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Vegan Tofu Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Nutritional Yeast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This comforting and hearty Tofu Casserole is a delicious plant-based dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring cubes of extra firm tofu baked in a creamy, savory sauce with brown rice, broccoli, and optional vegan cheese, it’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and texture. The casserole is made without dairy, using plant-based milk and nutritional yeast as flavor enhancers, making it ideal for vegans and those seeking a wholesome, filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu

  • 15 oz extra firm tofu

Sauce

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • ½ cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups plain plant-based milk (not vanilla)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • ½ cup nutritional yeast flakes

Other

  • 1 ½ cups brown rice
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prep and preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with vegetable cooking spray.
  2. Press and cube tofu: Press the tofu to remove any excess liquid, which helps improve texture and allows it to absorb flavors better. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes and set aside.
  3. Cook aromatics and mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become tender. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional minute to enhance their flavors.
  4. Make the roux: Gradually sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring, ensuring a smooth mixture forms without lumps. This will thicken your sauce.
  5. Add liquids gradually: Slowly pour in the plant-based milk in half-cup increments, stirring well between each addition. Cook the mixture for up to 5 minutes until it thickens adequately. Then, add the vegetable broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
  6. Add remaining ingredients and cook rice mixture: Stir in the nutritional yeast flakes and brown rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed much of the liquid. Remove from heat.
  7. Assemble casserole: Pour the cooked rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Gently fold in the broccoli florets. Arrange the tofu cubes evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the sauce to meld with the other ingredients. If using, sprinkle shredded vegan cheese over the top for added creaminess and flavor.
  8. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the flavors to meld.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance the taste.
  10. Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. The casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months for longer storage.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 15-20 minutes.
  • If using white rice instead of brown, reduce cooking time in the sauce accordingly as white rice cooks faster.
  • For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour.
  • The vegan cheese is optional but recommended to add richness and a cheesy flavor.
  • Use plain, unsweetened plant-based milk for best results; avoid vanilla-flavored varieties to maintain savory taste.

Keywords: tofu casserole, vegan casserole, plant-based casserole, tofu recipe, brown rice casserole, vegan comfort food, dairy-free casserole

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/vegan-tofu-rice-casserole-with-broccoli-and-nutritional-yeast-recipe/