Creamy Veggie & Cheese Delight Bake
This Creamy Veggie & Cheese Delight Bake is a comforting and nutritious weeknight meal that's perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying vegetarian option. It's a hearty blend of thawed frozen carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower combined with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and gooey melted cheese, all cooked to perfection in your lazy crock pot. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also invites a world of possibilities with leftover meats like grilled chicken, pork, or steak. The creamy sauce seeps into the rice, making each bite a warm hug, while the dish's flavor can easily be adjusted by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Serve it over baked potatoes for a delightful twist, and enjoy a bowl of comfort food that's sure to please everyone at the table!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Carrots, Broccoli, and Cauliflower Blend
4 cups (thawed)
Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
Velveeta Light Processed Cheese
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
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1. Begin by spraying the inside of your crock pot with a butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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2. In the crock pot, add the thawed vegetable blend and finely chopped onion. Stir until the vegetables and onions are well combined.
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3. Pour in the can of Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup and add the cubed Velveeta light processed cheese. Sprinkle with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
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4. Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Cover the crock pot with its lid.
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5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld and develop a creamy sauce.
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6. Once cooked, stir the mixture gently to blend and serve hot over a bed of rice or alongside baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
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OPTION: FOR OVEN BAKING
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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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2. In a large baking dish, combine all the ingredients as mentioned above, stirring to mix well.
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3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the dish and stir it well.
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4. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Veggie & Cheese Delight Bake?
It is a comforting and nutritious vegetarian weeknight meal made with a blend of vegetables, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: frozen veggie blend, onion, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta light cheese, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The dish should be cooked on low for 4 to 6 hours in a crock pot.
Can this recipe be baked in the oven?
Yes, it can be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes total, stirring once after the first 30 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the blend?
The recipe calls for a blend of frozen carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Do I need to thaw the vegetables before cooking?
Yes, the 4 cups of vegetable blend should be thawed.
What kind of cheese is best for this bake?
The recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 cups of cubed Velveeta Light Processed Cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of soup is used for the creamy base?
The recipe uses one 10.75-ounce can of Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup.
How should I prepare the crock pot to prevent sticking?
Spray the inside of the crock pot with a butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray.
What are the serving suggestions for this dish?
It is delicious when served over a bed of rice or alongside baked potatoes.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add leftover meats like grilled chicken, pork, or steak to the bake.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What seasonings are used in the Creamy Veggie & Cheese Delight Bake?
The seasonings include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe as long as you do not add optional meats.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I adjust the flavors of the sauce?
Yes, the flavor can be easily adjusted by adding your favorite spices or herbs.
What is the total baking time in the oven?
The total oven baking time is 50 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Do I need to stir the ingredients during crock pot cooking?
You should stir all ingredients together at the start and then stir gently once more before serving.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a rich, creamy sauce with gooey melted cheese and tender vegetables.
Is this recipe family friendly?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
What size soup can should I use?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for thawed frozen veggies, fresh vegetables can be used if they are cut into small pieces and adjusted for cooking time.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/8 teaspoon of each, or adding to taste.
What makes this dish a good weeknight meal?
It is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and can be cooked hands-free in a slow cooker.
Does the cheese need to be shredded?
No, the cheese should be cubed so it melts evenly into the sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Can I use different types of cream soup?
Yes, while mushroom is suggested, other cream soups like celery or chicken could provide a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it can be easily reheated and served throughout the week.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The ingredient quantities typically serve a small family or provide several side portions.