Updated: Aug 7, 2025 · Published: Jul 26, 2025 by makepurethyheart · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

Roasted Vegetables In Cast Iron Skillet Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like cooking a rustic plant-based meal outside, and this cast iron veggie skillet recipe was made right on the patio at Nick’s Cove, overlooking the Tomales Bay. The sun was golden, the fog gently lingering over the marsh, and the sizzle from the cast iron pan was the only soundtrack I needed.

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This colorful, satisfying dish pairs charred broccolini, buttery lion’s mane mushrooms, and sweet onion with a cozy side of Lundberg Farms yellow rice. Finished with a dollop of pesto or spoonful of jarred caramelized onion? Game-changer.

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💛 Why You’ll Love This Roasted Veggies in Cast Iron Skillet Recipe

Perfect One-Pan Dinner: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Plant-Based & Nourishing: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and plant-powered protein.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: Easily adaptable to most diets.
Restaurant Flavor at Home: That char from cast iron = unbeatable.
Gourmet Without Fuss: No fancy tools, just a pan, a pot, and great ingredients.

🥦 Ingredient Spotlight

🥬 Broccolini

A more elegant cousin of broccoli—tender stalks and delicate florets roast beautifully in cast iron. Slightly bitter and peppery, it pairs perfectly with savory rice and earthy mushrooms.

🧅 Sweet Onion

When caramelized just right in a hot skillet, onions become irresistibly sweet and umami-packed. They round out the dish with depth and richness.

🍄 Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

A meaty, buttery mushroom with a texture similar to crab or lobster. Sear until golden and crispy on the edges for a truly decadent vegan bite.

🍚 Lundberg Farms Yellow Rice

This long-grain rice is infused with saffron and turmeric, delivering warmth and color. It’s organic, non-GMO, and the perfect side to cast iron-roasted vegetables.

🌿 Toppings (Optional but Glorious)

Basil Pesto: Adds herbal brightness and a salty punch.
Jarred Caramelized Onion: Deep, sweet umami. Instant gourmet.
Fresh Herbs: Think thyme, parsley, or chives for that final aromatic flourish.

🔥 How to Make Roasted Vegetables in a Cast Iron Skillet (with Yellow Rice)

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Step 1: Preheat Your Cast Iron Skillet

Heat your skillet over medium-high until hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and disappears.

Step 2: Sear the Vegetables

Add a glug of olive oil and toss in the broccolini. Let it sear without stirring for 2–3 minutes. Flip and add sweet onion slices and lion’s mane mushrooms. Season with sea salt, cracked pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Cook until everything is tender with crispy edges.

Step 3: Simmer the Yellow Rice

In a small pot, cook Lundberg Farms yellow rice according to package directions (usually 1:2 rice to water ratio with a 20-minute simmer). Fluff and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Scoop rice into bowls. Top with your roasted vegetables. Spoon on pesto or caramelized onion (or both), and garnish with fresh herbs.

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🔁 Variations & Substitutions

🌽 Try Other Vegetables:

Asparagus
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Heirloom cherry tomatoes (added at the end)

🍄 Mushroom Swap:

No lion’s mane? Use oyster, shiitake, or cremini for similarly meaty texture.

🍚 Rice Options:

Swap in jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

🧄 Flavor Boosters:

Finish with lemon zest or a drizzle of aged balsamic.
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or crushed almonds for crunch.

Fresh healthy plant-based meal with greens, vegetables, and herbs for clean eating enthusiasts.

💡 Top Tip

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cast iron works best when the veggies have space to char. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure you get that golden edge—not steamed mush.

🔍 Hint: Get That Perfect Golden Sear

Pat mushrooms and broccolini dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Also, resist the urge to stir too often. Let the heat work its magic!

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❓ FAQ: Roasted Cast Iron Vegetables & Yellow Rice

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Not recommended here—they’ll steam instead of sear. Stick with fresh for that crisp-tender texture.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes! Lundberg Farms yellow rice is gluten-free, and the rest is just vegetables and herbs.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep everything ahead and reheat. But for best texture, cook the veggies fresh when serving.

What protein can I add?

Try chickpeas, marinated tofu, or even a fried egg if you’re not keeping it vegan.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

This roasted vegetables in cast iron skillet recipe isn’t just easy—it’s transformative. Cooking it outside at Nick’s Cove, with salty breezes and a glass of white wine, made me appreciate how simple, quality ingredients can become something luxurious.

Shout out to Make Pure Thy Heart Riders Peggy & Patricia ❤️❤️❤️

Whether you’re recreating this dish in your kitchen or by a campfire, let the cast iron do the talking—and don’t forget that last spoonful of pesto. 🌿

roasted vegetables in cast iron skillet recipe

makepurethyheart

Elevate your dinner with this easy roasted vegetables in cast iron skillet recipe featuring broccolini, lion’s mane mushrooms, and Lundberg Farms yellow rice. Topped with pesto or caramelized onion—it's a flavorful, vegan one-pan dinner idea perfect for patio cooking.

2.77 from 21 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Fusion, Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

🔥 For the Roasted Vegetables (Cast Iron Skillet)

1 bunch broccolini about 6–8 stalks, trimmed
1 small sweet onion sliced into thin wedges
4 –5 oz lion’s mane mushrooms torn into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional, for added savoriness

🍚 For the Yellow Rice (Cooked Separately)

½ cup Lundberg Farms Yellow Rice
1 cup water or veggie broth
Pinch of salt if broth is unsalted

🌿 Toppings & Garnish

2 tablespoons pesto store-bought or homemade or
2 tablespoons jarred caramelized onion
1 –2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped (parsley, thyme, or chives work beautifully)
Optional: lemon zest for brightness