Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful plant-based dish featuring fresh broccoli, cooked rice, plant-based cheese, and smoked turkey bacon. Easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients, it blends textures and tastes perfectly for a satisfying family meal any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Staples
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Proteins and Cheese
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup vegetable broth (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cook the rice until just tender and lightly steam the broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté aromatics and turkey bacon: In a large skillet, gently cook the onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and sauté until they develop a crisp, smoky edge.
- Make the creamy sauce: Combine plant-based cheese, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent in a saucepan. Warm gently while stirring until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, fold cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed turkey bacon mixture, and creamy sauce together until everything is evenly coated, taking care to keep textures intact.
- Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and lightly golden on top. Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Cook rice just shy of fully done to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Steam broccoli lightly until bright green and slightly tender to maintain a fresh bite.
- Use smoked turkey bacon for smoky depth or swap with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for vegetarian options.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent to ensure creamy consistency and structure.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking to let flavors meld and intensify.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, family meal, gluten free casserole
