Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with tender broccoli, cheesy sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty vegetable side or main.

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1-2 inch pieces; you can also use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati recommended)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light works)
• 1 cup heavy cream (light cream works as well)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook while stirring for about 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly, then slowly stir in the heavy cream.
5. Step 5: Add dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cooked rice, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is slightly browned. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover steamed broccoli and rice to save time and reduce waste.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
• Mix in breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. To freeze, place the casserole in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing to avoid a watery casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free butter, milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream. Use a vegan cheese substitute to keep the cheesy flavor.

Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with tender broccoli, fluffy basmati rice, and a rich cheese sauce infused with garlic, onion, and warming spices, this casserole is baked to golden perfection. The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth, making it an irresistible way to enjoy vegetables and rice.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Vegetables & Base

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1–2 inch pieces; you can also use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati preferred)

Dairy & Fats

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light works)
• 1 cup heavy cream (light cream works as well)
• 1/2 cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Produce & Aromatics

• 1 onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring for 1 minute until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux.
5. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually add the cream while stirring to combine into a creamy base.
6. Season and Thicken: Add the dry mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and becomes bubbly, forming a luscious sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Creams: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheeses fully melt and blend smoothly into the sauce.
8. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked basmati rice, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly ensuring everything is evenly coated.
9. Transfer to Dish: Pour the broccoli-rice mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese topping is lightly browned and golden.
12. Serve: Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes, then serve warm as a delicious side or main dish.

Notes

• You can substitute leftover steamed broccoli for fresh to save time.
• Using basmati rice adds a fragrant and fluffy texture; however, any cooked white rice will work.
• For a lighter version, use light cream and milk, but whole dairy provides a richer sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking directly from chilled.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount for cornstarch).

Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, baked broccoli casserole, comfort food, broccoli recipes, cheese sauce casserole