Vegetable Rice Bake

Servings: 2 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Looking for a quick, veggie-packed dinner? This Vegetable Rice Bake is perfect! ๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿ„ Cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor, it's a comfort food classic that comes together in just 45 minutes. ๐Ÿ˜‹
Vegetable Rice Bake pinit

If youโ€™re in the mood for a simple yet satisfying meal, this Vegetable Rice Bake is just what you need. With tender veggies, perfectly cooked rice, and a crispy, cheesy topping, itโ€™s the kind of dish thatโ€™ll warm you up from the inside out. It comes together in no time and is sure to please everyone at the table. Ready to dive in?

Try my Herby Green Risotto recipe.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

โ†’ Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

โ†’ Packed with Veggies: Youโ€™ve got broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, and moreโ€”lots of healthy goodness in every bite!

โ†’ Cheesy & Crispy: Who doesnโ€™t love that golden, crispy top with a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy layer? Itโ€™s the best part!

โ†’ Comfort Food Vibes: Itโ€™s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a cozy, warm hug (without all the fuss).

โ†’ Customizable: Add more veggies or swap in your favorite cheeseโ€”itโ€™s super versatile to match your taste!

โ†’ Leftover Magic: It tastes even better the next day, so youโ€™ll have lunch covered too.

I think youโ€™ll be hooked after just one bite!

Try my Cauliflower Caponata Bake recipe.

What Youโ€™ll Need To Make

Key Ingredients for This Vegetable Rice Bake:

โ†’ Basmati Rice: The star of the show! Itโ€™s fluffy, light, and gives the bake a perfect base. You canโ€™t go wrong with basmatiโ€”it cooks up nicely and adds a great texture.

โ†’ Broccoli: Packed with nutrients and adds a nice crunch! Whether you use fresh or frozen, this veggie is a must for color and flavor.

โ†’ Mushrooms: These little guys bring so much savory goodness to the dish. Theyโ€™re meaty in texture, so they make the bake feel hearty and satisfying.

โ†’ Carrots: Sweet and slightly crunchy, carrots bring a lovely pop of color and balance out the richness of the cheese.

โ†’ Vegan Cheese: For that melt-in-your-mouth goodness! It adds the cheesy, creamy element without the dairy, keeping the dish light yet satisfying.

โ†’ Panko Breadcrumbs & Fried Onions: The secret to that crispy topping! These add a perfect crunch that everyone loves.

Each ingredient plays its part in making this dish so flavorful and fun to eat!

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What Youโ€™ll Need To Do

Time required: 45 mins

1| Preheat your oven to 320ยฐF (160ยฐC) and cook your rice as per the package instructions.

2| While thatโ€™s going, toss the broccoli into some salted water and let it boil for 3-5 minutes, just until itโ€™s tender but still got a bit of bite. Drain it and set it aside.

3| Heat up 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the mushrooms, onions, and a pinch of salt. Sautรฉ them for about 5 minutes.

4| Toss in the carrots and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 more minute.

5| Now, pour in the vegetable stock, add the broccoli and rice to the pan, and give it a good mix. Transfer it all to a casserole dish. Pour in the oat milk and half of the shredded vegan cheese, then season it with salt and pepper.

6| Mix the panko breadcrumbs, fried onions, and the rest of the cheese together. Sprinkle this crispy goodness over the top of the casserole.

7| Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Vegetable Rice Bake

Glycemic Index: 48 (low) Glycemic Load: 30 (high)

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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks

Try my Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe.

Here are some Recipe Swaps and Tweak Ideas you can try to customize the Vegetable Rice Bake:

Recipe Swaps:

(i) Rice Swap: If you want to cut down on carbs or try something different, swap the basmati rice for cauliflower rice. Itโ€™ll still be hearty but with a lighter twist!

(ii) Veggie Variations: Donโ€™t have broccoli on hand? No problem! Try swapping it with spinach, kale, or even Brussels sprouts for a different veggie-packed flavor.

(iii) Mushroom Swap: If mushrooms arenโ€™t your thing, use zucchini or eggplant for a veggie that soaks up the flavors just as well.

(iv) Cheese Options: If vegan cheese isnโ€™t your jam, you can use regular cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy, melty top.

(v) Breadcrumb Swap: Instead of panko, you can use crushed crackers or even tortilla chips for a crunchier topping.

Tweak Ideas:

(i) Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein content and make the dish more filling.

(ii) Spices & Herbs: Feel free to add extra flavor with a pinch of garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top will make it even tastier.

(iii) Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the mix before baking.

(iv) Nutty Crunch: Want an extra crunch? Try adding some chopped almonds or sunflower seeds to the topping.

(v) Creamier Texture: If you prefer a creamier bake, mix in a dollop of sour cream or a little cream cheese before baking.

Thereโ€™s plenty of room to play around with this recipe, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Helpful Tips for Success

Try my Avocado Mushroom Toast recipe.

