Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Creamy, comforting casserole with tender broccoli and fluffy rice baked under a golden cheese crust. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs Cooked rice, steamed Broccoli florets, Shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked rice
- 2 cups, steamed Broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter, then whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk until smooth, then stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Fold 2 cups steamed broccoli florets and 2 cups cooked rice into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, then top with 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, then let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
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 rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
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 Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole 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.
What goes well with Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
