Brown Rice Broccoli Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome goodness, this Brown Rice Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist. Featuring hearty brown rice, tender steamed broccoli, and a velvety, homemade cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce, this baked casserole delivers indulgent flavor with every bite. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating and a hint of optional paprika for added flair, it's an irresistible dish that's perfect as a vegetarian main course or satisfying side. Ready in just 60 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings—and it's a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cups bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked brown rice for the casserole. Set it aside once cooked.
Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Set them aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk it to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, steamed broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole. For added color, dust with paprika if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the bread crumb topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot as a main dish or a hearty side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
404 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.7 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 802 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 19.3 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 483 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 219 mg | 5% | |
*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.
