One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender brown rice, nutritious broccoli, and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it comes together quickly in just one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup quick cooking brown rice (do not use Instant rice; see note below)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2.5 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the quick cooking brown rice to the pan and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Pour in the milk, vegetable broth, and salt. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked with about 5 to 8 minutes left.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and gently stir in the broccoli florets and chickpeas. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the grated cheese. Taste and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let the casserole stand a few minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious, comforting casserole!

Tips & Variations

• Use any cheese you like for a different flavor—mozzarella or pepper jack work well for a twist.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
• Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach depending on your preference.
• If you want a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
• Make sure to use quick cooking brown rice as Instant rice will not yield the same texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the casserole creamy and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned or dried chickpeas for this recipe?

Canned chickpeas work best since they are already cooked and only need to be heated through. If using dried chickpeas, be sure to soak and cook them fully before adding to the casserole.

Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian when made with cheese. To make it vegan, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish combining tender broccoli florets, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy cheddar cheese with quick-cooking brown rice. Sauteed aromatics and a rich broth infuse deep flavor, making it an ideal one-pan meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2.5 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pantry & Dairy

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup quick cooking brown rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 cups chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Instructions

1. Saute aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and saute for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook casserole: Add the uncooked quick cooking brown rice to the pan and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains in oil and enhance flavor. Pour in the milk, vegetable broth, and add salt to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer the base: After boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes or until the rice has about 5-8 minutes of cooking time remaining. This partially cooks the rice and infuses the flavors.
4. Add broccoli and chickpeas: Remove the lid carefully and stir in the bite-sized broccoli florets and rinsed chickpeas. Cover the skillet again and continue cooking covered for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the rice finishes cooking.
5. Finish with cheese: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese into the casserole to melt and combine. Adjust salt if needed. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, cover the pan and let it stand for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
6. Serve and enjoy: Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve warm. This casserole makes a wholesome main dish packed with veggies, protein, and comforting cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Use quick cooking brown rice for the best texture; avoid instant rice as it has different cooking properties.
• Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary needs.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika with the salt.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chickpea casserole, broccoli rice casserole, one pan meal, vegetarian dinner, easy casserole, quick cooking brown rice recipe, cheesy broccoli casserole