Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting and nostalgic baked dish that combines tender broccoli florets, cooked rice, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole can be made ahead of time and baked straight from the fridge for a warm, cheesy meal that disappears quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools
- 1 saucepan
- 1 baking dish
- 1 spatula
- 1 mixing bowl
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender, ensuring they retain some texture and nutrients.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it covered until ready to bake.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work well; just make sure to steam them properly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture.
- Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute with a lower-fat milk if desired.
Keywords: cheesy casserole, broccoli and rice, baked casserole, comfort food, easy meal prep, cheesy broccoli rice bake
