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Almond Rice Casserole

4.0 · 3 reviewsRecipe card by Vegan FreakEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
FruitVegetableNutsLactose FreeVeganFree Of...
Almond Rice Casserole

Total time

75 min

Servings

6

Calories

246.5

Category

Rice

Looking for the perfect plant-based comfort food? This Almond Rice Casserole is a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that combines wholesome vegetables, protein-rich nuts, and tender rice. Naturally vegan, lactose-free, and perfect for family dinners, this oven-baked casserole delivers a satisfying crunch and savory flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

  • 1 olive oil
  • 3/4 celery
  • 6 green onions
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 fresh parsley
  • 1/4 thyme
  • 1/2 oregano
  • 1/2 pepper
  • 1/2 brown rice
  • 1 1/4 vegetable broth

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350.

  2. Heat oil in large skillet and cook celery, onions, pepper, mushrooms and parsley over med heat until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in remaining seasonings.

  3. Add the uncooked rice and cook for several minutes, mixing well. Transfer the ingredients to a lightly oiled 3-qt casserole. If usng precooked rice, add it in this step.

  4. Add broth and half of the alomds. Stir until ingredients are well combined.

  5. Top with remaining almonds and bake, covered, for one hour or until rice is soft and liquid has been absorbed.

Cook's notes

  • Use long-grain brown rice for extra fiber and a nuttier texture.
  • Toast your almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole to intensify their flavor.
  • Cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to ensure the rice cooks evenly without drying out.

Easy swaps

  • Swap almonds for toasted walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different crunch.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice to add a deeper savory dimension.

Frequently asked

Is this Almond Rice Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your rice and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time if cooking from chilled.

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