole dish.
- Combine the Ritz crackers, melted butter, and slivered almonds in a separate bowl.
- Spoon the cracker mixture evenly onto the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the vegetable mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use low-fat cream of celery soup or even make your own from scratch for a healthier option. This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetarian Casserole is a hearty meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, such as Good Company Salad, or some crusty bread. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. It's perfect for potlucks, and it can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Casserole contains roughly 468 calories, with 10g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (171% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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. Simply assemble all the ingredients, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just remove the wrap and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even homemade croutons as a topping. These alternatives will provide a similar crunch. Just mix them with the melted butter and slivered almonds for added flavor and texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The original recipe isn't gluten-free due to the Ritz crackers. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Always check the labels of your canned goods to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the cream of celery soup.
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).