Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Rice Casserole, a creamy, gooey delight packed with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and three decadent cheeses—cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is crowd-pleasing perfection, featuring a golden panko breadcrumb topping for an irresistible crunch. Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Nutrient-rich broccoli and aromatic garlic and onion add a flavorful twist, while a hint of paprika enhances the cheesy goodness. Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main dish or a satisfying side that’s sure to impress.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
While the rice is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the chopped broccoli to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Rice Casserole!
Calories |
3019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 181.5 g | 233% | |
| Saturated Fat | 106.9 g | 535% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 536 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 6044 mg | 263% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 231.6 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 128.8 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 3142 mg | 242% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1532 mg | 33% | |
*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.