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Cozy Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

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A comforting and hearty vegetarian casserole packed with protein-rich chickpeas, nutrient-dense broccoli, and cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package instructions, or use leftover rice.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until they’re bright green and slightly tender.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vegetable broth, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne for a creamy, flavorful base.
  6. In the skillet, mix the cooked rice, chickpeas, sautéed veggies, and half of the shredded cheese. Pour the yogurt mixture over everything and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and add breadcrumbs if desired.
  8. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the broccoli to avoid mushy veggies.’, ‘Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the spices to your liking.’, ‘Cold leftover rice works wonderfully in casseroles and saves time.’, ‘For a dairy-free option, use vegan shredded cheese and yogurt.’, ‘Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea casserole, broccoli rice casserole, vegetarian dinner, healthy comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-chickpea-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-youll-love/