Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a timeless classic, perfect for warming hearts and satisfying appetites. Its hearty goodness makes it a beloved family-friendly dish that consistently pleases any crowd. While many versions exist, our recipe shines with a rich, homemade cheese sauce that’s truly superior to any canned alternative. For a more nutritious and flavorful option, many culinary experts advocate for scratch-made sauces over their canned counterparts, as homemade sauces can offer nutritional advantages. Get ready to bake a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole

You will adore this homemade broccoli rice casserole for so many delicious reasons. It brings ultimate comfort to your table with minimal fuss.

• Rich, Homemade Cheese Sauce: Say goodbye to canned soups! Our from-scratch sauce is incredibly creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cheesy.
• Tender Broccoli & Fluffy Rice: Every bite delivers perfectly cooked, vibrant broccoli florets combined with soft, fluffy long-grain rice.
• Easy Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble it ahead of time and bake when you are ready.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main course or a comforting side dish alongside your favorite protein.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There is nothing quite like a warm, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven to make everyone feel happy and satisfied.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to create this irresistible broccoli rice casserole. You’ll need fresh produce, rich dairy, and savory seasonings for the perfect flavor.

• 4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) salted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3 c. whole milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 8 oz. processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 3 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
• 8 c. small broccoli florets
• 6 oz. diced pimentos, drained
• 2 1/2 c. cooked long-grain rice

Notes & Substitutions

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is highly recommended for the best texture and vibrant color. If using frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole. Lightly steaming fresh broccoli before adding it can also help it cook more evenly within the dish.

Cheeses: While Velveeta and sharp cheddar create the classic creamy and tangy flavor, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked cheddar can offer delicious variations. Ensure any substitute is a good melting cheese.

Rice: You must use cooked long-grain rice for this recipe. Do not use freshly steamed or hot rice, as it will absorb too much liquid and can become mushy. Cold, leftover cooked rice works perfectly.

Add-ins: Boost the heartiness by stirring in shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, or even some sautéed mushrooms. For more veggies, consider diced carrots or bell peppers.

Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder casserole, omit it entirely. For more heat, add an extra pinch. Paprika adds color and a subtle warmth, which you can also adjust.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this fantastic broccoli rice casserole. These standard kitchen items will make preparation a breeze.

• Large skillet (oven-safe if you want to save a dish)
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Large baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well)
• Box grater or microplane for cheese and garlic

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious broccoli rice casserole. We make it easy for beginners to achieve a perfect, homemade meal.

1. Prep Oven and Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and grated garlic. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Do not let them brown.
2. Build the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper over the softened onions and garlic. Stir everything together constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates your roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. Create Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until they are completely melted and smoothly combined into the sauce. Stir in the black pepper, kosher salt, and paprika.
4. Melt in Processed Cheese: Add the cubed processed cheese (Velveeta) to the skillet. Stir continuously until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a silky texture. Next, add 1 ½ cups of the grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until this cheddar also melts fully into the sauce.
5. Combine with Vegetables: Gently fold the small broccoli florets and drained diced pimentos into the rich cheese sauce. Make sure the vegetables are well coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Assemble Casserole: Take your large baking dish. Spread half of the cooked long-grain rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, forming a base. Spoon half of the delicious broccoli rice casserole cheese sauce mixture over the rice layer. Repeat this layering: add the remaining rice, then top with the remaining cheese sauce mixture.
7. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Preventing a Watery Casserole: Always ensure your broccoli florets are very well-drained, especially if using thawed frozen broccoli. Excess moisture is the primary culprit for a watery dish. Additionally, use properly cooked and slightly cooled rice; hot or overcooked rice can absorb too much liquid.

Achieving Perfect Texture: For a creamy yet firm casserole, aim for a medium-thick sauce before combining with the rice and broccoli. Do not overcook the broccoli beforehand; it will finish cooking in the oven and retain a slight bite.

Golden Brown Top: If your casserole top isn’t as golden as you like after baking, switch your oven to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it very carefully to prevent burning.

Freezing and Reheating: For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze either baked or unbaked. Thaw frozen casseroles in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating in the oven.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This broccoli rice casserole is incredibly versatile and makes meal planning a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or baked fish for a complete meal. It also shines as a satisfying vegetarian main dish, paired with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread.

Storage

Store any leftover broccoli rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Proper food handling and storage are crucial to ensure the safety and freshness of leftovers. For guidance on the safe storage of cooked casseroles, refer to expert recommendations. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole both baked or unbaked. For unbaked, assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap and freeze.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want a crispy top.

Flavor Variations

Stir in cooked, shredded cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added depth. A dash of smoked paprika can enhance the cheesy flavor. Try adding a pinch of thyme or a hint of nutmeg to the sauce for an aromatic twist.

Protein Boost

Easily turn this into a one-dish meal by incorporating cooked, shredded chicken, ground beef, or crumbled sausage into the sauce before baking.

Nutrition

Knowing the nutritional information for your meals helps you make informed dietary choices. This homemade broccoli rice casserole offers a hearty and satisfying dish, delivering substantial energy and a good source of vegetables. While the exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this table provides a general estimate.

*Values are estimates and may vary.*

FAQ

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture in this broccoli rice casserole. If using frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to prevent a watery result.
• How do I prevent a watery or mushy casserole? Ensure your broccoli is well-drained and use properly cooked, cooled long-grain rice. Overcooked rice or excess moisture from the broccoli are common culprits.
• Can this casserole be made ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy schedules!
• What’s the best type of rice to use? Cooked long-grain rice works best for this recipe. Its grains stay separate, contributing to a fluffy and delightful texture.
• Do I need canned cream soup for this recipe? Absolutely not! This recipe features a rich, homemade cheese sauce, offering superior flavor and freshness compared to canned cream soups.
• What pairs well with broccoli rice casserole? This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or a simple crisp green salad for a balanced and comforting meal.
• Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the roux.

Conclusion

This creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole truly stands as a testament to classic comfort food. Its rich, homemade sauce and tender ingredients make every bite a pure delight. We hope you feel confident and excited to try this beginner-friendly recipe in your own kitchen. It’s designed to be simple, time-saving, and utterly delicious for busy parents and new cooks alike. Share your creation with us and leave a review; we love hearing from you!