If you are searching for a truly comforting meal, you have come to the right place. This is hands down the Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole you will ever make. It is warm, creamy, and packed with flavor.
It is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Plus, it is surprisingly simple to put together. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something delicious and satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about a good Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole? It is a classic for a reason. This recipe uses simple, easy to find ingredients you might already have.
The homemade cheese sauce is rich and velvety. It coats every single piece of broccoli and rice. No canned soups here. Just pure, simple goodness that tastes so much better.
This dish is also a fantastic way to get some greens into your meal. The broccoli adds a nice texture and flavor that complements the sharp cheddar cheese beautifully. It is a family friendly winner.
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli cut into small florets
- 3 cups white rice, cooked
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan And Broccoli
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Go ahead and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so it is ready to go. You will thank yourself later.
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and boil them for just two minutes. This is called blanching. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the best part. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about two minutes, stirring the whole time. This creates a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while you keep stirring. Add the mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring it all to a simmer and cook for four minutes until it starts to get thick.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until smooth. Then season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked rice and blanched broccoli with your amazing cheese sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated in that cheesy goodness. This is a Broccoli Cheese Casserole Easy recipe, right?
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. We are almost there!
Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create that bubbly, golden brown crust everyone loves.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
How To Store Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through. The flavors are just as good the next day.
Tips
Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top with the cheese before baking. It adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
Feel free to add other ingredients. Cooked chicken or bacon would be a delicious addition to make this a more hearty meal. This Brcoli Rice Casserole is very versatile.
For the best creamy sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre shredded cheese often has additives that can make the sauce a bit grainy. It is a small step that makes a big difference.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole. It is a dish that proves homemade food does not have to be complicated to be delicious.
Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating this wonderful meal as much as I do. It is pure comfort in a dish.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding it to the casserole. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Kind Of Rice Is Best?
Long grain white rice works wonderfully. However, you can use brown rice or even wild rice if you prefer. Just make sure it is fully cooked before you add it to the mixture.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This dish is great on its own. It also pairs nicely with a simple side salad, roasted chicken, or grilled pork chops for a complete and satisfying meal.
Comforting Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole
A classic comfort food, this cheddar broccoli rice casserole is warm, creamy, and full of flavor. Made with a homemade cheese sauce, it’s a simple and satisfying dish for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add the mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the softened cream cheese until the sauce is completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, mixing gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, it’s recommended to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes make the sauce grainy.
Add a crunchy topping by sprinkling crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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