One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-24 · Updated 2026-05-24

A comforting baked dish combining tender broccoli and fluffy rice with melted cheese, perfect for kids to help assemble and enjoy a wholesome meal. This one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs uncooked white rice, water, fresh 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 4, 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 white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine 1 cup uncooked white rice and 2 cups water, then scatter 2 cups fresh broccoli florets evenly over the top.
2. Step 2: Dot 2 tbsp butter over the rice and broccoli, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes until the rice is tender and water absorbed.
3. Step 3: While baking, in a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1 cup milk and stir in 2 oz cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven, carefully uncover, and pour the warm cream cheese mixture over the rice and broccoli.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then return the dish uncovered to the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving warm.