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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

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A comforting and easy homemade casserole combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blend of melted cheeses for a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old preferred)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%; dairy-free options like oat or almond milk can be used)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Prepare broccoli: chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch for 4-5 minutes until just tender and bright green. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain excess water. Set aside.
  3. Cook rice if not already done: cook 1½ cups uncooked rice according to package instructions to yield about 3 cups cooked rice. Spread out to cool slightly.
  4. Make cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, avoiding burning.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
  7. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Stir until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups sharp cheddar, ¾ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  10. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  11. Prepare topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  12. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or cooled rice to prevent mushiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. For extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional ¼ cup cheddar cheese over breadcrumbs before baking. Let casserole rest after baking to firm up for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy broccoli rice casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, broccoli casserole, cheesy rice bake, family dinner, side dish

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/cheesy-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/