Here are some useful tips to help you make this Vegetable Rice Bake even better:

1| Pre-cook the Rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it in with the veggies. This helps avoid any undercooked rice in the final bake.

2| Donโ€™t Overcook the Broccoli: Boil the broccoli just until itโ€™s tender but still crisp. Overcooking it could make it mushy and lose that nice bite in the dish.

3| Sautรฉ Veggies First: Sautรฉing the mushrooms and onions brings out their flavor and helps them cook evenly. This step makes the dish more savory!

4| Use Room Temperature Vegan Cheese: If youโ€™re using vegan cheese, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole. It melts better this way.

5| Cover with Foil for Extra Crispiness: If you want your topping extra crispy, try baking the casserole covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it for the last 5 minutes to brown the top.

6| Season to Taste: Donโ€™t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. A little pinch goes a long way!

7| Use a Shallow Dish: A shallow casserole dish helps everything cook evenly and gives you a crispy top in every bite.

8| Make Ahead: You can prep this dish ahead of time! Just assemble it and store it in the fridge. When youโ€™re ready, pop it in the oven and bake it.

These little tips can make a big difference in your bakeโ€™s flavor and texture. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Vegetable Rice Bake

Serving Ideas

Try my Baked Gnocchi with Italian Sausage and Baby Power Greens recipe.

Here are some fun serving ideas to take your Vegetable Rice Bake to the next level:

1| Side Salad: Serve the bake with a fresh, crunchy salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the richness of the bake perfectly.

2| Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is always a hit! Itโ€™s perfect for scooping up any cheesy bits from the bake.

3| Roasted Veggies: Pair it with some roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and a well-rounded meal.

4| Sautรฉed Greens: A side of sautรฉed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard would add a nice pop of color and even more nutrients to your meal.

5| Avocado Slices: For a creamy, fresh touch, serve the bake with sliced avocado or even a dollop of guacamole on the side.

6| A Dollop of Vegan Yogurt: A cool, creamy swirl of vegan yogurt on top adds a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy bake and balances out the flavors.

7| Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of color right before serving.

8| Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon on top just before serving adds a zesty freshness that brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.

These ideas will make your Vegetable Rice Bake feel like a full-on feast! Enjoy experimenting and find your favorite combos.

Storage Options

Try my Chicken Paillard Salad recipe.

Here are some storage options to keep your Vegetable Rice Bake fresh and tasty:

1| Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The bake will still taste great and can be easily reheated.

2| Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the bake! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before storing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3| Individual Portions: For easy reheating, portion out the bake into single servings and store them in separate containers. This way, you can grab a quick meal whenever you want!

4| Reheating: To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

5| Avoid Storing Toppings: If youโ€™re storing leftovers, keep the panko breadcrumbs and fried onions separate to maintain their crispy texture. Add them back just before reheating.

These storage options will keep your Vegetable Rice Bake fresh and make for easy meals later on!

Try my Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort foodโ€”easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Itโ€™s the kind of dish youโ€™ll want to make again and again. Whether youโ€™re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying leftovers, Iโ€™m sure itโ€™s going to become one of your go-to meals. Enjoy!

Recipe Card

Vegetable Rice Bake

This easy Vegetable Rice Bake is your new go-to dinner! ๐Ÿš Packed with healthy veggies and topped with crispy, melty cheese, itโ€™s a crowd-pleaser youโ€™ll want to make again and again. ๐Ÿง€

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 8 Calories: 375

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1:
    Preheat the oven to 320ยฐF (160ยฐC). Cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions.
  2. Step 2:
    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender yet firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3:
    In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, and a pinch of salt. Sautรฉ for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4:
    Add the sliced carrots and continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to allow the flour to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Step 5:
    Add the vegetable stock, broccoli, and cooked rice to the pan. Mix thoroughly, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Pour in the oat milk and half of the shredded vegan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6:
    In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, fried onions, and the remaining vegan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
  7. Step 7:
    Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2


Amount Per Serving
Calories 375kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.7g14%
Sodium 500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 63.5g22%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g42%
Sugars 12.2g
Protein 14.1g29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?

Yes, you can swap basmati rice for brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so youโ€™ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the entire bake in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to heat through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your vegetable stock is gluten-free. Double-check the labels just to be safe!

Can I add more veggies to this bake?

Of course! Feel free to throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. The more, the merrier!

Can I use regular cheese instead of vegan cheese?

Yep, you can easily swap vegan cheese for regular cheddar or mozzarella. Just use the same amount or adjust to your taste.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. It'll add a nice kick to the dish.

Can I freeze the Vegetable Rice Bake?

Definitely! Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long will the leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

Can I use a different kind of plant-based milk?

Yes, feel free to swap oat milk for almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. Just make sure itโ€™s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.

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