This savory Broccoli Quinoa Casserole recipe is creamy, cozy, and nourishing. Inspired by classic broccoli rice casserole, this wholesome twist delivers pure comfort with no butter, heavy cream, or condensed soup! (Vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free.)

Broccoli quinoa casserole with creamy cashew sauce on a white serving plate with fork

This savory Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is creamy, cozy, and nourishing. It's a bowl of pure comfort... with a healthier, feel-good twist!

This recipe is inspired by the classic comfort dish "broccoli rice casserole". But here we give it a wholesome spin with no butter, heavy cream, or cans of condensed soup. And instead of rice, we swap in protein-rich quinoa for extra nutrition.

Then toss everything in a quick, blender-made "cheesy" sauce that's savory, rich, and super easy. The result is hearty comfort food that still feels light and nourishing. (Win!)

Serve this casserole as a crowd-pleasing side dish or enjoy a bigger scoop as a main dish. It's packed with plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or leftovers that reheat beautifully!

Onion, garlic, white miso, cashews, nutritional yeast, vinegar, and seasoning ingredients laid out on a metal tray

Ingredients for Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

For this recipe, you'll combine in a casserole dish then bake in the oven:

White quinoa: Quinoa is a good source of protein, fiber, and many other nutrients. It's also a whole grain and complete protein which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. It works great in this casserole as a rice substitute!
Broccoli florets: I use two medium heads of broccoli, which is about 6-7 cups broccoli florets. (I'm guessing frozen broccoli could work too. Use about 16 ounces, and add it to the pan as you would the fresh broccoli.)
Yellow onion: Or you can use white onion or sweet onion instead.
Fresh garlic cloves: I use 4 cloves, but add more or less as desired.
Raw cashews: This is the base for our creamy sauce. We'll soak the cashews in advance to help them blend into a smoother sauce.
Vegetable broth
Nutritional yeast: This adds a savory, cheesy flavor.
White miso: Just a tablespoon adds depth of flavor and salty, umami taste. But if you don't have this ingredient, be sure to salt to taste. (About a half teaspoon.)
Apple cider vinegar
Onion powder
Garlic powder: You can also include other spices and seasonings as you wish. Include paprika, black pepper, Dijon mustard or dry mustard, herbs, or anything else that sounds good.

A creamy, cheesy cashew sauce being poured over broccoli quinoa casserole ingredients in a large white baking dish

Customizing

Extra-cheesy: Sprinkle dairy-free cheddar cheese shreds (or other vegan cheese) on top before baking. Or you can stir this right into the broccoli quinoa mixture.

Add mushrooms: When I first posted this recipe, I also included mushrooms which are a tasty addition. So feel free to sauté some with the broccoli and onion if you'd like.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they keep for about 4-5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Overhead view of baked broccoli quinoa casserole in a white baking dish with serving spoon

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan quinoa recipes or broccoli recipes.

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Vegan!)

This savory Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is creamy, cozy, and nourishing. Inspired by classic broccoli rice casserole, this wholesome twist delivers pure comfort with no butter, heavy cream, or condensed soup!

4.75 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 55

Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan

Servings: 8 side servings

Ingredients

1 cup white quinoa
6-7 cups broccoli florets*
1 yellow onion
4 cloves garlic

For the cashew cheese sauce:

1 cup raw cashews (soaked**)
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp. white miso
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

Cook quinoa: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add quinoa (rinsed and drained) with 1 3/4 cups water. (Or use vegetable broth for more flavor.) Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes or until fluffy.
Prepare oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
Prepare veggies: Chop the broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cook veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onion for about 6-7 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method, adding more as needed.) When onions are soft, add the garlic and broccoli florets. Stir and sauté 4 more minutes to soften and partially cook the broccoli.
Make sauce: Meanwhile, add all the cashew cheese sauce ingredients to a blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth.
Combine: In a 9"x13" baking dish, add the cooked quinoa and sautéed veggies. Then pour the cashew sauce on top. Stir to coat the mixture with the sauce. Then spread it out evenly, lightly pressing down.
Bake: Place in oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Notes

*Broccoli: I use 6-7 cups fresh broccoli florets, which is about 2 medium heads. (I'm guessing frozen could work as well. Use 16 oz. and add it to the pan when you'd normally add the fresh broccoli.)

**Soaking cashews: I use a "quick soak" method. Place cashews in a heat-safe bowl and carefully add hot/boiling water until cashews are covered. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then drain and rinse before blending. (Or you can soak the cashews in room temperature water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Then drain and rinse before using.)

Yield: Recipe makes about 8 smaller side servings, or 4-5 main dish servings.

Recipe originally published May 2012. Updated November 2025.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Vegan!)

Amount per Serving

Calories

219

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Fat

Potassium

538

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

556

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Vegan!)

Ingredients for Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Customizing

Storing