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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
