Description
One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is a cozy, nourishing, and easy all-in-one meal made with tender rice, protein-packed chickpeas, and broccoli in a savory lightly cheesy sauce. Perfect for vegan weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white or brown rice
- 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth (white rice) or 2 ½ cups (brown rice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or vegan, optional)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Add rice, vegetable broth, chickpeas, broccoli, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Cover tightly with lid or foil. Bake 35–40 minutes for white rice or 45–50 minutes for brown rice, stirring halfway through.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Remove from oven, sprinkle cheese on top, and return uncovered for 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- For a creamy variation, stir in coconut milk or cashew cream before serving.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
- Frozen broccoli can be used directly—no need to thaw.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to keep vegan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American