Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole features a creamy plant-based cheese sauce, tender broccoli florets, crisp smoked turkey bacon, and fluffy cooked rice baked to golden perfection. An effortless comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, combining wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors in one convenient dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice, fluffy
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and drained
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or cubed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and cook the rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crunchy, then drain on paper towels.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building the flavor base for the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: To the skillet with onions and garlic, add the plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir in the natural gelling agent and plant-based cheese (plant-based). Cook gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine all components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly without breaking up the broccoli.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow to cool briefly before serving.
Notes
- Cook rice a day ahead to prevent sogginess by using rice that is slightly dried out.
- Do not overcook broccoli; blanch or steam until just tender to maintain color and texture.
- Use sharp plant-based cheese (plant-based) for better melting and richer flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Double the batch as this casserole freezes well for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, plant-based casserole, vegan casserole, comforting casserole, one-dish meal, vegetarian dinner
