Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well first so the casserole does not turn watery.

Why is my rice still firm?

The dish may need more covered baking time. Keep it tightly covered and add a splash of broth if the top looks dry before the rice is tender.

Can I make it nut-free?

Use silken tofu or a seed-based cream sauce instead of cashews, and confirm your plant milk is nut-free.

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Casseroles

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Name: Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 8, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

American 60 mins easyfamily-friendlycomfortfoodbudget-friendlyfreezabledairyfreeonepot

A creamy dairy-free broccoli rice casserole with tender rice, bright broccoli, and a cashew-based cheese sauce, baked until bubbly for an easy family dinner.

Prep 15 min

Cook 45 min

Total 60 min

Servings 6

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American

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)

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet.
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.
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.
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.
Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stir in the prepared cashew cheese sauce, mixing gently to combine thoroughly with rice and broccoli.
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.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top lightly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole baking in a casserole dish

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

Start in a large oven-safe skillet if you want true one-pot cleanup, or use a saute pan and transfer to a greased 9x13-inch dish before baking.

Cookware Size Guidance

A 3-quart or 9x13-inch dish gives the rice enough room to cook evenly without drying into a thin layer.

Cookware Swap Guidance

A Dutch oven or cast iron skillet works well if it is oven-safe; avoid thin pans that scorch the rice before the center is tender.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead?: Yes.
Can I use frozen broccoli?: Yes, but thaw and drain it well first so the casserole does not turn watery.
Why is my rice still firm?: The dish may need more covered baking time. Keep it tightly covered and add a splash of broth if the top looks dry before the rice is tender.
Can I make it nut-free?: Use silken tofu or a seed-based cream sauce instead of cashews, and confirm your plant milk is nut-free.

Ingredient Replacements

Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the listed timing; brown rice needs extra liquid and a longer covered bake.
Broccoli: Swap in cauliflower florets, chopped green beans, or a broccoli-cauliflower blend.
Cashews: Use soaked blanched almonds or silken tofu for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
Almond milk: Oat, soy, or cashew milk works as long as it is plain and unsweetened.
Nutritional yeast: Vegan parmesan or a little extra Dijon and smoked paprika can add savory depth.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat covered at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or almond milk to restore creaminess.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions