Mouthwatering Vegetarian Noodle Casserole Recipe
Hark, dear reader! I come bearing a recipe for a dish that will satiate your appetite and fill your soul with warmth and comfort! My dear friends, let me present to you the wonderful world of Vegetarian Noodle Casserole!
As a chef who values the importance of wholesome ingredients in my dishes, I have crafted this recipe with utmost care and consideration. This casserole is brimming with garden-fresh vegetables like broccoli florets, red bell pepper, celery ribs, and onions. And what’s more? It is delightfully creamy and cheesy!
Now, some of you may shy away from noodle casseroles because of their reputation for being laden with heavy cream sauces and fatty meats. But rest assured, my friends! This vegetarian noodle casserole is a healthier take on the classic casserole.
Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily make it vegan by using plant-based substitutes for butter, milk, and cheese.
So why don’t you put on your apron and join me in the kitchen as we embark on this culinary adventure together? This Vegetarian Noodle Casserole recipe will surely become a staple on your dinner table in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whilst partaking in your culinary endeavors, truly delicious, nutritional vegetarian dishes can be challenging to engineer. Nevertheless, we assure you that this “Vegetarian Noodle Casserole Recipe” is a finger-licking vegan delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
If you’re searching for an energizing feast that is both appetizing and hassle-free, then this is the recipe for you. Expect loads of nourishing ingredients such as broccoli floret, red bell pepper, celery rib, onion, and sharp cheddar cheese that will delight your palate and offer an array of health benefits.
This vegetable noodle casserole recipe caters to everyone’s preferences, featuring a rich and full blend of flavors both creamy and cheesy. With its succulent aroma billowing throughout the home or the kitchenette, it guarantees ease on stressful evenings when being healthy seems challenging.
What makes this recipe perfect isn’t just the easy-to-find ingredients elevated by the essential dairy products like milk and butter that make it oh so hearty but also that it offers a future repeat meal opportunity especially when served at large family gatherings or dinner parties.
After taking only 30 minutes for preparation with minimal tools and quick steps to follow suit, the end result won’t fail to amaze those who are true gastronomic warriors seeking delectable vegan cuisine. Whether eaten fresh out of the oven or reheated later as prepared leftovers, we guarantee satisfaction from first bite to last.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this delicious vegetarian noodle casserole:
- 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 and 1/2 cups of milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 can (10 and 3/4 ounces) of condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted (or vegan cream of broccoli soup)
- 1 can (10 and 3/4 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted (or vegan cream of chicken soup)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or vegan cheddar cheese), optional
Note: For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan condensed soups.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles. You can also substitute the egg noodles with spiralized vegetable noodles such as zucchini or sweet potato noodles.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get into the details of putting your vegetarian noodle casserole together. Follow these instructions carefully and enjoy the delicious results!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 10 ounces of egg noodles
- 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery rib, coarsely chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
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Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add in the onion, red bell pepper, and celery rib to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
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Next, add in the chopped broccoli florets and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until they are tender.
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Now it’s time to make the sauce! In a bowl, mix together the condensed cream of broccoli soup and milk until it is well combined.
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Add the sauce to the skillet with the vegetables and noodles. Mix everything together until evenly coated with sauce.
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Transfer everything to a lightly greased casserole dish (9×13 inches).
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Bake in your preheated oven for around 25 – 30 minutes or until it is heated through and bubbly hot.
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When finished baking, remove from oven & let it cool down for few minutes before serving.
Time To Enjoy!
The hardest part about making this vegetarian noodle casserole is waiting for it to finish cooking! Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving up a hearty helping.
This recipe will make about six servings so there’s plenty to go around for everyone at the table (plus extra leftovers if you’re lucky!). This is an excellent recipe for a quick dinner or lunch that will fill you up without taking too much time out of your day.
Enjoy your delicious vegetarian noodle casserole and don’t forget to experiment with different variations by adding some personal touches that might become part of this recipe!.
Substitutions and Variations
Kind sirs and gentlewomen, do not falter at the thought of limitations regarding ingredients. Forsooth, fret not! We have many substitutions and variations that you can employ to create a delightful noodle casserole that suits your palette. Whether you are a humble vegan, a faithful vegetarian or simply crave some exciting change to the original recipe, we have compiled an exquisite list of substitutions that will elevate your dish.
Firstly, for our vegetarian friends who cannot tolerate any meat or animal by-products, we have some tremendous news! You can swap the condensed cream chicken soup with condensed cream of broccoli soup, and voila! A creamy and velvety vegetable noodle casserole is at your gentle mercy!
Moreover, if you wish to add some savoury protein without compromising on your preferred diet, you may replace tuna in tuna noodle casserole with some chickpea or peanut butter. This substitution is apt for vegans who wish to keep their meal wholesome and healthy.
In addition, use ham instead of tuna in tuna noodle casserole to make a lip-smacking chicken noodle casserole or even use the chickpeas or peanut butter as mentioned before.
