Mild Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-28 · Updated 2026-06-28

Comforting baked casserole combining fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and a mild cheese sauce that's perfect for kids and families. This American-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups, chopped broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup, for topping bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp, for topping olive oil

The 9x13 baking dish we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
2. Step 2: While rice cooks, steam 3 cups chopped broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese until melted. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
6. Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce until well mixed. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Step 7: Toss 1/2 cup bread crumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.