When I was a kid, I was always allowed to pick out the vegetables we had with dinner. One of my favorites, obviously, was the frozen broccoli with cheddar cheese sauce. I wanted to make a casserole that was gluten free and dairy free, but still packed with those same nostalgic flavors.
This gluten free casserole is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner and leftovers make a great lunch! It is easy to grab and go on your way out the door or prepare in the morning so an easy dinner at night!
This meal is ready in under 30 minutes! If you love an easy weeknight dinner made with rice l like I do, you’ll also love this Gluten Free Rice Bowl and this Mexican Chicken Casserole.
why you’ll love this recipe
- This Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole is packed with vegetables!
- It’s quick and easy to make. This casserole can be made in 15 minutes or less, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight meal. I love making this casserole on a sunday to have ready for dinners throughout the week. It makes my nights easier and more relaxing.
- This casserole can be served as a main dish or a side dish. Sometimes I serve it with a side of grilled chicken and a green salad.
- This Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole is made with simple and affordable ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores. I hate recipes that need 25 ingredients and end up being really expensive.
ingredients & substitutions
Broccoli: Broccoli is the base of this dish but if you do not have broccoli, or just don’t like it, I have used cauliflower before and Brussels sprouts. You can also substitute a leafy green vegetable, such as kale or Swiss chard or more spinach in this Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Frozen brown rice: used frozen brown rice, but I have also used frozen white rice, microwavable rice and instant rice. Any rice will work here as long as it is cooked ahead of time. This is the main idea here to save time!
Fresh spinach: If you do not have fresh spinach, you can substitute frozen spinach for this Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Garlic chicken sausage: Garlic chicken sausage is used in this recipe to add flavor and protein to the casserole without having to cook any raw protein. I like chicken sausage because they are fully cooked when I buy them so I just need to heat them up. Makes for a really easy weeknight protien option.
If you do not have garlic chicken sausage, you can substitute another type of cooked chicken sausage. I like the ones from al fresco and trader joes the best. If you don’t have chicken sausage you can use chicken too!
Dairy-free alfredo sauce: Dairy-free alfredo sauce is a creamy sauce that is suitable for people with dairy sensitivities or allergies. You can buy your own from the grocery store or make it yourself. It is make with dairy free milk, dairy free Parmesan cheese, spices and a little gluten free flour to thicken up the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole.
directions
Step 1
On cutting board, cut the broccoli into small pieces and dice the spinach.
Step 2
In a casserole dish combine the broccoli, brown rice, spinach, and sliced chicken sausage.
Step 3
Option to whisk together your own sauce here in a separate bowl.
Step 4
Pour the alfredo sauce over the broccoli mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
expert tips & tricks
- To make the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole low carb, I simply substitute cauliflower rice for the brown rice. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to brown rice that is also high in fiber.
- To make the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole low fat, I simply use a low-fat or fat-free dairy-free alfredo sauce. You can also substitute cooked chicken breast or tofu for the chicken sausage. Chicken breast and tofu are both low-fat protein sources.
- If you are following a vegan diet, you can substitute a vegan chicken sausage for the regular chicken sausage. Then I also use a vegan Parmesan cheese for the regular Parmesan cheese.
how to serve, store and meal prep
Serving
The Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole can be served as a main dish or a side dish. I like to serve it on its own or with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
To store the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole in the fridge, I let it cool completely first. Then, I transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To store the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole in the freezer, I let it cool completely first. Then, I transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 2 months.
To reheat the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole from the fridge, I simply place it in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat the Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole from the freezer, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, I place it in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
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Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Ingredients for Casserole
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets
- 3 cups brown rice frozen
- 2 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 4 garlic chicken sausages cooked and sliced
- 1 jar dairy-free alfredo sauce OR make your own sauce below
Option to make your own sauce
- 3 cups dairy free milk alternative
- 1 cup parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic sautéed with olive oil
- 2 teaspoon parsley
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a cutting board, cut the broccoli into small pieces and dice the spinach.
- In a casserole dish combine the broccoli, brown rice, spinach, and sliced chicken sausage.
- Option to whisk together your own sauce here in a separate bowl.
- Pour the alfredo sauce over the broccoli mixture and stir to combine.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
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