Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole (Oil-Free) Recipe
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s oil-free and packed with wholesome ingredients, featuring a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce baked to perfection. Perfect as a hearty plant-based main or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups leftover cooked brown rice
- 3.5-4 cups broccoli florets (approx 1 small head, cut into bite size florets)
Cheese Sauce
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1/3 cup tapioca starch (tapioca flour)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or almond milk)
- 1.5 cups water
- 1.5 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for flavor, not heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Add the raw cashews, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, unsweetened cashew milk, water, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and turmeric into a high-speed blender and process until the mixture is completely smooth. Expect the resulting sauce to be very runny.
- Combine Ingredients: In an oven-safe dish approximately 8×12 inches, place the cooked brown rice and broccoli florets. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the rice and broccoli, then mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the sauce.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, stir the casserole to distribute heat evenly. If the cheese sauce thickens too much during baking, add a little more cashew milk to loosen it.
- Broil for Browning (Optional): For a nicely browned top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked brown rice for best texture and convenience; alternatively, cook fresh rice before starting.
- Raw cashews must be soaked or softened for easier blending and creamier sauce if not using a high-speed blender.
- Tapioca starch helps achieve a stretchy, cheesy texture in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning such as chili powder and salt according to your taste preference.
- Broiling is optional but adds an appealing golden crust.
- This recipe is oil-free and suitable for those seeking a plant-based cheese alternative.