Furthermore, for our patrons looking for substitutes for egg noodles, we present to thee a rare version of a vegan noodle casserole using Rotini pasta. Blend this pasta with butter, olive oil and vegetables, and it will leave you with mouth-watering creamy veggies noodles that are just sinfully scrumptious!
Indeed my dearest readers, whether it is the Garden Vegetable Noodle Casserole with H-E-B or the Vegan Potpie Noodle Casserole from Foxy’s Rockin Kitchen; there are countless alterations for each dietary requirement. We hope these suggestions inspire you to build an even more imaginative dish suitable for your palate!
Serving and Pairing
Librarianship hath taughteth me many a thing, and one lesson that I learneth is to always paireth a delicious meal with a wine that doth complement thy flavors. This vegetarian noodle casserole is quite the versatile dish that may be servedeth with many sides and drinks.
To starteth, thee may accompany this casserole with a refreshing salad of mixed greens, diced tomatoes or cucumbers drizzled with a light vinaigrette dressing. For those who seeketh an extra crunch, thy serving may be garnished with toasted almond slices or walnuts or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for added texture.
Now, thou may asketh what beverage doth pair well with your vegetable-noodle dish? The answer, my friend, is simple – thee may serve this casserole alongside a dry white wine or light red wine. A crisp Pinot Grigio shall cut through the creaminess and accentuate the freshness of thy vegetables in the casserole. If wine doth not pique thy interest, fear not for there are always other options! A refreshing glass of iced tea or even a fruit smoothie shall complement the flavors of thy dish.
Forsooth, this healthy vegetarian noodle casserole is quite filling and can standeth alone as thy main dish. Thou may add some freshly baked bread or dinner rolls if thou art still hungry. Elsewise, serve it on bed of quinoa or brown rice for those seekingeth an additional nutrient-rich grain side.
Heed these tips well when serving thy scrumptious vegetable noodle casserole!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Harken, for I have some tidings to share about the make-ahead, storing and reheating of this splendid vegetarian noodle casserole recipe!
If thou art prepping this dish ahead of time, I suggest thou complete all steps until the baking stage. Cover it well with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours ere baking it.
In terms of storing this delectable casserole, store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Thou mayest reheat individual servings in thine oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit till it’s heated thoroughly. Thou canst also reheat said servings in a microwave for one or two minutes on HIGH.
If thou art fond of meal-prepping for the week ahead, allow me to bestow upon thee some wisdom. Cook up a double batch of this palatable casserole, then portion it into individual lidded containers. Store ’em in the fridge or freezer for quick grab-n-go meals throughout the week.
Furthermore, shouldst thou wish to freeze an entire casserole or portions thereof so thou may savor it nigh indefinitely, simply cover it well with foil/ plastic wrap then placed wrapped container in a heavier-duty freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When thou wishest to enjoy said casserole at a later time, thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight ere baking as directed.
Remember these tips, for they shall certainly help thee preserve and serve this savory vegetarian noodle casserole recipe in its most splendid form!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a veggie noodle casserole, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best outcome. Here are my recommendations for making this dish truly shine:
Firstly, try to use fresh vegetables whenever possible. This will ensure that your veggies have the best texture and flavor. Additionally, make sure you chop your vegetables uniformly so that they cook evenly.
When boiling your noodles, add a teaspoon of salt to the water prior to cooking. This will help give the noodles added flavor.
Another tip is to slightly undercook your noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven while the casserole is baking.
For a creamier texture, use full-fat milk instead of low-fat or skim milk. You can also experiment with adding different spices or herbs to the milk mixture for added flavor.
If you want your casserole to have a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top of the mixture before placing it in the oven.
Lastly, let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This will allow time for the casserole to set and for all of the flavors to come together harmoniously.
By following these tips, you can create a perfect veggie noodle casserole every time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
Thou art now equipped with all the information needed to create the ultimate vegetarian noodle casserole that will appease both thy hunger and thy ethical standards. Whether thou art a seasoned cooking expert or a novice, this recipe shall provide thee with a nutritious and delicious meal that is sure to please. The combination of noodles, vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
So do not hesitate to give this recipe a try, and add it to thy collection of go-to vegetarian casserole recipes. And if ever thou art contemplating forsaking the meat in thine meals, remember that thou dost not need to sacrifice taste and satisfaction. With recipes like this one, thou can still indulge in hearty, scrumptious dishes while maintaining a meat-free diet.
In conclusion, I bid thee adieu and encourage thee to give this vegetarian noodle casserole recipe a go. May it bring thee joy, nourishment, and contentment with every bite!
Vegetarian Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped broccoli floret
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped yellow squash
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the noodles until just tender by following the package directions; drain and transfer noodles to a large bowl.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat; add in the onion and next 4 ingredients; stir/saute for about 8 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Reduce heat to low; add in the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until the cheese melts.
- Pour mixture over the noodles; toss until well blended.
- Transfer mixture to a 2 quart casserole that has been lightly coated with cooking spray; cover and bake in a 350° oven for 15 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and melted butter, toss to combine.
- Distribute evenly over the top of the casserole; bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the top of casserole is slightly crusty.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.