Cheesy Baked Broccoli Rice Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this mouthwatering baked broccoli cheese rice that promises to become an instant dinner favorite.

Creamy, cheesy goodness combines with tender broccoli florets in a dish that screams pure satisfaction.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust that turns simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Hearty and wholesome, this recipe delivers serious flavor without complicated techniques.

The blend of fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and rich cheese makes every bite a delightful experience.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this comforting classic and watch it become a staple on your family’s menu.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Rice

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
• Rice: Delivers hearty, satisfying base with nutty brown rice offering deeper flavor and more nutrients.
• Flour: Creates smooth, velvety sauce by thickening and binding ingredients together.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy taste with melty, luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep, salty complexity and nutty undertones.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces bright, subtle kick and depth to cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Brings zesty, aromatic punch that elevates overall dish profile.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and amplifies other ingredient flavors.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant green color, robust texture, and significant nutritional boost with vitamins and fiber.
• Milk: Creates silky sauce base while contributing calcium and creamy consistency.

Tools You’ll Need for Broccoli Cheese Rice

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking and serving the casserole.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending flour and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• Spatula: Helps mix rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce evenly.
• Measuring cups: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing broccoli florets.
• Sharp knife: Needed to chop broccoli into small, even pieces.

How to Cook Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

• Dish Preparation

Grab a spacious baking dish and get your oven warming up to a toasty 400°F. A quick swipe of grease ensures nothing sticks.

• Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and wake up some garlic with a gentle sizzle. Sprinkle in flour and create a smooth base, stirring constantly. Pour in milk slowly, adding a touch of mustard for extra zing. Season with salt and pepper, then invite cheddar and parmesan to join the party, melting into a luxurious sauce.

• Broccoli Rice Fusion

Mix fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli florets into the cheesy goodness. Spread the mixture into your waiting baking dish, crowning it with an extra sprinkle of cheese. Pop into the hot oven and let magic happen for about 30 minutes. The top will turn golden and bubbly, signaling it’s time to feast. Give it a quick rest before serving to let flavors settle and come together.

Flavor Tips for Baked Broccoli and Cheese

• Replace broccoli with cauliflower, asparagus, or mixed frozen vegetables for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.
• Add cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon bits to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that fills hungry bellies.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Everything Bagel seasoning for an extra kick of flavor that makes taste buds dance.
• Top the rice with toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers before baking to create a delightful crispy texture that adds exciting contrast.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or gouda to create unique and delicious variations that keep the dish exciting.

Serving Broccoli Cheese Rice as a Side

• Hearty Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked salmon for a complete and satisfying meal that balances the creamy rice with lean protein.
• Veggie Companion Dish: Add a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette to contrast the rich, cheesy texture and provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the warm rice casserole.
• Weekend Comfort Plating: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra layer of flavor, making this dish feel more gourmet and inviting for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose cold leftovers by forming small rice balls, coating in breadcrumbs, and quickly pan-frying for delicious crispy broccoli cheese rice croquettes that breathe new life into the original dish.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Rice Leftovers

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed containers keep the rice and broccoli fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezing Method: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to prevent moisture loss and maintain cheese's creamy consistency.
• Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and steaming.
• Portion Planning: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Meal prep enthusiasts can create multiple servings at once, saving time during busy weekdays and ensuring delicious, home-cooked meals are always ready.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cheesy broccoli rice casserole delights dinner tables with its comforting blend of creamy textures and wholesome ingredients. Quick preparation and simple steps make this dish a family favorite you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups cooked rice (brown)
• 2–3 cups cooked broccoli florets
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup) butter
• ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• Few cracks of fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Sauce Foundation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Dust flour into the mixture, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Liquid Integration: Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking to eliminate potential lumps. Incorporate Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring periodically.
4. Cheese Infusion: Remove sauce from heat and blend in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until mostly melted and creamy.
5. Combine and Transfer: Fold cooked rice and broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, ensuring uniform coating. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with additional cheese.
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become effervescent. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving to allow proper setting and easier portioning.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar and freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture.
• Roux Technique Crucial: Whisk flour and butter carefully to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce foundation.
• Broccoli Prep Tip: Cut broccoli florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Resting Period Important: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve perfect serving consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg