Creamy Rice Casserole

Indulge in the comfort of a rich and satisfying Creamy Rice Casserole, a delightful blend of tender white rice, wholesome vegetables, and a luscious cheese sauce. This easy-to-make baked dish combines the earthy flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and broccoli with the velvety creaminess of cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan. Topped with crunchy, golden panko breadcrumbs, it delivers a perfect balance of textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a comforting side, and pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for a casserole to please a crowd or a freezer-friendly make-ahead meal, this recipe has it all! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly creamy, this dish will quickly become a dinnertime favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of white rice with 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses have melted into a smooth sauce.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste, then remove from heat.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Stir until fully combined and evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake 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 the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1554.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2600.7

Total Fat 207.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 118.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 581.4mg	0%
Sodium 6360.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 107.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 68.6g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1536.5mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 926.6mg	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: 72.6%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 16.7%