Dinner

Creamy Vegetable Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

ByHailey Reed December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

This comforting vegetable casserole combines creamy mushroom soup, tender vegetables, and gooey cheddar cheese for a delicious and hearty meal. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

A close-up of a creamy vegetable casserole in a white dish, showing a golden crispy top layer that looks crunchy and crumbly. Underneath, the layers are soft and creamy with a mix of rice or small pasta, yellow corn, orange carrots, green beans, and broccoli florets spread evenly throughout. A silver spoon lifts a scoop from the center of the casserole, highlighting the thick, cheesy texture mixed with colorful vegetables. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
1 tablespoon butter
10.5 oz. condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 heaping cups frozen broccoli
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 large eggs (whisked)
2 cups cooked rice (white long grain recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed, about ¾ sleeve)
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted.
Step 5: Add the frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables, allowing them to heat through. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 6: Stir in the whisked eggs and cooked rice until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 7: Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes. While baking, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh vegetables if preferred; just lightly steam them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
For a vegetarian version, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly.
Try swapping cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Adding cooked chicken or turkey can turn this into a more substantial main course.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cracker topping may soften slightly upon reheating but will still add a nice texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy mixed vegetable rice dish in a white round dish with a golden-brown crispy crust around the edge. The dish has visible layers: the top crispy crust layer with a crunchy texture and orange-yellow color, underneath a creamy, cheesy rice layer with pieces of carrot, corn, green beans, peas, and broccoli. A spoon lifts a thick, creamy scoop of the rice and vegetables from the center, showing a mix of soft and smooth textures with colorful vegetable bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Be sure to steam or sauté them briefly to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole to avoid a soggy dish.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping right before baking for the best texture.