Description
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender broccoli florets and fluffy white rice baked in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect as a hearty side or even a main course, this casserole combines simple ingredients to create a warm, cheesy meal that’s ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 5 cups broccoli (cut into small florets)
Grains
- 3 cups white rice (cooked)
Dairy & Fats
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ¼ cups milk
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and boil the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- Make Roux: Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually stir in the milk along with mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Continue to simmer and stir for about 4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked broccoli, cooked rice, and cheese sauce until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot directly from the baking dish for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This casserole is best served warm and makes a great side dish for roasted meats or grilled proteins.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little extra cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or bacon bits to make it a main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 503 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
