Description
Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines cooked rice, fresh broccoli, creamy plant-based cheese, and smoky turkey bacon with a flavorful sauce enhanced by vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. This easy-to-make casserole provides a satisfying blend of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop fresh broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and garlic finely. Cook the rice until tender. Crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until golden and fragrant, then drain excess fat on paper towels.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent. Warm the mixture carefully in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and velvety.
- Combine and Season: Add the sautéed onions and garlic, broccoli florets, cooked rice, and chopped turkey bacon to the creamy sauce. Stir well to combine and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Choose plant-based cheese with good melting properties for a smoother sauce.
- Blanch broccoli briefly before adding to retain crunch and vibrant color.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, turkey bacon casserole, gluten free casserole, family dinner recipe, creamy casserole
