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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/best-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-2/