Veg All Casserole With Ritz Crackers

So, you’re staring into the fridge, feeling that familiar rumble in your tummy, but your brain is screaming, “No fancy stuff today!” Sound familiar? Good, because you’ve stumbled upon a culinary gem that’s as comforting as a warm hug from your grandma (the one who always had cookies, not the one who judged your life choices). We’re diving into the glorious world of Veg All Casserole with Ritz Crackers. It’s a retro classic, it’s ridiculously easy, and it’s about to become your new weeknight hero.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, sometimes you just need food that doesn’t demand an hour of chopping or a degree in molecular gastronomy. This casserole? It’s basically the culinary equivalent of putting on your favorite sweatpants after a long day. It’s **idiot-proof**, I swear, even I haven’t messed it up. It takes minimal effort, uses ingredients you probably already have lurking in your pantry (or can grab in one quick grocery run), and the payoff is a creamy, dreamy, crunchy-topped dish that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with anything complicated. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in, even if they’re of the canned variety – no judgment here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a super short shopping list, my friend. This is comfort food at its finest, so we’re not getting fancy. Just simple, delicious components coming together for pure magic.

• **1 (15 oz) can Veg-All Original Mixed Vegetables**, drained. Yes, the can. Embrace it. It’s what makes this casserole authentically awesome.
• **1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup**, undiluted. The OG. Don’t even think about the low-sodium version unless you absolutely have to.
• **1/2 cup milk**. Whole milk is preferred for maximum creaminess, but any milk will do in a pinch.
• **1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter**, melted. Because butter makes everything better, IMO.
• **1 sleeve Ritz crackers**, crushed. The star of the show! Their buttery goodness is non-negotiable.
• **Salt and freshly ground black pepper**, to taste. Don’t be shy!
• **Optional:** A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra oomph.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we’re not judging your culinary attire), let’s get cooking! These steps are so easy, you could probably do them blindfolded (but please don’t).

1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Crank that oven up to 350°F (175°C). Seriously, do it now. Don’t be that person who waits until the last minute.
2. **Mix the Good Stuff:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained Veg-All, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and looks wonderfully creamy.
3. **Pour into Dish:** Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a similar size) lightly. Pour the Veg-All mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Give it a little shake to settle everything.
4. **Crush Those Crackers:** Place your sleeve of Ritz crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush them with your hands, a rolling pin, or even the bottom of a sturdy mug. You want a good mix of crumbs and slightly larger pieces for texture.
5. **Buttery Topping Time:** In a small bowl, melt your butter. Add the crushed Ritz crackers to the melted butter and stir until all the cracker crumbs are nicely coated. This is where the magic happens, people!
6. **Top and Bake:** Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the Veg-All casserole. Now, pop it into your preheated oven.
7. **Golden Perfection:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is gloriously golden brown. That crispy top is everything!
8. **Serve it Up:** Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is practically fail-proof, there are a few rookie errors that can slightly diminish its glory. Let’s make sure you don’t fall victim to them!

• **Forgetting to Drain the Veg-All:** This is crucial. If you don’t drain the veggies, your casserole will be soupy and sad. We want creamy, not swampy.
• **Skimping on the Ritz:** Don’t be tempted to use less than a full sleeve. The buttery, crunchy topping is the crown jewel of this dish. Don’t deprive yourself!
• **Not Preheating the Oven:** Seriously, just do it. An underheated oven means uneven cooking and a topping that might not get perfectly golden. **Patience, young grasshopper!**
• **Over-mixing the Casserole Base:** While you want it combined, don’t vigorously whisk it like you’re trying to prove a point. Gentle stirring is all it needs.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a little rebellious? Want to put your own spin on it? I get it! Here are a few ways to tweak this classic:

• **Different Cream Soup:** Not a fan of mushroom? Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work just as well. They’ll give it a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
• **Add Some Cheese:** Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the Veg-All mixture before baking, or mix it into the cracker topping for an extra gooey layer. Because, cheese.
• **Spice it Up:** A dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a tiny splash of hot sauce can give it a little kick if you like things spicier.
• **Other Crackers:** While Ritz are supreme, in a pinch, you could use similar buttery crackers. Just make sure they have that rich, buttery flavor to complement the casserole.
• **Make it Meaty:** Want to bulk it up? Cooked shredded chicken, a can of tuna (drained!), or even some crumbled cooked sausage would be a welcome addition to the mix. Just add it in with the Veg-All.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! (Mostly.)

1. **Can I use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned Veg-All?** Well, technically yes, but why would you want to mess with perfection? The texture of the canned Veg-All is part of its charm and nostalgia. If you *must* use fresh/frozen, make sure they’re cooked tender-crisp first.
2. **Can I make this ahead of time?** Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (minus the cracker topping) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking for maximum crispness.
3. **My cracker topping isn’t getting golden brown. Help!** Did you preheat your oven? And is your oven temperature accurate? Sometimes a little extra time or a quick minute under the broiler (watch it like a hawk!) can fix this.
4. **Is this casserole freezer-friendly?** Hmm, not ideal. The creamy base can get a bit watery upon thawing, and the cracker topping will lose its glorious crunch. Better to enjoy it fresh!
5. **Can I use margarine instead of butter?** Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter just tastes better, period. Don’t compromise on the good stuff unless you really have no other choice.
6. **What should I serve this with?** Honestly, it’s a meal in itself! But if you’re feeling fancy, a simple green salad or some crusty bread would be delightful.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! A casserole that punches above its weight in flavor and comfort, all while being ridiculously simple to make. This Veg All Casserole with Ritz Crackers isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug, a trip down memory lane, and a testament to the power of humble ingredients. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! And maybe make an extra batch, because it probably won’t last long. Happy cooking!