Are you still craving something warm and comforting this time of year but also thinking ahead to summer weather and wanting to eat a bit lighter? Enter the vegetarian casserole! All the comfort of a traditional casserole with a little less of the guilt. Even if you aren’t always a meatless eater, incorporating in more plant based options in your menus will do nothing but good things!
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parm is always a favorite when those delicious purple beauties are in abundance out in the garden but really it will be a hit anytime of the year. This recipe from Gimme Some Oven is lighter because the eggplant is breaded and baked instead of fried. Optional but highly recommended are the steps of peeling your eggplant and “sweating” it ahead of time. This is just slicing and salting the pieces and letting them sit about 30 min. This helps to get out any bitterness in the eggplant and is definitely worth the extra effort! Pair your cheesy eggplant parmesan with a light spinach or arugula salad!
Huevos Rancheros
Feeling a little sweet and a little spicy and have some extra eggs to use up? Huevos Rancheros is a traditional breakfast dish that is hearty and delicious enough for dinner too! This recipe from The Kitchn is packed with protein between the beans, the eggs and the avocado. You can make your own sauce or go store bought if you are crunched for time.
Mushroom Bolognese Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This beautiful recipe from The Roasted Root uses mushrooms instead of meat for the Bolognese and spaghetti squash instead of noodles. It’s a vegetarian and gluten free meal that feels rich while staying healthy! It takes a bit more time as there are multiple steps to prepping but you can also make it ahead of time (I’m thinking Sunday) and the flavors will be even more delicious the next day when you really don’t feel like cooking!
French Onion Soup Casserole
This French onion soup casserole from The Seasoned Mom isn’t a light dish but definitely one to save for when you are feeling like something a bit more decadent. It will shine as a side dish as well as a main course paired with a crisp salad. You can also prepare some of it in advance to make mealtime easier.
Cheesy Vegan Potato & Broccoli Casserole
For those of you looking for not just vegetarian but also vegan, this comforting dish from I Love Vegan will hit the spot. A little extra effort goes into preparing the creamy cheesy vegan sauce but you wont regret it!
Hope you feel inspired to try something a little new for dinner this upcoming week, Happy Cooking!
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