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Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 8, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American 60 mins easyfamily-friendlycomfortfoodbudget-friendlyfreezabledairyfreeonepot

A hearty dairy-free casserole combining tender broccoli florets, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a creamy cashew-based vegan cheese sauce. This easy, one-pot family meal is budget-friendly, freezer-safe, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Total 60 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Total60 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or other unsweetened plant milk)
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour and drained
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet.
  2. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside the dairy-free cheese sauce.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the grains in oil and lightly toast them.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stir in the prepared cashew cheese sauce, mixing gently to combine thoroughly with rice and broccoli.
  7. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
  8. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top lightly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  10. Serve warm as a complete meal or pair with your favorite protein or fresh salad. Leftovers freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize your Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole to fit dietary preferences or ingredient availability with these substitutions:

  • Rice: Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice to increase fiber and add a nutty flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed for these grains.
  • Broccoli: Use cauliflower florets, chopped green beans, or seasonal vegetables as alternatives for variety.
  • Cashews: Replace with soaked blanched almonds or silken tofu for a creamy dairy-free cheese base, accommodating nut allergies or preferences.
  • Almond Milk: Swap with any unsweetened plant-based milk like oat, soy, or coconut milk depending on taste and dietary restrictions.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor; if unavailable, use vegan parmesan or a pinch of smoked salt for similar depth.
  • Dijon Mustard: Replace with yellow mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar to maintain tanginess.
  • Vegetable Broth: Use chicken broth if not strictly vegan, or homemade broth to better control sodium and flavor.

These substitutions keep the casserole easy, budget-friendly, family-friendly, and in line with vegan, dairy-free, and pantry-friendly preferences.

Pan Or Pot Required

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy one-pot recipe finished by baking to create a creamy, flavorful dish. It blends stovetop cooking with oven baking for optimal texture and taste.

You'll need these key cookware items:

  • Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for sautéing onion and garlic, toasting rice, simmering the broccoli with broth, and baking the casserole in the same vessel. This minimizes cleanup and simplifies your cooking process.
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish: Use this if your skillet is not oven-safe. Transfer the mixture before baking to ensure even cooking and a bubbly, golden crust on top.

Ideal for a budget-friendly, family-friendly, one-pot, dairy-free comfort meal, this cookware approach streamlines preparation and cleanup while ensuring the casserole bakes evenly with a delicious golden finish.

Cookware Size Guidance

For preparing this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole serving 6, choose a 9x13-inch (about 3-quart) casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet with equivalent capacity. This size ensures even cooking, bubbling, and browning of the casserole.

If using a skillet on the stovetop before baking, select one that holds at least 3 quarts to allow easy stirring and consistent heat distribution during baking.

Using smaller cookware may cause spills or uneven cooking, while larger dishes can result in thinner casserole layers and longer baking times. Following these size guidelines guarantees consistent, satisfying results aligned with the recipe’s tags including easy, family-friendly, onepot, comfortfood, budget-friendly, dairyfree, and freezable.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is designed as a simple, wholesome, one-pot meal perfect for families. For best results, use an oven-safe skillet or a traditional 9x13-inch casserole dish to sauté, simmer, and bake the dish in one vessel.

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cook the rice and broccoli mixture in a large sauté pan or deep skillet, then transfer it to a greased casserole dish before baking. Ensure the baking dish is sturdy and heats evenly to achieve the best golden top layer.

Alternative cookware options include:

  • Dutch oven: Excellent for one-pot stovetop cooking and oven baking, ideal for this budget-friendly, dairy-free casserole.
  • Cast iron skillet: Oven-safe versions provide exceptional heat retention and browning for casseroles.
  • Slow cooker: Although optimized for oven baking, adapt this recipe by cooking rice and broccoli on low for 2-3 hours, then stirring in the cashew cheese sauce near the end. This supports a slowcooker and onepot approach for convenient meal prep.

Avoid using thin non-oven-safe pans that cannot withstand baking temperatures or produce unevenly cooked casseroles. These tips ensure your dish turns out hearty, creamy, and flavorful, perfect for family meals or prepping ahead.

Leftovers Quality

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole retains excellent flavor and texture as leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep and quick reheating. Store uneaten portions in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days.

For extended storage, freeze cooled casserole portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste or texture.

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm leftovers covered in the microwave or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through heating for even warming. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave covered for 2-3 minutes or gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of plant milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

The casserole’s comforting, creamy texture and rich flavor withstand reheating well, making it a convenient, dairy-free comfort food for busy families seeking simple, budget-friendly meals. Proper storage and reheating preserve the dish's hearty and satisfying character.

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