Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole
Introduction: Dive into the comforting embrace of our Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole – a hearty and wholesome dish that combines the goodness of spinach, aromatic rice, and flavorful seasonings. In this culinary journey, we explore the art of creating a nourishing plant-based meal that satisfies both the body and the soul. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure filled with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients: For the Casserole:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil for a minute or two.
- Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it evenly with the seasoned oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
- Transfer the spinach rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and olive oil for the topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spinach rice in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up further.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Each serving of this Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole provides approximately 250 calories, 6g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, 5g of fat, and 3g of fiber, offering a balanced and satisfying meal option.
Smart WW Points:
- With its nutrient-rich ingredients and flavorful profile, each serving of this Spinach Rice Casserole is approximately 6 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking to enjoy delicious plant-based meals while staying mindful of their wellness goals.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole is a testament to the versatility and vibrancy of plant-based cuisine, offering a nourishing and delicious option for any mealtime occasion. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or showcased as a star dish at a festive gathering, this casserole is sure to delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. Embrace the goodness of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors with every forkful of this delightful Spinach Rice Casserole, savoring the nourishment it brings to both body and soul.

Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with our Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole, a delightful fusion of vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. This hearty dish celebrates the simplicity of plant-based cooking while offering a satisfying meal that is both wholesome and delicious. Join us as we explore the art of creating a comforting casserole that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
- Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it evenly with the seasoned oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt in the residual heat.
- Transfer the spinach rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and olive oil for the topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spinach rice in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up further.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Each serving of this Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole provides approximately 250 calories, 6g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, 5g of fat, and 3g of fiber, making it a balanced and satisfying meal option.
Smart WW Points:
- With its nutrient-rich ingredients and flavorful profile, each serving of this Spinach Rice Casserole is approximately 6 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, offering a delicious and wholesome option for those mindful of their wellness goals.
Conclusion:
our Vegan Spinach Rice Casserole is a testament to the versatility and nourishment of plant-based cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or served as a flavorful side dish at a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress with its wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors. Embrace the simplicity of plant-based cooking with this satisfying Spinach Rice Casserole, savoring every bite as a celebration of health and wellness.