The Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Sharing is caring!

This cheddar broccoli rice casserole starts with a simple roux and ends with fluffy rice and broccoli baked into a rich and cheesy dish. It is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for holidays and Sunday dinners.

Want to try another cheesy side dish? Try my decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese next!

This easy broccoli rice casserole is the ultimate side dish because it contains veggies, cheese, and rice, all in one! It is a family favorite and it is bound to become a go-to recipe in your house too.

Broccoli cheese rice starts on the stovetop with a roux as the base and ends with a casserole baked to cheesy, gooey, bubbly perfection with golden brown crisp edges. You and your loved ones are in for a mouthwatering treat!

Why you will love this Broccoli Rice Casserole:

Homemade! There is no need for Knorr packets, an Uncle Ben’s box, or Campbell’s chicken soup. This broccoli cheddar rice casserole is made from scratch.

Perfect Holiday Side Dish! Casseroles are great for cold days and special occasions. Share this with loved ones for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Super Filling! This vegetarian broccoli rice casserole is great comfort food, with plenty of carbs and even more cheese!

Ingredients for this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Recipe

To make cheddar and broccoli rice, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Fresh broccoli: Cut into small bite-sized pieces. Some recipes use frozen broccoli. You can too, but thaw it and pat dry before using.
2. Cooked rice: Check out my recipe for perfect white rice. Long grain rice is best.
3. Cheddar cheese: Shredded, in order to easily sprinkle on top.
4. Paprika: This adds a bright aromatic quality when sprinkled on top of the broccoli cheese rice casserole.

Cheese Sauce

1. Roux: Unsalted butter, diced onions, and flour make up the foundation of the cheese sauce.
2. Dairy: Enrich the sauce with heavy cream and milk.
3. Seasoning: Use seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Cheese: Combine cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.

How to make Broccoli Rice Casserole

Make a Roux

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Add the butter to a deep large skillet or pot and melt it over medium heat.
Add the diced onions to the melted butter and saute them until they are softened (about 5 minutes).

Gently sprinkle in the flour, and stir it around until all of the butter is absorbed. Continue simmering the butter and flour mixture for about 3-5 minutes, to get the flour taste out. 

Make Cheese Sauce

Now pour in your heavy cream and milk and whisk it around until the flour is smooth and combined into the sauce. 

Sprinkle in all of your seasonings including the seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the sauce up well so that the seasonings are fully incorporated.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now add in the American cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix the cheese in well and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted. Remove from the heat and set it aside.

Cook Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add the broccoli pieces into the water and cook for two minutes. Remove the broccoli from the boiling water immediately, as it will continue cooking in the oven. 

Assemble Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Add rice to a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce into the bowl and stir it up until everything is fully incorporated. Next, gently fold the broccoli florets into the cheesy rice mixture. Be careful not to break the broccoli pieces up too much. 

Pour the cheddar broccoli rice mixture into your pre-greased baked dish. Spread it out evenly. Now sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Sprinkle with the paprika for additional flavor and color. 

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. To brown the cheese even more, set the oven to broil for 3 minutes (keep a close eye so that the cheese does not burn).

Remove from the oven. 

Let the cheesy broccoli rice casserole sit for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations for the Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice

• Do not skip the roux.
• Do not add uncooked rice to the casserole.
• Shred the cheddar cheese yourself so it will melt easier. Preshredded cheese has a waxy coating that keeps the cheese from clumping but makes it harder to melt down into a sauce.
• This recipe will work with brown rice or wild rice but long-grain white rice works best. Instant rice or minute rice will work in a pinch, just follow the package instructions to cook.
• Instead of Velveeta cheese, you can use Cheez Whiz.
• For a crispier topping, add panko breadcrumbs.

Leftovers

Store leftover cheddar broccoli rice casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Can you freeze broccoli rice casserole?

Yes! Let the casserole come to room temperature then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil in order to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.

FAQ

How do you thicken broccoli casserole?

Make a roux to thicken the cheddar broccoli rice casserole.

What goes with broccoli casserole?

Add a precooked protein to make this a meal. Add rotisserie chicken or boneless chicken breasts for an easy chicken broccoli rice casserole. This would also pair perfectly with roasted chicken.

Does cheddar broccoli rice have gluten?

No. This casserole contains flour, which includes gluten.

More delicious side dishes you’ll love

• Southern Fried Apples
• Homemade Old Fashioned Pancakes
• Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli with Bacon

Sharing is caring!