broccoli and rice casserole recipe

broccoli and rice casserole recipe

The Best broccoli and rice casserole recipe

I love broccoli and rice casserole recipe, it’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to please my family. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years. The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. My kids devour this dish every time I serve it, and I’m always happy to oblige their requests for seconds.

But what I think really sets this recipe apart is its ease of preparation. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal cleanup and can be ready in under an hour. Whether I’m serving it as a main course or as a side dish, broccoli and rice casserole always hits the spot. And with its impressive nutritional profile – packed with vitamins C and K from the broccoli, along with fiber and manganese from the rice – I feel good about serving it to my family too.

Growing up in the Midwest, I was lucky enough to have exposure to this dish at family gatherings and church suppers. It was always a crowd-pleaser, and I attribute that to the simplicity of its ingredients combined with the rich flavors that develop during cooking. With just a few simple pantry staples – chicken broth, milk, butter, salt, pepper – you can create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Of course, you’ll also need some fresh broccoli florets (frozen works too!)

and uncooked white or brown rice for this recipe. As a busy mom of two young children, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare this dish ahead of time. You can mix all the ingredients together in one big bowl before baking it off in the oven later in the day – or even overnight if you prefer! This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep on the weekends.

The key home cooking technique behind this recipe is knowing just when to add the liquid ingredients (the sauce) so they don’t evaporate too quickly while cooking. To avoid burning or sticking issues with your casserole top layer (which would be especially unpleasant if you’re planning on serving this at company!) , keep an eye on your dish as it bakes.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

4.9 from 1010 votes

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender broccoli and fluffy rice, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli and Rice Mixture

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp butter
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder

For Topping

½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4Add broccoli florets, cook for 5 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
5Stir in cooked rice, ensuring it is well mixed with the broccoli and onion mixture.
6Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and set aside.
7In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
8Add flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
9Gradually whisk in milk, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
12Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli and rice mixture in the baking dish.
13In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter.
14Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
16Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked chicken or bacon. Additionally, you can use frozen broccoli florets, ensuring they are thawed and drained before use.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Works

Broccoli and rice casserole is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at home with family or friends coming over.

It’s also perfect for meal prep on weekends since you can mix all ingredients together ahead of time before baking later that day (or even overnight!)

With its impressive nutritional profile packed with vitamins C & K from broccoli plus fiber & manganese from rice – plus ease of preparation requiring minimal cleanup – there’s no reason not try making this delicious comfort food classic today!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

A: For best results, use uncooked white or brown rice; either variety will work fine.

Q: Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?

A: Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh; simply thaw it first before using.

Q: How do I prevent the top layer from burning?

A: To avoid burning issues with your casserole top layer (especially if you’re planning on serving this at company!), keep an eye on your dish as it bakes.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients together in one big bowl before baking it off in the oven later in the day – or even overnight if you prefer.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover casserole tightly sealed in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days; refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze up to 2 months.

Q: How do you reheat leftovers?

A: Simply place leftovers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; cover with foil if desired; bake at 350°F until hot throughout.

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