If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, nourishing dish that’s full of flavor and just plain cozy, I have the perfect recipe for you. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen — it’s creamy, packed with veggies, and hits all those warm-and-fuzzy notes we all crave. Plus, it’s totally plant-based without skimping on the cheesy goodness you’d never expect from a vegan casserole. Trust me, you’re going to want to stick around because this one comes with all my best tips to make it foolproof and family-approved.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, But Light: Using vegan cream and broth keeps the casserole rich without feeling heavy or greasy.
Perfect Veggie Texture: Broccoli stays tender-crisp when you add it partway through cooking, so it doesn’t get mushy.
Cheesy Flavor Without Dairy: A mix of vegan cheddar and homemade cheese sauce delivers all that savory good stuff without missing a beat.
One-Pan Simplicity: This layered cooking method means less cleanup and a hassle-free weeknight dinner.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole, vegan broccoli casserole, plant-based cheesy rice casserole, healthy vegan broccoli bake, dairy-free cheesy casserole - The dish is served in a round white pan with a silver handle, placed on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. It has two main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked white rice with small pieces of broccoli, giving a textured base of green and white. The top layer is a smooth, even spread of melted orange cheese covering the rice and broccoli, with small bits of broccoli peeking through. The cheese looks soft and slightly shiny, adding a creamy contrast to the grainy rice below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together to create that cozy casserole magic — creamy, cheesy, and hearty, with just the right amount of green freshness. When you shop, don’t be afraid to pick your favorite vegan chicken substitute and the plant-based cream you love most. It really personalizes the dish.

Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Vegan chicken: Adds protein and texture — homemade seitan or store-bought like Daring brand work beautifully.
Garlic: Brings that classic aromatic base flavor.
Long grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and soaks up the creamy broth perfectly.
Vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and prevents the dish from drying out during cooking.
Vegan cream: Makes everything luxuriously creamy — Ripple’s Half and Half is my personal fave.
Broccoli florets: The star veggie — tender but with bite, adds great texture and color.
Vegan shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and brings that classic casserole flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors — though the vegan cheese and broth usually cover this well.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it extra garlicky or want to sneak in some different veggies, this casserole welcomes your personal spin — and that makes it fun every time you make it.

Swap the Vegan Chicken: I’ve tried it with chickpeas for a softer texture — it works great and makes the dish even easier to pull together.
Use Brown Rice: It takes longer to cook (about 40 minutes), but I love the nuttier flavor — just be sure to add extra broth as it cooks.
Season Boldly: Throw in some nutritional yeast or smoked paprika for a cheesy, smoky twist that’s out of this world.
Try Different Veggies: Mushrooms, kale, or cauliflower all blend nicely in if you want to mix it up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegan Chicken and Garlic

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped vegan chicken pieces and let them brown for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. Then add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant (about 1 minute) — that way the garlic flavor is fresh but not bitter. This base sautée sets a fantastic flavor tone for the whole casserole.

Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and Vegan Cream

Stir in the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, and vegan cream. Give everything a good mix, then bring it all to a brisk boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 12 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to soak up all the rich flavors without drying out or burning.

Step 3: Stir in Broccoli and Add Extra Liquid if Needed

After 12 minutes, fold in the broccoli florets. Sometimes by this point, the mixture looks dry — if that’s the case, add about 1 cup more vegetable broth or even plain water to keep things juicy and help the broccoli steam perfectly. Cover and simmer for another 8 minutes so the broccoli gets tender but still has a little bite.

Step 4: Add Vegan Cheese and Melt

Uncover your skillet and stir in one cup of the vegan shredded cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet once more and simmer just until the cheese melts and turns gooey, and the broccoli is tender to your liking — it usually takes just a handful of minutes. This step is where the casserole gets that irresistible cheesy finish.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

Give it a quick taste — I often find it doesn’t need extra salt thanks to the broth and cheese, but if yours does, add a pinch. Then serve it up immediately while it’s steaming and melty. This casserole really shines fresh from the stove, but leftovers are also fantastic!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Rice Rinse: I always rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from getting gummy — it makes a big difference in texture.
Broccoli Timing: Adding broccoli halfway through cooking keeps it bright green and pleasantly crisp instead of soggy.
Cheese Melting: Cover the skillet tightly when melting the cheese on top to trap steam and get a perfectly melted finish.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the simmer, as too high heat can dry out the casserole before the rice finishes cooking.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving — it adds a fresh pop of color and subtle zing. Sometimes a drizzle of hot sauce is a game-changer if you like a little heat with your cheesy vibe.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but for a fuller meal, I often pair it with a simple mixed greens salad or some roasted garlic mushrooms. If you’re in a hearty mood, some crusty bread or grainy rolls help soak up any extra creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve spooned this casserole into individual ramekins and topped them with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh herbs — everyone loves the personal touch, and it looks extra fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds up nicely and tastes just as comforting on day two — sometimes even better once the flavors meld!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times when I’ve made big batches. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before popping it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well, and when you thaw it in the fridge overnight, it reheats beautifully without losing that creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks a bit dry, adding a splash of plant milk or broth helps bring back that creamy vibe. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through for even heat.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free vegan chicken substitute or omit it entirely. Also, check that your vegetable broth and vegan cheese are certified gluten-free. This casserole easily adapts without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best vegan cheese to use?

I usually go with Follow Your Heart vegan cheddar for its meltability and flavor, but homemade cashew cheese sauce is an amazing option if you want creamy, tangy cheesiness with clean ingredients. Trying different cheeses is part of the fun!
Can I substitute brown rice?

You can! Just be aware that brown rice takes much longer to cook — around 40 minutes — and you’ll need to add more liquid during cooking to keep the casserole creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The cheesy flavor and creamy texture are usually a hit with kids. If they’re picky, try blending the broccoli finely into the mix or swapping it for peas or corn for a milder veggie taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — hearty, cheesy, and just downright satisfying without any dairy. I make it time and again because it’s easy to prep, versatile, and always hits the spot, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own — I promise, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation too!