Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce
A comforting casserole layering tender broccoli florets with a creamy cheese sauce and fluffy rice, baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes blends broccoli florets, cooked white rice, butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Steam 4 cups broccoli florets until just tender, about 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, 2 cups cooked white rice, and cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle 1/2 cup bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce?
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 Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Creamy Rice Sauce 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.
