Broccoli N Rice Casserole

Warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Broccoli N Rice Casserole is the perfect crowd-pleasing dish for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Featuring tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made from scratch with cheddar and Parmesan, this recipe delivers a luscious blend of textures and flavors. Elevated with the subtle richness of garlic, onion, and a crispy topping of fried onions or breadcrumbs, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this one-dish marvel is a satisfying vegetarian main or hearty side. Keywords: broccoli casserole, rice casserole recipe, cheesy broccoli and rice, easy weeknight dinners, comfort food casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups crushed crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the rice by bringing the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside once done.

Step 3

Blanch the broccoli by boiling a pot of water and dropping the florets in for 2-3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. If desired, add a topping of crumbled crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2055.2 grams (2055.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2812

Total Fat 190.70g	244%
Saturated Fat 94.70g	474%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 425mg	142%
Sodium 7501mg	326%
Total Carbohydrate 154.50g	56%
Dietary Fiber 12.10g	43%
Total Sugars 42.60g
Protein 121.00g	242%

Vitamin D 221IU	1107%
Calcium 2923mg	225%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1206mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.9%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 21.9%