Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a warm, creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. This dish combines fresh broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings or a hearty main for a cozy weeknight dinner. With a delightful crunch from the topping and a warmth that fills your soul, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re looking for a recipe that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole checks all the boxes. The combination of broccoli and rice makes it a wholesome dish that is easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it alongside grilled meats, or make it the star of a vegetarian meal. The creamy cheese sauce is comforting, while the fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and health benefits. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this casserole deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan.
Your Shopping Guide
To whip up this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 5 cups broccoli florets, fresh, cut to bite-size pieces
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 tbsp flour
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 cups milk (2% or whole)
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ tsp paprika, dried
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, divided
- 2 tbsp melted salted butter
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp Italian spices, dried
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
What’s in the Gear List
Make sure you have the following gear ready to go:
- Large pot – for cooking the broccoli and rice.
- Skillet – for sautéing the onions and making the cheese sauce.
- Baking dish – to hold your casserole as it bakes to perfection.
- Whisk – for mixing the ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula – for folding your ingredients together.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, prepare 2 cups of white rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute until the mixture is well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the dry mustard powder, paprika, and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese, melted butter, panko bread crumbs, Italian spices, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 8: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in!
No-Store Runs Needed
You might be surprised to find that many of the ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole are pantry staples. Here’s a list of things you likely already have on hand:
- White rice
- Flour
- Salted butter
- Garlic salt
- Pepper
- Dried spices (mustard powder, paprika, Italian spices)
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even seasoned cooks can trip up while making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the broccoli – Blanch it just enough to keep its bright color and crisp texture.
- Not letting the cheese sauce thicken – Be patient; it should be creamy but not runny.
- Using pre-shredded cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
- Skipping the breadcrumb topping – This adds a delightful crunch that balances the creaminess of the dish.
How to Store & Reheat
After enjoying your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you might have some leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can work, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, and opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
The Last Word
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and satisfying crunch, this dish will warm your heart and fill your belly. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in the cheesy goodness we all love.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting classic. You’ll find that once you make this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, it will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown on top.
- Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli - In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Step 3: Cook the Rice - If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, prepare 2 cups of white rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set aside.
- Step 4: Sauté the Onions - In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce - Sprinkle in the flour, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute until the mixture is well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the dry mustard powder, paprika, and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Combine Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 7: Assemble the Casserole - Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese, melted butter, panko bread crumbs, Italian spices, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.
- For a lighter dish, use low-fat cheese and brown rice.
