Easy Casserole! Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Eggplant Recipe

Easy Casserole! Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Eggplant Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and unbelievably satisfying dinner idea that practically makes itself — this Easy Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Eggplant Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with veggies, and packed with comforting flavors that hit just right. Perfect for when you want something warm, filling, and simple without standing in the kitchen for hours.

🕓 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Servings: 6

• Cuisine: American comfort food

• Best For: Dinner, family meals, or healthy meal prep

🛒 Ingredients

For the Vegetable Base:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

• 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped

• 1 medium eggplant, diced into small cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, but adds depth)

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping (optional but highly recommended):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Place chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and eggplant on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss everything until well coated.

Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 15 minutes, just until they start to soften and get a light golden edge. This helps remove excess moisture and gives the casserole a rich, roasted flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the veggies are roasting, start the creamy sauce.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute, creating a roux (it should form a smooth paste).

Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens — about 4–5 minutes.

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, turn off the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The cheese should melt beautifully into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — it should be rich and slightly tangy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over them and gently fold everything together until all the veggies are coated evenly.

Spoon the cheesy veggie mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the casserole.

This adds that irresistible golden crust — the best part of any casserole!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.

If you like an extra-crispy topping, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes — but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to scoop out neat servings.

Serve it warm — it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, baked fish, or even as a main course for vegetarian nights.

💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Add protein: Mix in some cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or lentils for a heartier dish.

• Make it low-carb: Skip the flour and thicken your sauce with a little cream cheese or heavy cream instead.

• Vegan option: Swap butter for vegan butter, milk for unsweetened almond milk, and use vegan cheese alternatives.

• Boost flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before baking.

• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• With garlic bread: The cheesy sauce loves a good crusty dipper.

• Over rice or quinoa: Turns into a complete, balanced meal.

• As a side: Goes great with steak, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon.

This casserole is also fantastic for meal prep — portion it into containers for quick weekday lunches.

🧀 Flavor & Texture Notes

Every bite of this dish gives you something to love:

• The broccoli and cauliflower bring earthy crunch.

• The eggplant turns soft and buttery, soaking up all that creamy cheese flavor.

• The cheddar sauce gives it richness, while mozzarella adds that classic stretchy, gooey pull.

• The crispy topping provides a perfect contrast to the soft, creamy base.

It’s basically comfort food with a healthy twist — all the cozy vibes without the guilt.

🧂 Intensity Levels

• Flavor Intensity: Medium — balanced between creamy, cheesy, and slightly earthy.

• Spice Level: Mild (you can add heat with chili flakes or cayenne if you prefer).

• Cooking Skill: Beginner-friendly. If you can roast veggies and whisk sauce, you’re golden.

⚖️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one baking dish — no mess, no stress.

• Packs in 3 powerhouse veggies loaded with vitamins and fiber.

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved — cheesy goodness wins every time.

• Freezes beautifully! Make two casseroles and freeze one for later.

• It’s the kind of cozy, bubbly meal that makes even veggie skeptics go for seconds.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• To Refrigerate: Cool completely, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• To Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until hot throughout.

• To Reheat Individual Portions: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or until warmed through.

🥦 Final Thoughts

This Easy Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Eggplant Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy. With its blend of roasted veggies, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy topping, it’s the kind of dish that hits the sweet spot between healthy and indulgent.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and filling — everything a good casserole should be. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for the week, this recipe is the perfect way to sneak more veggies into your meals while keeping that delicious, homestyle comfort you crave.