Savory Christmas Eve Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Christmas Eve Beef Casserole is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and Italian herbs. Perfect for a festive dinner, it’s hearty yet wholesome and can easily be adapted for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (can substitute with yellow squash)
• 2 cups bell peppers (any variety; red or orange for sweetness)
• 1 cup mushrooms (can swap with cauliflower florets)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (substitute with cottage cheese for lower fat)
• 2 large eggs (for vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (substitute with mozzarella or dairy-free cheese for vegan)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your Instant Pot to the sauté function.
2. Step 2: Sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Mix the sautéed vegetables with spinach, ricotta, eggs, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
4. Step 4: Grease the casserole dish or Instant Pot inner pot, then spread the vegetable mixture evenly inside.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or cook on high pressure in the Instant Pot for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use yellow squash instead of zucchini for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Swap mushrooms with cauliflower florets to add a different texture.
• For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use dairy-free cheese.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for extra freshness.
• Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture and assemble it in the dish the day before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure any cheese or seasoning blends you use are certified gluten-free.

Savory Christmas Eve Beef Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

This Savory Christmas Eve Beef Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring sautéed vegetables, creamy ricotta, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a festive holiday meal, this casserole combines zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach with Italian seasoning and eggs to create a wholesome and comforting dish that can be adapted for various dietary preferences.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (oven) or 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
• Total Time: 45 minutes (oven) or 25 minutes (Instant Pot, including sautéing and resting)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 medium Zucchini (Can substitute with yellow squash)
• 2 cups Bell Peppers (Any variety; red or orange for sweetness)
• 1 cup Mushrooms (Can swap with cauliflower florets)
• 2 cups Spinach (Fresh or frozen)

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Substitute with cottage cheese for lower fat)
• 2 large Eggs (For vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Substitute with mozzarella or dairy-free cheese for vegan)

Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Olive Oil (for sautéing, approximately 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven or Prepare Instant Pot: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or set your Instant Pot to the sauté function if using this method.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan or in the Instant Pot sauté mode; add zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with spinach, ricotta cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until all components are evenly incorporated.
4. Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease your casserole dish or the inner pot of the Instant Pot thoroughly to prevent sticking. Spread the vegetable and cheese mixture evenly across the dish or pot.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture for a gooey, golden finish once cooked.
6. Cook the Casserole: For oven baking, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. For Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then use quick release to remove pressure.
7. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to set and cool slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash and mushrooms with cauliflower florets according to availability or preference.
• For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Use fresh or frozen spinach based on what you have on hand.
• If lowering fat content, substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese.
• This casserole can be cooked either in the oven or the Instant Pot for convenience and time-saving.

Keywords: Christmas casserole, beef casserole, holiday dinner, baked vegetables, ricotta cheese, cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, vegetarian casserole