If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and totally plant-based, I’ve got just the thing for you! This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when I want a warm, cozy dinner that’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to pull together. Trust me, once you taste that melty vegan cheese mingling with tender broccoli and fluffy rice, you’ll be hooked. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

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Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food Vibes: The creamy texture and melty vegan cheese make it feel indulgent but totally plant-based.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and easy timing.
Customizable Protein: The vegan chicken or chickpeas add satisfying texture and heartiness, but you can swap to what you prefer.
Balanced Nutrition: Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients, while rice keeps it filling and comforting.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole, vegan broccoli rice bake, plant-based cheesy casserole, vegan comfort food recipes, easy vegan healthy dinner - 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

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe plays a key role in creating that rich, creamy texture and well-rounded flavor. I always recommend fresh broccoli for the best taste, and picking a quality vegan cheese really makes a noticeable difference.

Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegan chicken so it develops a little color and flavor.
Vegan Chicken (chopped): Provides plant-based protein and a meaty texture; you can use store-bought or homemade seitan.
Garlic (minced): Garlic amps up the flavor base with a gentle pungency that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Long Grain White Rice: Ideal for fluffy texture and quick cooking; I rinse it to remove excess starch for better results.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the dish savory and moist; homemade broth amps flavor even more.
Vegan Cream: Essential for that luscious, creamy consistency; I love Ripple’s Half and Half or cashew cream for smoothness.
Broccoli Florets: Add nutrients, color, and a nice bite—make sure the florets are bite-sized for even cooking.
Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that melts beautifully and gives you that classic “cheesy” feeling. Follow Your Heart is my go-to brand.
Salt: Adjust to taste; keep in mind the broth and cheese add saltiness too.

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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

I love tinkering with this casserole depending on what I have on hand or what kind of mood I’m in. The flexibility is part of why this recipe feels like a forever favorite — it’s easy to personalize and make your own.

Variation: I often swap the vegan chicken for chickpeas when I’m short on time; it’s a great plant protein that softens up and soaks flavors beautifully.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Dairy-Free Cheese Swap: If you don’t have shredded vegan cheddar, my favorite homemade cashew cheese sauce works wonders stirred through too.
Grain Swap: Brown rice works but plan for a much longer cooking time (around 40 minutes), and you’ll need to add extra broth as it cooks.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegan Chicken and Garlic

Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped vegan chicken and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it gets a bit of golden color—that’s flavor building! Throw in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma here is already irresistible.

Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and Cream

Pour in the rinsed long grain white rice, vegetable broth, and vegan cream. Stir everything together and crank the heat up until it starts to boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 12 minutes—don’t peek too much or the steam escapes!

Step 3: Stir in Broccoli and Simmer More

After 12 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets and stir them through the rice mixture. If you notice the liquid’s almost gone, add about a cup more vegetable broth or water to avoid sticking and help the broccoli steam tender. Cover again and let it simmer gently for another 8 minutes until the broccoli is just tender.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt to Perfection

Uncover your skillet; stir in one cup of the vegan shredded cheddar cheese so it gets all melty and creamy in the rice. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and simmer just until the cheese on top melts and the casserole is bubbly and inviting. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that gooey cheesy layer shining.

Step 5: Final Seasoning & Serve

Give it a quick taste test. I don’t usually add extra salt because the broth and cheese usually provide enough, but feel free to adjust according to your taste. Now, dig in and enjoy right away — seriously, it’s fantastic fresh!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Rinse That Rice: Always rinsing your rice helps remove excess starch for fluffy, separated grains, not sticky clumps.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Low and slow cooking after adding the rice and liquid ensures perfect texture without burning.
Watch the Liquid Levels: If it looks dry before the broccoli goes in, add extra broth to prevent scorching and keep moisture.
Cheese Timing: Stir some cheese in before topping to get creamy pockets, then sprinkle on top for that glorious melted finish.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, bright contrast. Sometimes a dusting of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth that kicks it up a notch. Nutritional yeast also makes a lovely vegan “cheesy” garnish if you want extra umami.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a hearty main, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for additional texture and color. Garlic bread or crusty vegan bread on the side always hits the spot for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked this casserole a little longer in a glass baking dish to get a golden, bubbly top layer and served it family-style right at the table. Another fun idea is scooping the casserole into mini ramekins for cute individual portions—it’s a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, this casserole reheats beautifully. It tends to absorb some of the sauce overnight, so adding a splash of plant milk or broth when reheating helps keep it creamy and fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make a big batch ahead. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I usually thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a gentle stovetop method with a splash of broth or plant-based milk to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, cover it and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which helps refresh the melty cheese feel.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can definitely substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it takes much longer to cook (about 40 minutes) and will need more liquid, likely 4-5 cups of vegetable broth or water to soften properly. The texture will be a bit heartier too.
What can I use instead of vegan chicken?

If you don’t have vegan chicken, chickpeas are a fantastic, easy swap that add protein and soak up flavors nicely. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh depending on your preference.
What kind of vegan cheese melts best for this recipe?

I recommend brands like Follow Your Heart vegan cheddar or Daiya for melting well. If you prefer homemade, a cashew-based cheese sauce works beautifully stirred in and melted on top.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking or heating. Just keep it covered and add a bit of liquid if it looks dry before reheating to keep that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Vegan Casserole Recipe has become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I want something filling but fuss-free. It’s nourishing, cozy, and truly hits that cheesy comfort food craving without needing any dairy. I’m so excited for you to try it and make it your own — I promise it’s going to be your new favorite, too!