Healthy Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
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Get ready to dig into this mouth-watering vegan broccoli rice casserole! Creamy, cheesy, and layered with flavor, it’s a healthier, dairy-free, oil-free version of the traditional cheesy broccoli rice casserole, delivering pure comfort in every bite.
This irresistible dish will have everyone at the dinner table going back for seconds! Keep reading to discover the simple steps to making this vegan version of the classic side dish.
Before losing 125 pounds, I loved the frozen broccoli and cheese microwave meals. They had so much cheesy flavor, and I’m sure most of it came from chemicals.
Now that I have lost weight and try to eat whole food ingredients, I created this vegan casserole, and it’s the perfect comfort food and one of the best broccoli recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.
Before I show you how to make this vegan broccoli rice casserole, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a FREE acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
😍Why you will love this Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Packed with plant-based, wholesome ingredients.
- Hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for holidays and easy to make
If you like this vegan broccoli casserole, you will also love this Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole and this Green Bean Casserole Appetizer, two more delicious holiday recipes.
📃Ingredients and Substitutions
This vegan broccoli cheese casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for holidays and guaranteed to please the whole family. It can also be enjoyed on busy weeknights.
The printable recipe card below includes the complete list of simple ingredients, quantities, and nutritional daily value information.
- Cooked Rice: You can use cooked brown rice, white rice—long grain, short grain, or wild rice—whichever you prefer.
- Cheese Sauce Recipe Without Milk: This creamy sauce contains nutritional yeast, red bell peppers, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a few other ingredients that are probably in your pantry right now.
- Onion – white, yellow, or red.
- Garlic – I suggest fresh, but you could add garlic powder instead.
- Broccoli florets – I suggest using fresh broccoli, but you could use frozen if you prefer.
- Soy Milk – or your favorite plant-based milk
- Carrot Shreds – these are optional, but they add color, fiber, and flavor.
- Chickpeas – I like them for added fiber, texture, and flavor. If you’re enjoying this cheesy casserole as a main dish, you could add soy curls or vegan chicken.
- Vegetable broth – this vegan chicken bouillon recipe is perfect.
- Salt & Black Pepper – to taste.
Serving Suggestions for this comforting dish
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heartiness.
- Pair with roasted, steamed, or air-fried vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
- Serve with dairy-free cornbread, garlic bread, or this focaccia to make it a satisfying meal.
5-Day Weight Loss Plan
This 5-Day Weight Loss Plan will jumpstart you to living your healthiest life.
If you’re looking for another great recipe, check out these:
🥄How to Make this Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Follow these simple steps for this easy recipe:
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook Rice: This is a great recipe for foolproof rice.
- Make Dairy-Free Cheese: This homemade vegan cheese sauce recipe without milk is the best. I recommend making a double batch because you will want to drizzle it on baked potatoes, salads, and vegetables or just dip your finger in it!
- Saute: In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and chickpeas. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green, adding more broth as needed to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Bake—In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetable mixture, vegan cheese sauce, and soy milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or vegan parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Looking for more healthy recipes
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Low Calorie Dinner Ideas Made On A Sheet Pan
❓Others have asked…
⏲️Can you make broccoli casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a broccoli casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as usual, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, bake it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold from the fridge.
🫙How do you store Broccoli Rice Casserole?
To store the casserole:
- Cool It Down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Cover It: Use an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator if you’ll be eating it within 24-48 hours.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat in the oven.
🔥How do you reheat Broccoli Rice Casserole?
To reheat the vegan broccoli rice casserole:
- From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you want a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- From the Freezer: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.
Alternative (Microwave): Transfer single servings to a microwave-safe dish for a quicker option and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed based on your microwave’s power and the portion size.
Recipe
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Healthy Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice, cooked
- 1 recipe Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe Without Milk
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup soy milk, unsweetened
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 Tbsp vegetable broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook Rice: This is a great recipe for foolproof rice.
- Make Dairy-Free Cheese: This homemade vegan cheese sauce is the best.
- Sauté: In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and chickpeas. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green, adding more broth as needed to prevent sticking.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, vegan cheese sauce, carrot shreds, chickpeas, and soy milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or vegan parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese with a crippling back injury to 125-pound lighter -discover my transformation into a health coach!
More Recipes:
Hearty Black Bean Chili Recipe (No Tomatoes)
Banana Bliss No Bake Banana Recipe
10 Surprising Things to Dehydrate in Air Fryer
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
