Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and downright irresistible dish, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how it combines fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and melty cheese in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole never disappoints — my family goes crazy for it every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the ultimate cheesy, fluffy, vegetable-packed casserole. The key is balancing fresh broccoli with creamy cheeses and rice that cooks right in the dish — giving you a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and fresh.

• Unsalted Butter: I find using unsalted butter lets me control the saltiness of the dish perfectly.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced to melt into the sauce and add sweetness and depth.
• Kosher Salt: Dividing the salt helps season the veggies and the whole casserole evenly.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for that rich, savory base flavor.
• White Pepper: Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the cheese.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste; it brightens the whole casserole.
• Dijon Mustard: This ingredient might feel unexpected but it really amps up the cheesy flavor.
• Whole Milk: Room temperature milk helps melt the cheeses smoothly into a creamy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Cubed cream cheese adds luscious richness and helps bind everything together.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love extra sharp cheddar here because it gives that classic bold, cheesy punch everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
• Long Grain White Rice: Make sure it’s rinsed well — it cooks perfectly tender in the sauce without getting mushy.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Small diced; fresh gives the best texture, but you can substitute frozen if needed.
• Shredded Carrots: They bring sweetness and vibrant color to brighten this casserole.

Variations

I love how this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is such a flexible canvas — you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve played around with adding different veggies or swapping out cheeses, and I’ve found some fun ways to give it your own twist.

• Using Frozen Broccoli: When life gets busy, frozen broccoli is a life-saver — just thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crispy bacon for a heartier version that’s great for meal prep.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives; it won’t be quite the same but still delicious!
• Extra Veggies: Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and color — I like chopping them small so flavors meld well.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing an 8×8 glass baking dish lightly. Then, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, just until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base, so don’t rush it — you want those onions to sweeten and the garlic to bloom evenly without burning.

Step 2: Build the creamy sauce

Now stir in the white pepper, another pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard, mixing everything together. Slowly whisk in the room temperature whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer — not a boil, just a cozy bubble stage. Turn down the heat and add the cream cheese cubes, stirring until they melt smoothly into the sauce. This is when the magic starts happening, and patience is key to a velvety texture.

Step 3: Melt in the cheeses and veggies

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses in batches until everything is melted and well combined. Now, toss in the small diced broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and rinsed rice, folding everything together gently. At this point, the mixture should be creamy with little bursts of green and orange — looking as good as it tastes!

Step 4: Bake it to perfection

Transfer your cheesy broccoli rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil — this traps moisture so your rice cooks perfectly tender. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncover, give it a gentle stir to redistribute moisture, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want that top to get just a little golden and the rice to be fully cooked but not mushy.

Step 5: Let it rest and serve

Once it’s out of the oven, be sure to let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. I learned this trick years ago — it really helps the casserole set and makes serving a breeze. When you’re ready, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then dive in and prepare yourself for some of the creamiest, cheesiest comfort food you’ve made in ages.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives — it adds a bright herbaceous note that cuts through all the richness. Sometimes, I’ll also add a light dusting of extra parmesan just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a main dish but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to keep the meal balanced. My favorite combo is adding a fresh cucumber tomato salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette — it gives a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love baking this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy, personalized touch. You can also top it with crispy breadcrumbs or toasted nuts just before serving for a delightful crunch that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for some excellent next-day meals.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully a few times by letting it cool completely, portioning it into freezer-safe containers, and wrapping tightly. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. While freezing can slightly change the texture of the broccoli, the cheesy rice bakes back up really well.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in and avoid drying out. It usually takes 15-20 minutes and comes out creamy and delicious like fresh. Microwave is fine if you’re in a rush, but the texture won’t be quite as nice.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just the right mix of cozy comfort and fresh flavors without any fuss. I love how it saves me time but still impresses anyone I serve it to. Give it a try — I’m confident once you make it, it’ll be one of those go-to recipes you keep coming back to, just like I do!

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