Creamy vegan broccoli rice casserole made with tender rice and fresh broccoli. A comforting dairy-free dinner that’s easy to bake.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- ¾ cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or boiled 15 minutes)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Next, blend cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
4️⃣ Then, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5️⃣ After that, combine cooked rice, broccoli, sautéed onion mixture, and cashew sauce in a large bowl.
6️⃣ Next, transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
7️⃣ Finally, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For extra cheesiness, add more nutritional yeast.
- Alternatively, use quinoa instead of rice.
- For protein, stir in chickpeas or tofu.
- Additionally, add mushrooms or carrots for texture.
- Lastly, broil for 3 minutes for a crispy top.
🌟 Benefits of Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole
First, broccoli provides fiber and vitamins.
Moreover, cashews add creamy texture without dairy.
Additionally, this dish is cholesterol-free.
Furthermore, it’s comforting and filling.
In addition, it’s perfect for meal prep.
Lastly, it’s family-friendly and nourishing.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Calcium: 110mg
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
To begin, reduce garlic and spices slightly.
Then, use white rice for a softer texture.
Additionally, skip breadcrumbs if preferred.
Finally, serve with fruit or rolls on the side.
