Imagine a dish so creamy, so indulgent, and so satisfying that you won't believe it's completely plant-based! This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is about to revolutionize your vegan meal repertoire, transforming humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have even non-vegans begging for seconds. Packed with nutritious broccoli, hearty brown rice, and a luxuriously creamy coconut milk sauce, this casserole proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and totally irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions. If not already prepared, ensure rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
- Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté diced onions in a small amount of oil over medium heat until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning.
- Pour coconut milk into the skillet, stirring to combine with onions and garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper to the coconut milk mixture, whisking to incorporate fully.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer cooked brown rice as the base, then arrange steamed broccoli florets evenly on top.
- Pour the coconut milk sauce over the rice and broccoli, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle vegan cheese shreds generously over the entire casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Ensure your brown rice is fluffy and fully cooked before assembling the casserole. Using day-old rice can actually improve the texture.
- Broccoli Technique: Steam broccoli just until bright green to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Cheese Shreds Tip: For maximum melting, choose a high-quality vegan cheese that's specifically designed for melting.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip the nutritional yeast - it adds a wonderful cheesy, nutty flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
