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