Mild Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
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 ready in about 55 minutes pairs uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, chopped 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, steam 3 cups chopped broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mild Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Mild 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 chicken broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mild 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 Mild 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 Mild Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
American kid friendly 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.
