Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy and cheesy Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole—a family-favorite side dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Featuring tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and a luscious homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is perfectly topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust for a delightful crunch. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a mouthwatering way to enjoy vegetables while pleasing even the pickiest eaters. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or enjoy it on its own; it’s comfort food at its finest!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups Broccoli florets
• 3 cups Cooked white rice
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to form a smooth sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.

Step 9

Top the casserole with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10

In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer on top.

Step 11

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1706.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2643.5

Total Fat 146.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 399.1mg	0%
Sodium 6114.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 246.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 31.0g
Protein 106.0g	0%

Vitamin D 161.0IU	0%
Calcium 2376.0mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 995.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 36.1%