Rice Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this Rice Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Featuring tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and a rich homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is a crowd-pleasing blend of textures and flavors. The casserole is baked to golden perfection, with a bubbly, melty cheese topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare in just one dish, it's a fantastic option for feeding a family or meal prepping ahead of time. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe will become your new go-to for satisfying, cheesy goodness. Get ready to fall in love with this classic casserole recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Cook the white rice by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
Steam the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green. Drain any excess water and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Once thickened, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top and, if desired, dust with paprika for added color.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Rice Broccoli Cheese Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
573 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.7 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 1265 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 32.1 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 844 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 243 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.
