There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling out of the oven. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time favorites — simple ingredients, loaded with creamy cheese and tender broccoli, all held together with fluffy rice. Trust me, it’s worth your time.

The dish is a casserole served in a white baking dish with one large scoop being lifted by a wooden spoon. The casserole has three clear layers: the bottom layer is light and soft with a grainy texture, mixed with small green broccoli florets scattered throughout; the middle layer shows a mix of broccoli and a creamy, pale yellow base; the top layer is bright orange shredded cheese, melted and spread evenly. The colors are mainly yellow, orange, and green, giving a warm and fresh look against the white baking dish and a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this casserole on a chilly evening, craving something cozy and satisfying. It became a weekly staple almost immediately because it hits all the right notes without being complicated.

Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked broccoli and rice for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy; just common kitchen staples that come together beautifully.
Versatile Side or Main: It pairs easily with roasted chicken or stands alone as a vegetarian-friendly hearty dish.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite spices, swap cheeses, or toss in extras like mushrooms or bacon for a personal touch.

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with a layered broccoli and rice bake. The bottom layer is made of cooked rice that looks soft and slightly creamy with bits of green broccoli mixed in. On top, there is a layer of melted orange cheddar cheese that covers the bake with some broccoli pieces visible through the cheese. A wooden spoon lifts a portion of the casserole, showing the thick, textured mixture with chunks of bright green broccoli and melted cheese strands on top. The white casserole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balancing textures and flavors — creamy sauce, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and that golden cheesy crust on top. Picking fresh broccoli and good-quality cheese will make a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a mound of fluffy cooked white rice, a few pats of creamy yellow butter, a small white bowl filled with pale all purpose flour, a small white bowl of smooth white milk, a pinch of bright yellow mustard powder in a tiny white bowl, a small white bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, another small white bowl containing light beige onion powder, a tiny white bowl with pale off-white garlic powder, a heap of shredded deep orange cheddar cheese, a small block of soft cream cheese, a sprinkle of fine white salt in a white bowl, and a small white bowl with ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets steam up perfectly tender after a quick blanch, keeping their bright color and slight crunch.
Cooked White Rice: Using pre-cooked rice means the casserole bakes evenly without drying out; leftover rice is great here.
Butter: Starts the creamy roux base, adding rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with butter to create the roux, essential for the cheesy sauce's silky texture.
Milk: Adds creaminess; whole or 2% milk works best for a rich sauce without heaviness.
Mustard Powder: A surprising addition that brightens the cheese flavor beautifully without overpowering.
Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: These spices add subtle layers of warmth and depth.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into the sauce, lending that classic cheesy goodness.
Cream Cheese: This smooths out the sauce and boosts creaminess even further.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is, so I’m always mixing it up with easy tweaks to keep things interesting. You should definitely feel free to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the cheddar for mozzarella for a super melty texture — it’s like a gooey cheese dream.
Diet-Friendly: Need gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and you’re good to go.
Protein Boost: Add cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits stirred in before baking for a heartier meal.
Veggie Twist: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for more layers of flavor and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Broccoli

Start by cutting your broccoli into small florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for only two minutes — this keeps the broccoli tender but still vibrant and crunchy. Then, shock it in cold water to stop the cooking. This little step guarantees your broccoli won't get mushy in the bake, which is a game changer.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook it gently for about 2 minutes. This toasts the flour just enough for flavor without browning it. Slowly add milk, mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring constantly so it doesn’t clump. Bring it to a gentle simmer until it thickens — about 4 minutes.

Once thick, remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese plus the softened cream cheese. The cream cheese makes the sauce silky smooth and ultra creamy. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheesy sauce until everything is nicely coated. Pour this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown and slightly crispy — it’s total comfort food magic.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and a few tricks really help nail it every time. Here are the nuggets I wish I knew before my first attempt:

Quick Blanching: Don’t skip the two-minute blanch and cold water bath on broccoli; it keeps the texture perfect and color bright.
Constant Stirring: When making the roux and adding milk, stir constantly to avoid lumps — a smooth cheese sauce comes from patience here.
Cream Cheese Secret: Adding cream cheese really elevates the sauce from “nice” to “wow” — don’t omit this step!
Baking Time: If the cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil so the casserole can cook through without burning the top.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy broccoli casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little chopped chive on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with anything from roasted chicken thighs or crispy baked fish to grilled sausages. A simple green salad or roasted carrots on the side balance the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a tiny dollop of sour cream — guests love the personal touch and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats well the next day and makes an easy lunch or dinner without much fuss.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, too. Just cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Oven reheating helps maintain the casserole’s creamy texture better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice works fine, but since it takes longer to cook, make sure it’s fully cooked and tender before mixing into the casserole. The texture will be nuttier and heartier.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and replace cheese with a vegan cheese substitute. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it covered. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be chilled.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, and the sauce is hot and thick throughout. You can test by inserting a fork in the middle to check for warmth.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s so reliably comforting yet quick enough for busy days. I hope you give it a try soon — it’s one of those dishes you want to make again and again, sharing its warmth with family or friends.