One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
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 general-inspired one pot (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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven, carefully uncover, and pour the warm cream cheese mixture over the rice and broccoli.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake?
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 uncooked white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake?
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 One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
