One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
A comforting, creamy casserole combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese all cooked together in one pot. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, chicken broth, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups, chopped into bite-size pieces broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the grains in butter and onion mixture.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, add 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and broccoli is cooked but still bright green.
- Step 5: Remove pot from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Let rest uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving warm as a comforting side or main dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Pot 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 long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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 One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
American one pot 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.
