Creamy Mexican Yellow Squash Casserole
This delightful Creamy Mexican Yellow Squash Casserole is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and rich flavors, ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The diced yellow squash and onions are sautéed to perfection and combined with sharp Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, elevated by the unique touch of chopped green chilies. Topped with a creamy cottage cheese mix, this casserole is both comforting and satisfying. Serve it as a main dish or side and watch everyone polish their plates!
6
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow squash
1.5 lbs (diced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
chopped green chilies
1 (4.5 ounce) can (drained)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
egg
1 (beaten)
cottage cheese
1 cup (none)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow squash and onion, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the pepper, salt, chopped green chilies, and flour, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4
Transfer the squash mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, ensuring it's evenly spread out. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, cottage cheese, and parsley until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the Monterey Jack layer.
6
Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mexican Yellow Squash Casserole?
It is a flavorful dish featuring diced yellow squash and onions sautéed and combined with Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, finished with a creamy cottage cheese topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Is this squash casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Monterey Jack cheese, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much yellow squash is required?
You will need 1.5 lbs of diced yellow squash.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to cook the vegetables before baking?
Yes, the diced yellow squash and onion should be sautéed in butter for 5-7 minutes until soft before assembly.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, the 4.5 ounce can of chopped green chilies should be drained.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
A tablespoon of all-purpose flour is mixed with the vegetables to help thicken the juices during baking.
How is the creamy topping made?
The topping is made by whisking together one egg, one cup of cottage cheese, and two tablespoons of chopped parsley.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium-sized diced onion.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use Pepper Jack for more heat or mild Cheddar as an alternative.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used in the cottage cheese mixture.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter for sautéing the vegetables.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the mixture is bubbly.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the texture of this casserole?
It has a creamy, cheesy texture with tender chunks of squash and onion.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side?
It can be served as either a vegetarian main dish or a satisfying side dish.
How much cottage cheese is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cottage cheese.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, the salt and pepper amounts are suggested but can be adjusted to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this casserole.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple sautéing and layering.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the squash mixture should be transferred into a lightly greased casserole dish.
Does this dish have a lot of sodium?
The specific sodium count isn't listed, but it contains 1 teaspoon of salt plus sodium from the cheeses and canned chilies.
How should I let it cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the layers set.