A hearty, comforting, and cheesy vegetable bake that’s packed with flavor! With roasted bell peppers, broccoli, a creamy béchamel sauce, and a golden cheesy crust, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal or a delicious side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Loaded with Healthy Vegetables – A vibrant mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes brings color and nutrients.
✔ Rich & Creamy – The homemade béchamel sauce makes it smooth and indulgent.
✔ Cheesy & Golden – A perfect bubbly, crispy cheese topping for ultimate comfort.
✔ Easy & Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices for a unique twist!
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Base:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
For the Creamy Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (warm)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking continuously until golden and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a greased baking dish.
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the vegetables, ensuring full coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.