Vegan Rice Casserole (gluten free)

This Vegan Rice Casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight meal. This dish combines frozen rice, broccoli, fresh spinach, eggplant spread, and a store-bought lemon tahini dressing. You can meal prep it in the morning and store it in the fridge until you are ready to make dinner. The leftovers are almost better than the first night!

This casserile is gluten-free, vegan, low fat and dairy-free. It’s a healthy option, featuring nutrient-packed veggies and plant-based ingredients that come together in a satisfying meal. With no cheese involved, this casserole is dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy products. This casserole is an easy and hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• It’s made with whole food ingredients, including frozen rice, broccoli, and spinach.
• This Vegan Rice Casserole is vegan and has no meat or animal products.
• It’s gluten-free and dairy-free.
• It’s low in fat and calories.
• It’s high in fiber and protein.
• It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
• It’s easy to make: The casserole can be made with frozen rice, so there’s no need to cook the rice from scratch. The broccoli and spinach can also be cooked ahead of time, making this a quick and easy meal to put together.
• It’s easy to prepare ahead of time: The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or potlucks.
• You can freeze it: The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• It’s a one-pan meal: The entire casserole is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• It’s kid-friendly: The casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that kids will love.
• It’s healthy: The casserole is made with whole food ingredients, including frozen rice, broccoli, and spinach. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free.
• It’s versatile: The casserole can be customized to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add different proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans.
• This casserole can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It would pair well with a salad or some bread.
• If you are serving the casserole as a main course, you can add a protein, such as tofu or tempeh.

INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Frozen Rice: Frozen rice is a convenient and easy-to-use ingredient that can be found at most grocery stores. It is typically pre-cooked and par-boiled, so it only needs to be thawed and heated through before using. Frozen rice is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, and it is also low in calories and fat.You can substitute cooked brown rice, quinoa, or millet for frozen rice in this Vegan Rice Casserole.

Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber. Broccoli has a slightly bitter taste that can be offset by other flavors, such as lemon or garlic.You can substitute cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for broccoli.

Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is another nutrient-rich vegetable that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Spinach has a mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with other vegetables and flavors.

Eggplant Spread: Eggplant spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Eggplant spread has a creamy and flavorful taste that pairs well with other vegetables and proteins.You can substitute hummus, baba ghanoush, or roasted red pepper dip for eggplant spread.

Lemon Tahini Dressing: Lemon tahini dressing is a delicious and flavorful dressing that is made from lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and spices. It has a tangy and nutty taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including this vegan rice casserole.You can substitute your favorite vinaigrette dressing for lemon tahini dressing. I reccomend a balsamic dressing.

TASTE & TEXTURE

The vegan rice casserole has a hearty and flavorful taste that is both satisfying and nutritious. The frozen rice gives the casserole a slightly chewy texture, while the broccoli and spinach add a fresh and crisp touch. The eggplant spread adds a creamy and nutty flavor, and the lemon tahini dressing provides a tangy and refreshing finish.

The frozen rice has a slightly chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft broccoli and spinach. The eggplant spread has a creamy and flavorful texture that adds richness to the casserole. The lemon tahini dressing has a tangy and refreshing texture that cuts through the richness of the eggplant spread.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

STEP 2

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the brown rice, broccoli and spinach. Top with eggplant spread.

STEP 3

Drizzle with the lemon tahini dressing.

STEP 4

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the broccoli is tender.

STEP 5

Remove the Vegan Rice Casserole from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

STEP 6

Drizzle with extra lemon tahini dressing and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if desired.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

When baking, if you want a crispy top layer on the Vegan Rice Casserole, remove the tin foil and bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Don’t overcook the rice. Frozen rice can be easily overcooked and become mushy. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it is just tender.

Add your favorite seasonings. This casserole is a blank canvas, so feel free to add your favorite seasonings. Some good options include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika.

Don’t forget the garnish. A simple garnish, such as chopped parsley or fresh basil, can really elevate the look and taste of the casserole.

This casserole can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It would pair well with a salad or some bread.If you are serving the casserole as a main course, you can add a protein, such as tofu or tempeh.

HOW TO MAKE THIS LOWER CARB

To make this lower carb you can add cauliflower rice or use only cauliflower rice. You can also use hearts of palm rice as well for a low carb hack.

HOW TO SERVE & STORE

To serve: This Vegan Rice Casserole is best served warm or hot. You can serve it directly from the oven, or you can reheat it in the microwave or oven. Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or fresh basil, if desired.

To store: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the casserole from getting soggy, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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