broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe
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The Best broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe

I’ve been making this broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy. I love how the creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli are perfectly balanced by the fluffy rice.

My kids go crazy for it, and it’s easy to see why – who wouldn’t love a dish that combines three of their favorite things? The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and can be customized to suit your tastes. I like to add some diced ham or bacon for added protein, but feel free to leave those out if you’re a vegetarian.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too. I’ve made it for dinner parties, family gatherings, and even just a quick weeknight meal. It’s one of those recipes that never gets old.

The key to making this casserole truly special is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the cheese or the broccoli! Freshly grated cheddar and steamed broccoli make all the difference in the world. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using Arborio rice – it’s worth the splurge trust me!

This recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks, and I’m excited to share it with you today. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’m always eager to hear about new variations or substitutions you’ve tried.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

4.6 from 932 votes

A comforting and cheesy broccoli rice casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt

For the Broccoli

2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
3Then combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
4Bring to a boil over high heat.
5Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
7Fluff with a fork and set aside.
8While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9Add broccoli florets and 1/2 tsp salt.
10Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until broccoli is tender and bright green.
11Remove from heat and set aside.
12In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
13Add flour and whisk to form a paste.
14Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
15Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
16Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
17Stir in cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
18In a 9×9 inch baking dish, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce.
19Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
20In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
21Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
22Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
23Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
24Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Large skillet
9×9 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option. Add cooked chicken or ground beef for added protein.

This broccoli cheese rice casserole is one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – once cooled completely, you can refrigerate or freeze individual portions for up to 3 days without sacrificing texture or flavor. Reheating is a breeze – simply microwave until hot through then serve over pasta or rice for an easy meal prep solution.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor while the Parmesan adds a nutty depth that complements the broccoli beautifully. Feel free to adjust the ratio of cheddar to Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli in this recipe! Just thaw it according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may have a slightly different texture than fresh broccoli, but it will still turn out delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

A: To avoid dryness, make sure not to overcook the casserole – check on it frequently during baking time so that it doesn’t get too browned or crispy at the edges. You can also try adding an extra tablespoon or two of milk or cream towards the end of baking time if you notice it getting too dry.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble all the ingredients except for the cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the cheese sauce and bake as instructed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly – simply omit any meat-based ingredients like diced ham or bacon if you’re cooking for vegetarians.

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