Vegan Cheesy Comfort Casserole

Dive into pure plant-based indulgence with this Vegan Cheesy Comfort Casserole, a wholesome mix of cozy flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients. Featuring tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and baby spinach nestled in a bed of hearty brown rice and protein-rich chickpeas, this casserole is a feast for both the palate and the soul. The creamy, "cheezy" sauce—made from blended cashews, nutritional yeast, and a hint of turmeric—delivers that irresistible umami while staying completely dairy-free. Topped with crispy, spiced bread crumbs, this golden-baked dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a comforting vegan centerpiece. Ready in just under an hour, it’s the ultimate blend of healthy and satisfying—no compromise on flavor required.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 15 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours and drained
• 1 quarter cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with the cooked brown rice and chickpeas.

Step 7

In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, turmeric, salt, black pepper, almond milk, and cornstarch. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Pour the blended cheese sauce into the rice and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 12

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2349.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2923.5

Total Fat 118.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5738.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 386.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 54.9g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 95.7g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 1444.4mg	0%
Iron 35.2mg	0%
Potassium 3522.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.6%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 51.6%