Description
Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy and comforting plant-based dish combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and rich (plant-based) cheese. This nutritious casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or meal prep, delivering wholesome flavors and a satisfying texture with a golden, crisp breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long-grain or jasmine rice
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 cup plant-based breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. Steam the broccoli until bright green and just soft enough to pierce with a fork. Chop the onion and mince the garlic finely for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Combine the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, creamy (plant-based) cheese, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and plant-based milk. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly blend the flavors. Stir in the natural gelling agent to help the casserole set during baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the plant-based breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a golden, crisp crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole set perfectly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall flavor.
Notes
- Use slightly undercooked rice to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy when baked.
- Steam broccoli until crisp-tender to maintain texture and nutrition.
- Mix the ingredients gently to avoid breaking up broccoli florets and rice grains.
- Use fresh creamy (plant-based) cheese for the best richness and texture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to improve texture and flavor before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, rice casserole, plant-based cheese, vegetarian casserole, easy dinner, healthy casserole, creamy casserole
