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Close-up of Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole showing glossy cheddar sauce and vibrant green broccoli florets.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food

This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole features fluffy long-grain rice and tender-crisp broccoli smothered in a glossy sharp cheddar sauce, finished with a bubbly, golden-brown toasted cheese crust. A perfect, family-friendly comfort food side or main.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 cups (500g) Cooked long-grain white rice Fluffed
  • 3 cups (250g) Broccoli florets Steamed tender-crisp
  • 3 tbsp (42g) Unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp (42g) All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) Whole milk
  • 3 cups (340g) Sharp cheddar cheese Freshly grated, divided
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley Finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 White Ceramic Baking Dish 9x13 inch
  • 1 Large saucepan For the cheese sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a white ceramic baking dish.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and seasonings until glossy.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the fluffy rice and steamed broccoli. Fold in the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
  5. Transfer to the baking dish, top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden bubbly patches appear.
  6. Top with fresh parsley and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Rinse rice before cooking to keep grains separate and fluffy.