Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Vegan Brown Rice Casserole that proves plant-based meals can be both incredibly delicious and supremely satisfying! Imagine a warm, hearty dish packed with nutritious ingredients that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. This isn't just another boring health food – it's a flavor explosion that will have even meat-lovers coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, white beans, steamed broccoli, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your brown rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Veggie Prep Matters: Steam broccoli just until bright green to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip the nutritional yeast – it adds a delightful cheesy-like flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Crispy Top Secret: Removing the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking creates a deliciously crispy top layer.
- Meal Prep Hack: This casserole freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and save portions for quick future meals.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to swap white beans with chickpeas or add other vegetables like carrots or spinach for variety.Pro Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
