If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and downright addictive plant-based dinner, you’re going to love this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day but totally nails the cheesy, hearty vibes without using any dairy. I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when I craved something filling but still healthy, and it quickly became a family favorite. Keep reading, because I’m sharing every detail to help you nail it in your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy vegan cheese combined with tender broccoli and fluffy rice creates a dish that’s super satisfying and cozy.
Easy One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks together in one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze and the flavors meld beautifully.
Customizable Ingredients: You can swap the vegan chicken for chickpeas or a different vegan protein, and choose your favorite vegan cheese or cream substitute.
Perfect for Weeknights: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s quick enough for busy evenings but special enough to impress everyone at the table.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole, vegan cheesy broccoli casserole, dairy-free broccoli rice bake, plant-based broccoli casserole, healthy vegan rice and broccoli dish - 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

This casserole brings together simple pantry staples with fresh broccoli and creamy vegan cheese for a harmonious blend of texture and flavor. Each ingredient pulls its weight, so choosing quality vegan cream and cheese really elevates the dish.

Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegan chicken pieces and garlic to develop flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Vegan Chicken: I love using Daring brand for its texture and flavor, but homemade seitan or chickpeas work well too for protein and bite.
Garlic: Adds that savory base note that makes the whole casserole sing.
Long Grain White Rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffy, separate grains rather than mushy.
Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and a savory boost; using a good-quality broth makes a noticeable difference.
Vegan Cream: Ripple’s Half and Half or full-fat coconut milk adds luscious creaminess that vegan cheese alone can’t achieve.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or lightly steamed broccoli brings a nice crunch and bright color.
Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Follow Your Heart cheddar works perfectly for melting and flavor, but you can also use a homemade nut-based cheese sauce.
Salt: Just a little to enhance all the flavors, but often the broth and cheese have enough salt already.

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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 my favorite things about this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to adapt it to whatever you have on hand or your specific cravings. I sometimes toss in different veggies or swap the vegan chicken depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Vegetable Swap: I’ve tried kale or spinach instead of broccoli, and it still turned out fantastic—just add them in a bit later so they don’t overcook.
Protein Variation: If you want to skip vegan chicken, chickpeas are a great no-fuss alternative that soaks up all the flavors.
Cheese Sauce Upgrade: Making your own cashew-based vegan cheese sauce can step this dish up to “gourmet” level—warm, gooey, and rich.
Brown Rice Version: I’ve also swapped in brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but heads up—it takes longer to cook and needs more broth, so plan accordingly.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegan Chicken and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped vegan chicken and let it sauté for about 3-4 minutes—it should get a tiny bit golden and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and Cream; Simmer

Now stir in the rinsed white rice, followed by the vegetable broth and vegan cream. Give everything a nice mix, then crank up the heat until it starts boiling. As soon as you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet—let it gently simmer for 12 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too often; the steam is cooking the rice perfectly.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and More Liquid if Needed

After 12 minutes, stir in the broccoli florets. At this point, check if your casserole looks a bit dry—if so, add roughly 1 cup more vegetable broth or water to keep things moist. Cover again and simmer for another 8 minutes. This method keeps the broccoli bright green and tender without turning to mush.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Finish Cooking

Uncover the casserole and stir in 1 cup of shredded vegan cheese directly into the rice mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it simmer just long enough for the cheese on top to melt and get luscious, about 5 more minutes. This way you get creamy cheesy rice inside and that irresistible melted crust on top.

Step 5: Season and Serve Immediately

Give it a quick taste-test. Usually, the salt from the broth and cheese is enough, but if you feel it needs a pinch more, add a little salt now. Serve this casserole warm—it’s honestly best fresh and bubbling hot!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: It keeps your casserole fluffy instead of sticky, which makes every bite better.
Use a Good Vegan Cheese: Some melt better than others; Follow Your Heart shredded cheddar is my go-to.
Add Broccoli in Two Stages for Texture: Stirring it in halfway through and not at the start keeps it bright and tender-crisp.
Resist Lifting the Lid Often: Steam is cooking the rice, so opening the lid too much slows down the process and dries the casserole.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a little extra vegan parmesan-style cheese over the top before serving. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice really brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness, which I find refreshing!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, roasted root vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread made with vegan butter. If you want a green veggie side, sautéed spinach with garlic or steamed asparagus complement the broccoli nicely without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel extra special. You can also top with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for a crunchy finish. If hosting friends, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they hold up beautifully for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of vegetable broth or plant milk to loosen it back up because it thickens as it chills.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays good, though I recommend stirring in a little extra vegan cheese or cream after thawing to refresh the creaminess.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of broth or plant milk keeps it moist and creamy instead of dry. Be patient and heat on medium-low for stovetop reheating to avoid scorching.

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 swap it for chickpeas, and double-check that your vegan cheese is gluten-free. The rice and broccoli are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can! Just know that brown rice takes longer to cook—around 40 minutes—and you’ll need more vegetable broth or water to keep things moist. It gives a nuttier flavor, which some folks love.
What’s the best vegan cheese for melting in this recipe?

I’m a big fan of Follow Your Heart’s shredded cheddar for this casserole because it melts well and has great flavor. You can also try making a cashew-based cheese sauce for an even creamier texture.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it up to the point before adding cheese, refrigerate it, then add cheese and bake or simmer when you’re ready. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so the broccoli stays tender-crisp.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy cheesy texture and familiar flavors usually appeal to kids. If your kids aren’t big on broccoli, try chopping it finely or swapping with another mild veggie like peas or corn.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to become a family staple. I love how it brings warmth, comfort, and nutrition together without any fuss. I really hope you try it out and make it your own—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a little celebration in your mouth every time you take a bite. Happy cooking!