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    Home » Recipes » Casseroles

    Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Published: October 6, 2021 · Updated: October 6, 2021 · By: Krissy · 6 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This flavorful stovetop Broccoli Rice Casserole full of melted cheese makes a fantastic side dish. Loaded with fresh broccoli that is added at just the right time to cook it tender and not mushy, this broccoli cheese rice casserole is beyond satisfying. It tastes wonderful on it's own, but you can easily add some chicken, pork, seafood or steak for a complete one pot dinner!

    Broccoli cheese Rice Casserole

    Why this recipe is so great:

    • Fresh broccoli: While other recipes use frozen broccoli, I much prefer to use fresh. When added at the right time, the broccoli cooks to a vibrant green with a perfectly tender texture.
    • Toasted rice: Much like a delicious risotto, the uncooked long grain rice is toasted prior to adding the liquid. This gives a more deep and complex flavor in the casserole.
    • The cheese! Broccoli and cheddar are a fantastic combination, but cheddar doesn't create a rich creamy texture when melted. That's where the mozzarella comes in. When mixed together, you get not only amazing flavor, but that wonderful cheese pull!
    • Amazing flavor: The secret ingredients are dried mustard and fresh thyme. A small amount goes a long way!

    Ingredients needed:

    Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

    • Broccoli - Use fresh broccoli and trim the crowns to bite sized pieces
    • Cheese - equal parts cheddar and mozzarella
    • Onions, celery, garlic - sauteed in butter and olive oil for flavor and texture
    • Whole milk and chicken broth for the needed liquid
    • Uncooked long grain rice with some flour for thickening
    • Fresh thyme and dried mustard for flavor
    ingredients to make Broccoli Rice Casserole

    How to make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole:

    Detailed step by step instructions are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

    1. Saute vegetables: Cook the onion and celery in the butter and olive oil. When they are almost done, add the garlic.
    2. Toast rice: Add the uncooked rice and allow to turn golden brown. Then, coat with flour and allow to cook for a bit.
    3. Add liquid: Pour in the broth and milk along with the thyme, dried mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
    4. Cook: Cover and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
    5. Add broccoli and cheese: Stir in the broccoli and allow it to cook in the remaining liquid. Then, stir in half the cheese.
    6. Top with cheese: Add the remaining cheese and cover with lid just until that cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!
    • sauteed onion in pan
      saute onions and garlic
    • adding flour to browned rice
      toast rice and flour
    • cream sauce in pan
      add liquid
    • rice cooking in cream sauce
      cook until rice absorbs liquid
    • broccoli and rice in casserole dish
      stir in broccoli and cheese
    • broccoli and rice casserole with cheese on top
      top with additional cheese

    Recipe tips for perfect results:

    • Substitutions:
      • Broth: To make this broccoli rice casserole vegetarian, you can swap out the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Likewise, you can use beef broth or even seafood stock, depending on the protein you plan to serve with it.
      • Cheese: You can use any kind of shredded cheese you prefer. Gruyere and extra sharp cheddar would make a great choice.
      • Herbs: Fresh time is my favorite with this recipe, but minced rosemary or basil would work as well.
    • Time to cook: It is very important that you taste the rice when it cooks in the liquid. You want to add the broccoli when there is still liquid left in the pot and the rice is mostly done but still has some bite to it.
    • Storage and reheating: Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave in one minute increments at 50% power until heated through.
    Broccoli Rice Casserole with melted cheese

    Serve this recipe with:

    Make this broccoli rice casserole recipe and serve with these favorites for a complete meal!

    • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
    • Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
    • T-Bone Steaks
    Broccoli Rice Casserole with fresh broccoli

    If you’ve made this or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out. I love hearing from my readers!

    You can also follow along on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes to satisfy any foodie craving!

    scoop of Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Broccoli Rice Casserole

    This flavorful stovetop Broccoli Rice Casserole full of melted cheese makes a fantastic side dish. Loaded with fresh broccoli that is added at just the right time to cook it tender and not mushy, this broccoli cheese rice casserole is beyond satisfying. It tastes wonderful on it's own, but you can easily add some chicken, pork, seafood or steak for a complete one pot dinner!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Scale: 8 servings
    Recipe Created By: Krissy Allori

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
    • ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
    • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 ½ cups long grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
    • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (thick stems removed)
    • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground)
    • 12 ounces fresh broccoli (equivalent to one large head, cut into small florets)
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded )
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded )

    Instructions

    • Cook onions and garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan over medium high heat. Saute the onions and celery until everything is very fragrant and the onions are slightly translucent and starting to brown. When they are about ready, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
      sauteed onion in pan
    • Brown rice: Add the uncooked rice, stir to coat, and allow to cook for several minutes without stirring. Once the rice is toasted, add the flour, stir to coat, and saute for about a minute.
      adding flour to browned rice
    • Cook rice in liquid: Add the milk and broth to the rice mixture and stir well. Add thyme, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is cooked, but slightly underdone.
      rice cooking in cream sauce
    • Add broccoli and cheese: Add the broccoli and gently stir to combine. Cover and cook for only a couple of minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and slightly tender. Mix together cheeses and add half to casserole. Stir to combine. Top with the remaining cheese and cover with lid. Allow the cheese to melt and serve hot.
      broccoli and rice casserole with cheese on top

    NUTRITION INFORMATION

    Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 808mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Zeke Barber

      October 09, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      Yes yes yes! This looks amazing and I can't wait to eat it with our next meal!

      Reply
    2. Kristen

      October 09, 2021 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      My kiddos loved this! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!

      Reply
      • Patti Portenier

        October 13, 2021 at 11:05 am

        This looks do good. My daughter is going to love it as well. I know what I am having for dinner tonight. Thank you so much for sharing. 💕

        Reply
    3. Claudia Lamascolo

      October 09, 2021 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious new dish for me to try love all the ingredients, especially with rice and the addition of broccoli

      Reply
    4. Tawnie Kroll

      October 09, 2021 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      I love meals like this! So easy and comforting. My family loved it, will be making again soon!! Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Iryna Bychkiv

      October 09, 2021 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      This casserole sure looks like risotto and my family loves risotto. And broccoli is one of the healthiest veggies. Bookmarking this recipe for one of the busy weeknights.

      Reply

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