Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, comforting casserole with steamed broccoli and rice baked under a blanket of melted cheddar, ideal for picky eaters who love mild flavors. This american-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs cooked white rice, steamed broccoli florets, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
  2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups cooked white rice and 2 cups steamed broccoli florets to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a 9x9-inch baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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