Very Cheesy Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining soybeans, rice, mushrooms, and herbs, topped with tomatoes and Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners or vegetarian gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cooked soybeans ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 4 lightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. Ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs in butter until the onion is soft.
- Combine all ingredients except the sliced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
- Spread the mixture in a large, buttered oblong pan.
- Top with sliced tomatoes.
- Combine Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of Ricotta and cottage cheese. You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. If you’re looking to reduce calories, opt for reduced-fat cheeses. Adding spinach or kale can boost the nutritional value. Ensure the mushrooms are well-cooked before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Very Cheesy Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve it with a side of garlic bread. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, and can be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main or a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very Cheesy Casserole contains roughly 849 calories, with 30g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I add different vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just ensure that any additional vegetables are cooked beforehand to prevent excess moisture and maintain the casserole's texture.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).