Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole

This vibrant buffalo chickpea cauliflower casserole delivers bold, spicy flavors in an incredibly simple one-dish meal. Tender cauliflower florets and protein-packed chickpeas nestle into fluffy brown rice, all enveloped in a zesty buffalo sauce that permeates every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet nutritious, this casserole proves that plant-based eating can be both effortless and deeply satisfying.

I made this for a dinner gathering that included both dedicated vegans and committed meat-eaters, and it was the first dish to disappear! My brother-in-law, who typically reaches for seconds of steak before touching anything plant-based, asked for the recipe before the meal was even over.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable broth - Forms the flavorful liquid base that cooks the rice to perfection. Using low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Buffalo sauce - Provides that signature tangy heat that makes this casserole so addictive. Frank's RedHot offers the perfect balance of spice and flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Nutritional yeast - Adds a delicious umami, almost cheesy dimension without any dairy. This ingredient is key for creating depth of flavor in plant-based dishes.
• Garlic powder and onion powder - Infuse the sauce with aromatic notes that enhance the overall savoriness. These dried spices distribute evenly throughout the dish for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Cornstarch - Creates a luxurious creaminess as the casserole bakes, transforming what could be a basic dish into something wonderfully rich and satisfying. It's the secret to the perfect texture.
• Chickpeas - Contributes hearty protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite that makes this casserole truly filling. Their mild flavor absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully.
• Cauliflower - Offers a tender texture reminiscent of traditional buffalo wings while adding nutritional value. When cut into small florets, it cooks perfectly alongside the rice.
• Celery - Provides a fresh crunch and subtle flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly, just like the traditional pairing with buffalo wings.
• Brown rice - Creates a nutty, hearty base that cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors as it transforms from hard grains to fluffy perfection. Its fiber content adds to the filling nature of this dish.

Instructions:

Prepare your oven and baking dish

by preheating to 400°F (200°C). This relatively high temperature helps develop deeper flavors through slight caramelization while ensuring the rice cooks properly. Select a 9x13 inch baking dish that's at least 2 inches deep to accommodate the expansion of the rice as it cooks. There's no need to grease the dish since this recipe has enough liquid to prevent sticking.

Create your flavorful buffalo sauce mixture

by combining 2¾ cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder in a medium bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the flavors and spices. The nutritional yeast won't completely dissolve, which is normal. Once combined, gradually sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch while continuously whisking to prevent clumping. The cornstarch should be fully incorporated with no visible lumps before proceeding.

Layer your ingredients strategically

by starting with spreading 1½ cups (or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed) of chickpeas evenly across the bottom. This creates a foundation that will help prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the dish. Next, distribute 4 cups of small cauliflower florets (about one medium head) over the chickpeas, followed by 1 cup of diced celery (approximately 2-3 stalks). Finally, sprinkle 1½ cups of uncooked brown rice evenly over everything. The layering ensures that each component cooks properly and the rice has room to expand.

Pour the sauce carefully over the entire mixture

making sure it covers all of the ingredients, especially the rice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently press down on any dry spots, ensuring that all of the rice is submerged in liquid. This step is crucial because any rice that isn't covered by liquid won't cook properly and will remain hard and unpleasant to eat. Take an extra moment to check that the sauce has made its way to the bottom of the dish as well.

Cover and bake the casserole tightly with aluminum foil

This creates a sealed environment that traps steam, allowing the rice to cook properly and preventing the sauce from reducing too much. Place the covered dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful liquid, the cauliflower will become tender, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Finish with a brief uncovered bake

by removing the foil after the initial hour and returning the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered baking allows any excess liquid to evaporate and creates a slightly crispy top layer that adds wonderful textural contrast to the creamy interior. The top should look just slightly dried out but not burnt when it's done.

Allow the casserole to rest

for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time is not optional—it allows the starches in the rice to set up properly, making the casserole easier to serve neatly. It also gives the flavors time to settle and intensify. During this time, prepare any additional toppings you'd like to serve with your casserole, such as vegan ranch dressing, sliced green onions, or extra buffalo sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.

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I discovered through experimentation that adding the cornstarch to cold broth before whisking in the buffalo sauce prevents any clumping issues. Initially, I mixed everything at once and ended up with tiny lumps of cornstarch throughout the sauce. This simple adjustment in technique makes a significant difference in achieving that perfectly creamy, uniform sauce texture.

Perfect Rice Selection and Cooking

The type of rice you choose significantly impacts both cooking time and final texture. Brown rice creates a nutty, hearty base with excellent nutritional value, but it requires the full baking time to cook properly. If you prefer white rice, reduce the baking time to approximately 45 minutes total, as it cooks more quickly. For those seeking a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute—simply reduce the total baking time to 30-35 minutes and consider replacing the cauliflower florets with broccoli for variety in texture and flavor. Regardless of which rice you choose, the key to perfect results is ensuring it's completely covered by liquid before baking. One common pitfall is unevenly distributed rice where some areas have too much, creating pockets that remain undercooked. Take an extra moment to spread the rice in an even layer for consistent results.

Heat Level Customization

The beauty of this casserole lies in how easily it adapts to different spice preferences. For those who enjoy intense heat, use a spicier buffalo sauce like Frank's RedHot XTRA Hot or add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. If cooking for a family with varied spice tolerances, prepare the casserole with a milder buffalo sauce and offer additional hot sauce on the side for those who want to increase the heat level of their individual portions. For a milder version that still delivers buffalo flavor, mix equal parts buffalo sauce and tomato sauce instead of using straight buffalo sauce. The heat level will continue to mellow slightly as the casserole bakes and the rice absorbs the liquid, so it's perfectly acceptable to make the sauce mixture taste a touch spicier than your ultimate preference.

Elevating with Toppings and Add-ins

While this casserole is delicious as written, creative toppings and add-ins can transform it into an even more spectacular meal. For added richness, fold 1 cup of vegan cream cheese into the sauce mixture before pouring it over the casserole components. To enhance the buffalo wing experience, drizzle with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving. Fresh garnishes add brightness and texture—try thinly sliced green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, or diced avocado. For more protein, mix in 1 cup of diced plant-based chicken alternatives with the chickpeas. Add crunch with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or roasted pumpkin seeds just before serving. When reheating leftovers, a squeeze of fresh lime juice revitalizes the flavors beautifully.

I created this recipe on a busy weekend when I wanted something that required minimal active cooking but would provide tasty leftovers for the work week. After testing several versions, I found that the cornstarch addition transformed it from good to exceptional—creating that creamy, cohesive texture that makes you forget you're eating something so nutritious. My partner, who typically views casseroles with suspicion, now regularly requests this "buffalo bowl thing" when meal planning. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that's simultaneously convenient, nutritious, and crave-worthy. The way the spicy buffalo sauce permeates every bite, the tender cauliflower, and the subtle crunch of celery create a plant-based meal that never feels like a compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but you'll need to reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes since white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

→ How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce and replace it with more vegetable broth.

→ Can I meal prep this casserole?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables make great sides. Vegan ranch dressing drizzled on top is also delicious.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.