Cheezie Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This recipe is super-easy, and the taste is potluck-worthy! You can make this ahead of time, then bake it about a half hour before you need it. Enjoy!

1 cup dry brown rice, cooked according to package directions
1 regular size bag frozen broccoli
1 recipe cheezie sauce (below; you may or may not want to cook it first, I used leftover cooked sauce that I reblended with a little water and poured that right over the top)

Spread rice on bottom of a 9 X 13 glass casserole dish. Evenly distribute frozen broccoli over the rice. Pour cheezie sauce over broccoli and rice. Do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until cheezie sauce gets thick and set. Once you take it out of the oven the cheeze sauce will set a little more.

Cheezie Sauce (modified from "I Love Veggies" cookbook)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in half OR 4 pieces of jarred roasted red bell peppers or 1 4 oz. can    pimentos
3 Tbsp organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder
3/4 cup cashews or sunflower seeds
3 3/4 cups water (this recipe works best if you reserve some of the water to bring to a boil in a sauce pan, and pour the blended ingredients in)
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp rolled oats
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp salt
1 1/2 tsp onion powder

Blend all ingredients thoroughly, until it is creamy and there is no grittiness. Use a spoon or other utensil to ensure there is no grit. Bring to a boil in a large sauce pan or deep skillet, stirring constantly until thick. Use anywhere you would use nacho type cheese.

Alternative Cheese Sauce (courtesy of David Daum)
3 1/2 cups water
1 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 cup organic white unbleached flour
1/4 cup organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 Tbsp. Salt
1 8-oz. Can tomato sauce

Bring all ingredients to a boil over medium high heat, whisking frequently. Boil for a few minutes until thickened. Pour into blender with 1/4- 1/3 cup grape seed oil and blend in high until smooth. Pour over rice mixture, or use anywhere else you would use cheese sauce. Add a can of Rotel diced tomatoes to make queso dip.
God Bless!