Are you tired of bland, boring diabetic-friendly meals that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your dinner table with this mouthwatering Cottage Cheese Vegetable Casserole that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious! Packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich cottage cheese, and a golden, cheesy top, this recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance while keeping your blood sugar in check.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Wash and chop all vegetables: broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, shredded low-fat cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Fold the sautéed vegetables into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm as a nutritious main dish or side.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Chop all vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: When sautéing, keep them slightly crisp to maintain nutritional value and prevent a mushy texture.
- Low-Fat Cheese Matters: Choose a high-quality, low-fat shredded cheese to keep the dish diabetic-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Seasoning Hack: Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. Consider adding dried herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor complexity.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Portion Control: The recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for meal planning and tracking nutritional intake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
