Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite side or main course.

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1-2 inch pieces; you can also use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati recommended)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light)
• 1 cup heavy cream (light cream works as well)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly, then gradually mix in the heavy cream.
5. Step 5: Add dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer until thick and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cooked rice, and cheese sauce ingredients. Mix well to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the casserole before baking.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier taste and lighter texture.
• Using leftover steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli that’s been thawed works well and saves time.
• Feel free to swap cheddar with a sharp gouda or a spicy pepper jack for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole covered tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it may alter the texture and cooking time slightly. Make sure the rice is cooked fully before incorporating it into the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender broccoli and fluffy basmati rice baked in a rich sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. Perfect as a hearty side or main course, it combines sautéed onions and garlic with a smooth milk and cream-based sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden on top.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables & Dairy

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1–2 inch pieces; can use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati recommended)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or light cream)
• 1/2 cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for assembling the casserole.
3. Sauté aromatics: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook while stirring for about 1 minute. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Make roux: Stir in the flour and cook this mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes, which helps cook out the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce later.
5. Add liquids: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the heavy cream as well, continuing to stir to create a smooth base.
6. Season and thicken: Add the dry mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine everything thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until it thickens nicely and becomes bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Incorporate cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until all the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth.
8. Combine casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked rice, and the prepared creamy cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
9. Assemble: Transfer the broccoli and rice mixture into the greased baking dish spreading it evenly.
10. Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is slightly browned and golden.
12. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting broccoli rice casserole as a delicious side or vegetarian main dish.

Notes

• You can use leftover steamed broccoli or fresh broccoli cut into chunks.
• Substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free flour to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
• Feel free to swap cheddar with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or a sharp cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Make sure the cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheesy casserole, vegetarian casserole, broccoli casserole recipe, baked broccoli rice, comfort food casserole