Cheesy Rice and Broccoli
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish with this Cheesy Rice and Broccoli recipe, a creamy, wholesome blend of tender white rice, steamed broccoli florets, and a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe combines pantry staples like butter, milk, and all-purpose flour to create a luscious homemade cheese sauce infused with garlic powder for a subtle kick. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a one-pot cleanup, it’s an effortless, family-friendly meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Serve it warm, and don’t forget an optional sprinkling of extra cheese or paprika for a finishing touch! Ideal search terms: cheesy rice recipe, broccoli cheese dish, easy comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets. Bring a pot of water with a steamer basket to a boil, add the broccoli, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked rice and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and broccoli with the cheesy mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy rice and broccoli! Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.4 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 53.5 g | 268% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 279 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 2645 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.4 g | ||
| Protein | 70.2 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1844 mg | 142% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 848 mg | 18% | |
*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.
