Easy Vegetarian Tomato Casserole: A Flavorful & Simple Recipe

Tomato casserole is a classic comfort food, often associated with Southern cuisine, but its appeal transcends regional boundaries. This vegetarian version is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it’s a fantastic way to use up ripe tomatoes. This recipe focuses on simplicity and taste, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Tomato Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients. No fancy techniques are involved, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Vegetarian and Customizable:** It’s naturally vegetarian, and you can easily adapt it to be vegan or gluten-free. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.
* **Flavorful and Comforting:** The combination of ripe tomatoes, herbs, cheese, and a crispy topping creates a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or tofu.
* **Great for Using Up Tomatoes:** If you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden or a farmer’s market, this is the perfect recipe to use them up.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Tomatoes:** The star of the show! Use about 4-5 large ripe tomatoes (approximately 2 pounds). You can use Roma, beefsteak, or any variety you prefer. Canned diced tomatoes (28 ounces) can be substituted in a pinch, but fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor.
* **Onion:** One medium-sized yellow onion, diced. The onion adds a savory depth to the casserole.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and adds a pleasant aroma.
* **Bread:** About 4 slices of bread, cubed. Use day-old bread for the best texture. You can use white bread, whole wheat bread, or even sourdough.
* **Cheese:** 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese provides a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes. You can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole. You can use olive oil as a vegan alternative.
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. These herbs add a classic Italian flavor to the casserole. You can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs, but you’ll need to use about 1 tablespoon of each.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional). Sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the casserole generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious tomato casserole:

**1. Prepare the Tomatoes:**

* Wash and core the tomatoes.
* Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. If using canned diced tomatoes, drain them well.

**2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**

* Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
* Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or olive oil) to the skillet.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**3. Combine the Tomato Mixture:**

* In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

**4. Prepare the Bread Topping:**

* In a separate bowl, combine the cubed bread, melted butter (remaining 2 tablespoons), and shredded cheese. Mix well until the bread is evenly coated.

**5. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Pour the tomato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Spread the bread topping evenly over the tomato mixture.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbly.

**7. Let it Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
* Serve hot as a main course or a side dish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding them to the tomato mixture.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Add a Protein:** For a heartier meal, add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or black beans to the tomato mixture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even goat cheese.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of each herb.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Different Types of Tomatoes:** Heirloom tomatoes offer a variety of colors and flavors. Using a mix of different types of tomatoes can add complexity to the dish.
* **Add Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful or two of pesto into the tomato mixture before baking for added flavor.
* **Top with Parmesan:** After baking, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan) on top for a salty, savory finish.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** After sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar or dry white wine. This will add another layer of flavor to the casserole.
* **Add a layer of ricotta cheese:** Spread a layer of ricotta cheese between the tomato mixture and the bread topping for a creamy and rich addition.

## Serving Suggestions

This tomato casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

* **Main Course:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or a crusty bread.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or vegetarian burgers.
* **Potluck Dish:** This casserole is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.
* **Brunch Dish:** Serve it as part of a brunch spread along with eggs, bacon, and pastries.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover tomato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal due to the bread topping, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the bread topping may be slightly altered after freezing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Serving Size: 1 slice
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 8-10g

## Enjoy Your Delicious Tomato Casserole!

This easy vegetarian tomato casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort food at its finest!