Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chickpeas Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chickpeas is a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for a family dinner. Packed with flavorful spices and creamy nutritional yeast, it combines hearty brown rice, tender broccoli, and protein-rich chickpeas in one satisfying bake.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (bring to a boil)
- ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- 2 cups Chickpeas, cooked
- 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 1 cup uncooked Brown Rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toast the nutritional yeast in a medium pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flakes darken and become fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the vegetable broth, turmeric, garlic powder, and paprika to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: While the liquid heats, spread the cooked chickpeas evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer the broccoli florets over the chickpeas, then sprinkle the uncooked brown rice evenly on top.
- Step 4: Whisk the broth mixture well to distribute the spices evenly, then pour it over the casserole. Stir gently with a spatula if spices clump. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Step 5: Bake covered for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of plant-based milk before baking.
- Replace broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for variety.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the brown rice briefly before assembling.
- Use canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, for a quicker prep.
Storage
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the casserole for up to one month. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but white rice will cook faster, so reduce the baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Is this casserole suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. This recipe uses nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and contains no animal products.
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chickpeas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chickpeas is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines tender brown rice, nutritious chickpeas, and fresh broccoli florets in a flavorful, cheesy-tasting sauce made with nutritional yeast and aromatic spices. Perfectly baked to meld the flavors, this casserole is a healthy, vegan-friendly meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Liquid & Seasoning
- 2 ½ cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (brought to a boil)
- ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Paprika
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Chickpeas
- 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 1 cup uncooked Brown Rice
Instructions
- Toast Nutritional Yeast: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium pot over medium heat, add the nutritional yeast and toast it for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently until the flakes darken and release a fragrant aroma.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: Add the low-sodium vegetable broth, turmeric, garlic powder, and paprika to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Assemble Ingredients in Casserole Dish: While the broth is heating, pour the cooked chickpeas into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly distribute the fresh broccoli florets over the chickpeas, followed by sprinkling the uncooked brown rice evenly on top.
- Pour Broth and Bake: Whisk the boiling broth mixture thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly combined. Pour the hot broth evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. If spices clump, gently stir with a spatula to distribute them. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Remove the casserole from the oven once cooked. Serve warm as desired. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- Using low-sodium vegetable broth helps control the salt content of the dish.
- Cooking chickpeas ahead of time or using canned chickpeas can save preparation time.
- For a creamier texture, stir the casserole gently after baking if desired.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Make sure to tightly cover the casserole to retain moisture during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, vegan casserole, chickpea casserole, plant-based casserole, healthy casserole, gluten-free casserole, nutritional yeast recipes
