Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 ounces vegan chicken chopped; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice rinsed; 3 cups vegetable broth plus more as needed; 1 1/2 cups vegan cream; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups vegan shredded cheddar cheese or homemade cheese sauce; salt to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty casserole that’s bursting with flavor and totally plant-based, you’re going to love this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy (without any dairy), packed with tender broccoli and vegan chicken, and so satisfying that even non-vegans will ask for seconds. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it every time, plus some insider tips I’ve picked up in my kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Creaminess: The vegan cream and cheese meld together for a luscious, dreamy texture that’s anything but bland.
Balanced Flavors: Garlic, vegan chicken, and broccoli come together for a savory, fresh flavor combo that feels wholesome.
Easy and Versatile: It comes together quickly and you can swap in your favorite brands or homemade alternatives without fuss.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect to prep ahead or pack for lunch.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole, vegan cheesy broccoli casserole, plant-based broccoli rice bake, dairy-free cheesy casserole, vegan comfort food recipes - 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 magic of this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Whether you’re grabbing store-bought vegan chicken or making your own, each element builds layers of taste and texture.

Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the garlic and vegan chicken without overpowering the dish.
Vegan Chicken: Provides a meaty texture and protein kick—choose your favorite brand or homemade seitan for best results.
Garlic: It’s the secret flavor booster that gives the casserole a warm, inviting aroma.
Long Grain White Rice: Cooks up fluffy and firm, offering the perfect base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Vegetable Broth: Imparts a savory depth; using a good quality broth makes a big difference here.
Vegan Cream: This adds luxurious creaminess—Ripple’s Half and Half or coconut milk are my go-to picks.
Broccoli Florets: The fresh green star that adds vibrant color and a tender crunch, balancing the creaminess.
Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that classic cheesy texture and flavor without dairy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your taste since the broth and cheese bring some saltiness on their own.

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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.

Make It Your Way

This casserole is one of those recipes I love customizing depending on what I have on hand or my mood—feel free to make it your own! Whether you swap in brown rice for extra fiber or jazz it up with spices, it all works beautifully.

Swap protein: I once used chickpeas instead of vegan chicken when I was out, and it turned out deliciously nutty and just as satisfying.
Change the cheese: If you want to avoid store-bought shredded cheese, my favorite cashew cheese sauce is a creamy alternative that’s easy to make at home.
Add spices: For a little kick, sprinkle in smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes — it adds a surprising warmth.
Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free vegan chicken or simply extra chickpeas; the rice and veggies remain naturally gluten-free.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegan Chicken and Garlic

I start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, I toss in 8 ounces of chopped vegan chicken—whether store-bought or homemade—and let it brown for 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key because it adds texture and richness right from the jump. Next, I add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Don’t rush this part; the garlic should smell aromatic but not burn.

Step 2: Cook the Rice in Creamy Broth

Next, stir in 1½ cups of rinsed long grain white rice, followed by 3 cups of vegetable broth and 1½ cups of vegan cream. Give everything a good stir so the rice is coated, then bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, cover the skillet and lower the heat to a gentle simmer for about 12 minutes. This slow cook lets the rice absorb all the creamy, savory flavors while getting tender.

Step 3: Add Broccoli for Freshness and Texture

After 12 minutes, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and stir them in. If the dish looks dry or the liquid is absorbed, add about 1 cup more vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Cover again and simmer for 8 more minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender. This step keeps the veggies perfectly cooked without getting mushy.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Uncover the skillet and stir in 1 cup of your favorite vegan shredded cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, cover, and let it melt over gentle heat. This last melting stage creates that irresistible gooey top layer we all crave in a good casserole. Finish by tasting and adding salt if needed—but often the broth and cheese have enough saltiness to carry the dish.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Rice Prep: Always rinse your rice well to remove excess starch—this keeps it fluffy and prevents it from sticking together.
Cream Choices: I’ve tried different vegan creams, and Ripple’s Half and Half consistently delivers creamy richness without a coconut aftertaste.
Broccoli Timing: Adding broccoli in the last simmer ensures it stays tender-crisp, giving a nice bite instead of turning mushy.
Cheese Melting: Cover when melting cheese on top to trap steam and melt evenly—no rubbery patches here.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving—it adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting of nutritional yeast also amps up that cheesy, savory vibe if you want even more flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for brightness, or roasted chickpeas for an added crunch and protein boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve baked this casserole in a pretty ceramic dish and sprinkled panko breadcrumbs mixed with vegan parmesan on top for a golden, crispy crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks extra special on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen, so sometimes I find it even tastes better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—it’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid. Adding a splash of plant milk or broth before reheating helps keep it moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Yes, you absolutely can! Brown rice will need a longer cooking time—about 40 minutes total—and you’ll want to add more vegetable broth or water (around 4 to 5 cups) to ensure it cooks through and stays moist. The texture will be a bit different—chewier and nuttier—but just as delicious.
What can I use instead of vegan chicken?

If you don’t have vegan chicken on hand, canned chickpeas are a great substitute—they provide protein and bulk without changing the flavor much. You can also use tofu cubes or tempeh, seasoned and sautéed for extra flavor and texture.
Is there a good homemade vegan cheese sauce I can use?

Absolutely! My favorite cashew cheese sauce is simple to make and melts nicely in casseroles. It’s creamy, tangy, and free from nuts if you use certain recipes—check out your options and pick what suits your tastes and dietary needs.
Can I make this casserole ahead and bake later?

You sure can! Prepare everything up to the cheese layer, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake until bubbly and golden. This method works well for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s quick comfort food that feels special yet is super simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or potluck guests, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—give it a try, tweak it your way, and let it become one of your favorites too!