Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a perfect blend of wholesome veggies, creamy sauces, and cheesy goodness. Featuring tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce enriched with sharp cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese, this dish is a satisfying vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust for irresistible crunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Ready in just an hour, this casserole is the ultimate combination of nourishing ingredients, rich textures, and bold, cheesy flavors. Perfect as a main course or a standout side dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 ounces, softened cream cheese
• 2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute until it forms a paste.

Step 7

Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 more minutes.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese. Once it's melted and smooth, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 9

Remove the sauce from heat and pour it over the broccoli in the mixing bowl. Add the cooked rice and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 11

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 13

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1970.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3628.9

Total Fat 194.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 510.9mg	0%
Sodium 6686.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 342.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 49.6g
Protein 149.4g	0%

Vitamin D 219.2IU	0%
Calcium 3204.4mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 1459.3mg	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: 47.1%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 36.9%