Description
Baked broccoli cheese rice delivers comfort and flavor in one hearty casserole. Creamy cheddar melts perfectly over tender broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice (brown)
- 2–3 cups cooked broccoli florets
- 2 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Few cracks of fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter and garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, incorporating slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring periodically to maintain smooth consistency.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheese is mostly melted and sauce appears creamy.
- Mix cooked rice and fresh broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating and distribution.
- Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining of cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.
Notes
- Customize this cheesy rice casserole by adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and flavor explosion.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick protein boost, making the dish even more satisfying and budget-friendly.
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase nutritional value and add a delightful nutty undertone to the creamy mixture.
- Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg