1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for heartiness)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir in the Dijon mustard and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and the cooked rice or pasta, if using. Pour this vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use cream of mushroom soup instead of making the roux and broth base. Use one 10.5 ounce can of soup, thinned slightly with milk if needed.
If you want a crispier topping, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toss it with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them over the cheese.
This recipe is a great base; substitute your favorite vegetables like green beans or mushrooms.