There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven—especially one that’s loaded with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked meal. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping and a rich, velvety sauce, every bite is pure indulgence.
Whether you grew up eating this classic dish at family dinners or you’re trying it for the first time, you’ll fall in love with its comforting flavors and effortless preparation. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens while still keeping things deliciously cheesy!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Classic Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will devour this!
- Great for Meal Prep – Makes delicious leftovers for busy weekdays.
- Customizable – Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices.
Best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe You Need
Ingredients Notes
For the Sauce:
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup diced onion (about 1 small)
- 3 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Casserole:
- 2 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 5 ½ cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
Optional Add-Ons
Want to take your casserole up a notch? Try these additions:
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Extra Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey.
- Spice It Up: A dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a mild kick.
- Mix-In Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas blend well with the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
Add the Flavor Boosters
Once the sauce is smooth and thick, remove it from the heat. Stir in the dry mustard, paprika, cream cheese, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into a velvety sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Prepare the Broccoli
While the sauce is coming together, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly crisp since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain immediately and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will create that irresistible golden-brown cheese crust as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage and Serving
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep it slightly crisp before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Whisk Constantly When Adding Milk: This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
Variations
- Healthier Version: Swap butter for olive oil and use low-fat cheese and milk.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and almond milk.
In Conclusion of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish for a holiday feast or a main course on a busy weeknight, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
I’d love to hear how this turned out for you! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. Happy cooking!
