Sunday Creamy Tomato Vegetable Casserole

Name: Sunday Creamy Tomato Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love preparing this Sunday Creamy Tomato Vegetable Casserole as a cozy weekend dish. The vibrant vegetables and creamy tomato sauce blend together perfectly, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul. Each ingredient complements the others, infusing the casserole with delightful flavors. I often find myself sneaking in extra veggies for a nutritional boost, and the creamy texture makes it a hit with both friends and family. Whether served as a main or a side, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:37:36.425Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen last Sunday, I decided to whip up a casserole that not only satisfied my cravings but also utilized the abundance of vegetables I had on hand. The result was a fantastic creamy tomato vegetable casserole that was rich in flavor and easy to prepare. I found that roasting the vegetables before adding them to the casserole enhanced their natural sweetness, which complemented the creamy tomato base perfectly.

What makes this dish special is the ability to customize it with whatever vegetables you have available. Whether it's zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach, the casserole adapts beautifully. I often serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, which elevates the flavors even more. It's comfort food at its finest!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that feels indulgent but is packed with veggies.
Versatile recipe that allows you to use any seasonal vegetables.
Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings, offering a complete meal in one dish.

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility when it comes to vegetables. While the recipe includes broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, feel free to swap in your preferred seasonal vegetables. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding zucchini or butternut squash. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can also be excellent additions, but be sure to sauté them lightly before mixing them into the casserole to reduce excess moisture that could make it soggy.

It's essential to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. The broccoli florets should be bite-sized, while the carrots can be sliced thinly to balance cooking times. Keep in mind that heartier vegetables like sweet potatoes might need a longer roasting time, so you may want to roast them before adding them to the dish.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy tomato sauce is what truly elevates this casserole. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for brighter flavor; San Marzano tomatoes are my personal favorite for their sweetness and low acidity. When combining the tomatoes with the heavy cream, ensure to stir gently over low heat to avoid curdling. The goal is to create a smooth and glossy texture—look for a slight simmer rather than a vigorous boil to maintain that creaminess.

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream or use a plant-based cream alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut cream. The flavor will differ slightly, so taste and adjust seasonings as necessary to balance the sauce.

Serving and Storing the Casserole

This casserole is best served hot out of the oven, when the cheese is perfectly bubbly and the breadcrumbs have a nice golden crunch. Consider garnishing each serving with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, assemble it without baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before baking to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large casserole dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a bowl, toss the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes until tender.

Combine the Sauce

In a separate pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat it up on low heat until just warmed through.

Assemble the Casserole

In the greased casserole dish, layer the roasted vegetables and pour the creamy tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and breadcrumbs evenly across the dish.

Bake

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve warm, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs if available!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this casserole with any leftover vegetables you have. Adding extra cheese or spices can also enhance the flavor!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your casserole comes out watery, it’s likely due to excess moisture from the vegetables. Always ensure to roast your veggies long enough to evaporate some of their water content. If you forget and find your dish too soupy after baking, consider sprinkling additional breadcrumbs on top to absorb some moisture while adding texture.

Sometimes the cheese might not melt as expected. If this happens, ensure you're using a good quality mozzarella that has a high moisture content. Grating your cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties can also yield better melting properties, leading to that gooey, stretchy texture we're all looking for.

Scaling the Recipe

This casserole is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Simply double or triple the ingredients, keeping the same ratios in mind. Make sure to use a bigger casserole dish or split the mixture into two smaller dishes. If you're using multiple dishes, place them in the oven together, but be aware that you might need to rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking to avoid cold spots.

When scaling time, keep an eye on the baking process—sometimes larger or multiple casseroles might require a few extra minutes in the oven. Always check for that bubbly and golden top to indicate that it’s ready to serve.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to give your casserole a unique twist. For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You could also experiment with different cheese types, such as feta or cheddar, to alter the dish's flavor profile. Each variation can create a different experience while keeping the core components intact.

For an interesting flavor contrast, consider a layer of cooked quinoa or rice at the bottom of the casserole. This not only adds another texture but also makes the dish more filling, perfect for a meatless meal that satisfies. Just be sure to adjust your liquid ratios accordingly if you incorporate grains.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.

→ Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream non-dairy cheese for a vegan option.

→ What can I serve with the casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole unbaked or baked. Just ensure it's well covered, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.