A Cozy and Nourishing Meal for Chilly Evenings
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty dish straight from the oven. This Fall Veggie Bake Recipe is the perfect meal to embrace the flavors of the season. Packed with seasonal vegetables, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar, it’s a wholesome dish that brings warmth to your dinner table.
If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and delicious recipe that the whole family will love, this Fall Veggie Bake is it! Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for autumn.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, flavor-packed fall recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Loaded with Fall Flavors – Root veggies, aromatic herbs, and rich broth.
✅ Easy One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
✅ Family-Friendly – A dish even picky eaters will love.
✅ Balanced & Nutritious – A great combination of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Ingredients for Fall Veggie Bake
Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth and easy process.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ground beef | 1 lb |
Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Potatoes (diced) | 3 cups |
Carrots (diced) | 2 cups |
Celery (diced) | 1 cup |
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
Beef broth | 1 cup |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
Dried rosemary | 1 tsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the skillet.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the corn kernels, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary for rich autumn flavors.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the veggie and beef mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake Covered
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Add Cheese & Finish Baking
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest & Serve
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your Fall Veggie Bake warm with a side of crusty bread or salad!
What to Serve with Fall Veggie Bake?
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level!
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
🥗 Mixed Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy bake.
🍲 Butternut Squash Soup – A cozy, autumn-inspired pairing.
🍎 Apple Cider or Red Wine – Complements the warm fall flavors beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This Fall Veggie Bake stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Fall Veggie Bake
✔️ Use Fresh Herbs – If you have fresh thyme and rosemary, they add even more depth of flavor.
✔️ Roast the Vegetables First – For extra caramelized flavors, roast the veggies before adding them to the bake.
✔️ Try Different Cheeses – Swap cheddar for gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
✔️ Make It Vegetarian – Replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
✔️ Add a Crunchy Topping – Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan for a crispy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your beef broth and seasonings for hidden gluten.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for extra variety.
6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Fall Recipe!
This Fall Veggie Bake Recipe is the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn. With its hearty combination of beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy this delicious, family-friendly meal tonight! 🍂🍽️
PrintFall Veggie Bake Recipe – A Hearty and Comforting Dish for Autumn
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cozy up with this Fall Veggie Bake, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Packed with ground beef, seasonal vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan wonder is both nutritious and satisfying. Easy to prepare and great for leftovers, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- Stir in diced potatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Add the corn, cooked beef, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly in the dish.
7. Bake Covered
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Add Cheese & Finish Baking
- Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Rest & Serve
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm with crusty bread or a side salad!
Notes
Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Roast the vegetables first for added caramelization.
Try different cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
Make it vegetarian by swapping beef for lentils or chickpeas.
Add a crispy topping with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American