Healthy broccoli cauliflower rice Healthy rice casserole

Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Casserole

This wholesome casserole swaps heavy starches for a nutrient-rich base of cauliflower rice and broccoli. Bound with a light creamy yogurt sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and baked until golden, it’s perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main.

Ingredients

3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)

½ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

¾ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or plant-based cheese for vegan)

For topping (optional):

¼ cup grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative)

2 tbsp whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or almond meal for gluten-free)

⏳Time

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 25 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

✅ Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Sauté veggies — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add broccoli and cauliflower rice, cook 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.

3. Make creamy base — In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine — Stir creamy mixture into the skillet with veggies. Mix in ½ cup cheese.

5. Assemble casserole — Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Serve hot as a main dish or side.

ℹ️ Notes & Tips

For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas before baking.

Make it vegan by using plant-based cheese and unsweetened non-dairy yogurt.

Great for meal prep — store in airtight containers and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Add spices like paprika or cumin for more depth of flavor.

⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of cauliflower rice?

A: Yes — just pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized.

Q: How can I make this more filling?

A: Add quinoa or lentils to the mixture for extra bulk and protein.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

✅ Nutritional Value

Calories: ~165 kcal

Protein: 10g

Carbohydrates: 11g

Fiber: 4g

Fat: 8g

Sodium: ~220mg

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