Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a cheesy sauce, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy vegetables with a rich, satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1-2 inch pieces; you can also use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati works well)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light)
• 1 cup heavy cream (light cream can be substituted)
• 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 the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook while stirring for 1 minute. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to stir.
5. Step 5: Add the dry mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cooked rice, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is slightly browned. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli florets; just thaw and drain before mixing.
• For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the cream, but expect a less rich sauce.
• Add cooked chopped chicken or bacon bits for extra protein and flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use cooked brown rice; just keep in mind it has a chewier texture and may require slightly longer baking time to heat through.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and cover it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Best Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

This Best Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender broccoli and fluffy basmati rice baked in a savory sauce. Perfect for a family meal or potluck, it’s rich yet balanced with fresh vegetables and a velvety cheese sauce infused with garlic and spices.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Base

• 6 cups broccoli (cut into 1–2 inch pieces; you can also use leftover steamed broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (basmati recommended)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or light)
• 1 cup heavy cream (light cream can be used)
• 1/2 cream cheese (room temperature, about 4 oz)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Seasonings & Thickener

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook while stirring for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, releasing its aroma.
4. Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the butter, onions, and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
5. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, followed by gradually adding the heavy cream. This combination creates the creamy base for the casserole sauce.
6. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the dry mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine all flavors. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce gently until it thickens and becomes bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and all cheese has melted completely.
8. Combine Broccoli, Rice, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli pieces, cooked rice, and the prepared creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat the broccoli and rice.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli and rice mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
10. Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, cheesy crust.
11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is lightly browned and slightly crisp.
12. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm as a comforting side dish or vegetarian main.

Notes

• You can use leftover steamed broccoli or fresh broccoli florets for convenience.
• Substitute light cream or half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
• Adjust seasoning based on your preference; add more pepper or paprika for extra kick.
• Use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; they may thicken and need a splash of milk when reheating.

Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, vegetable casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, vegetarian casserole