Description
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender broccoli florets, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked white rice baked to golden perfection. It's an easy-to-make casserole ideal as a satisfying side or a main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 5 cups broccoli (cut into small florets)
Grains
- 3 cups white rice (cooked)
Dairy
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 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 (175 C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil for 2 minutes until just tender. Immediately rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk along with mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Continue stirring constantly and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Season: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish: In a large bowl, toss the cooked broccoli and rice with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot directly from the baking dish for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This casserole comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy comfort food option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Make sure to cool broccoli rapidly after boiling to maintain its vibrant green color and texture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
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
