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!
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
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.
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.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to form a smooth sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
Top the casserole with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer on top.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2644 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.5 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.9 g | 420% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 399 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 6115 mg | 266% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.2 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.0 g | ||
| Protein | 106.0 g | 212% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 2376 mg | 183% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 996 mg | 21% | |
*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.
