Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Broccoli Rice Casserole is warm, cheesy, and packed with veggies, making it the perfect cozy and comforting dinner!

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This Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Warm, cheesy, and packed full of veggies. It’s one of those dishes that feels nostalgic, but with a fresh, homemade twist. And best of all? It’s super easy to make and perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck.

This casserole is a total winner for so many reasons. First, everything comes together in one pot before baking, which means fewer dishes and less fuss. It’s incredibly kid-friendly, too. I mean, who can say no to cheesy rice and broccoli? Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep because it reheats so well. If you’re feeding a family or stocking your fridge with leftovers, this dish is always a good idea.

How to make broccoli casserole with rice

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to. 

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Avocado oil: Or use any neutral oil.
• Onion: Adds savory flavor.
• Broccoli: Chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Fresh thyme & garlic: For that herby, aromatic base.
• Jasmine rice: Make sure it’s raw, not precooked.
• Water, milk & broth: This trio helps the rice cook perfectly and gives it that creamy texture.
• Kosher salt: Adjust to taste.
• Cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey, and delicious.

This recipe is extremely flexible, so feel free to adjust it based on what you have on hand.

You can swap the Jasmine rice for basmati, long-grain white, or even brown rice (note that the cooking time may vary). If you’re dairy-free, try using unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cheese. Chicken broth adds great flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian option. And while cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Cooking broccoli rice casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium. Add onion and broccoli, and sauté for 5 minutes.

Next, stir in the garlic and thyme, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the rice and water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer (covered) for 12 minutes.

Pour in milk, broth, and salt. Bring to a boil again, then simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, until thickened.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Transfer to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for about 8-10 minutes before serving.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.

I hope y’all enjoy this easy broccoli cheese casserole recipe! Let me know if you try it.

More Recipes Like This

• Red Beans and Rice
• Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
• One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Broccoli Cheese Soup
• BEST Chicken Divan Recipe

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Print

Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Warm, cheesy, and packed full of veggies.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword broccoli rice casserole

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 305 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil or other flavorless oil
• 1 medium onion diced small
• 3 cups chopped broccoli chopped into very small bite size pieces; 10 ounces; from approx. 1 medium head broccoli
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups raw Jasmine rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a 9”x13” rectangle or oval casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large pot, add the oil, onion and broccoli. Turn the heat to medium and saute for 5 minutes. Mix in the garlic and thyme and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add the rice and 4 cups of water. Mix together. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 12 minutes until partially cooked through.
5. Mix in the milk, broth and salt and bring to a boil. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 5 minutes until mostly thickened.
6. Mix in 1 1⁄2 cup of the shredded cheese. Be sure to taste and adjust salt to your liking.
7. Transfer the cheesy rice mixture to the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 8-10 minutes before digging in!

Nutrition Facts

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 305 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 0.03g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 31mg10%

Sodium 707mg31%

Potassium 225mg6%

Carbohydrates 36g12%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 592IU12%

Vitamin C 26mg32%

Calcium 277mg28%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.