Description
A creamy, comforting casserole combining tender rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook rice according to package instructions, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes.
- Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
- Melt butter in saucepan, sauté onions until translucent, add garlic.
- Add flour to create roux, cook 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth until thickened.
- Add seasonings and 2 cups cheese, stir until melted.
- Combine rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce in baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheesy broccoli rice casserole, comfort food, vegetarian casserole, make-ahead meal