Indulge in comforting, oven-baked goodness with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake, a family-friendly casserole that brings together fluffy white rice, tender broccoli florets, and a decadently creamy, cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, this dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome vegetables and irresistible cheesy flavor. It's an easy-to-make recipe that combines everyday pantry staples with fresh ingredients, featuring a quick prep time of 15 minutes and just 35 minutes of cooking. Whether you're looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, this cheesy bake is sure to impress at dinner time. Perfect for weeknight meals or generous potluck servings, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Rinse 1 cup of uncooked white rice under water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. Set aside once cooked.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 4 cups of broccoli florets. Blanch for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake!
Calories |
3027 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 159.9 g | 205% | |
| Saturated Fat | 92.8 g | 464% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 465 mg | 155% | |
| Sodium | 6564 mg | 285% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 272.2 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.4 g | ||
| Protein | 142.9 g | 286% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 3418 mg | 263% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1088 mg | 23% | |
*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.