Easy Broccoli Rice Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Easy Broccoli Rice Bake is the perfect family-friendly casserole that makes dinner both wholesome and delicious. Featuring tender broccoli florets, hearty white or brown rice, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan, this bake delivers indulgent flavor in every bite. With a golden breadcrumb topping (optional) for added crunch, it bakes to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is a one-pan wonder that's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Plus, it can be customized to fit your favorite ingredients—think of it as your new go-to comfort food! Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheesy bake, quick family dinner, easy weeknight recipe, homemade cheese sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.4 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.9 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 814 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 20.9 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 483 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 170 mg | 4% | |
*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.
