🥦 Low-Calorie Vegetable Casserole (Healthy & Filling)
✅ Why this recipe works
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High in fiber and vegetables
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Low in calories but not restrictive
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Easy to customize
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Great for family meals or meal prep
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Vegetables
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1 medium zucchini, sliced
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1 medium yellow squash, sliced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup cauliflower florets
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
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1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
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½ cup crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional but recommended)
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¼ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella or
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2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (dairy-free)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Add all chopped vegetables to the dish and mix well.
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In a bowl, mix vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and spices.
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Pour sauce evenly over the vegetables and stir gently.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil, add topping if using, and bake 10–15 more minutes until tender.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔢 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 120–150
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Protein: 4–6 g
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Fiber: 5–7 g
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Fat: 4 g
(Calories vary slightly based on toppings)
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I add protein without adding many calories?
Yes. Add:
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Chickpeas (¼ cup per serving)
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White beans
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Lentils
These keep it filling and nutritious.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, but texture is best if eaten fresh. If freezing:
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Cool completely
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Freeze up to 2 months
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Reheat in oven, not microwave
Q: What vegetables can I swap in?
Great options include:
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Spinach or kale
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Mushrooms
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Green beans
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Carrots
Q: Is this good for teens and families?
Yes 👍
It’s balanced, nourishing, and supports healthy growth—not a diet food.
