Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender rice, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that can be served with almost any meal, and it’s sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender (about 3-4 minutes), then drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, steam or microwave it according to package instructions.
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Prepare the casserole base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
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Make the sauce: Add the milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan, and stir until well combined. Cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat.
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Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, then transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for extra texture.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!
Notes
- You can use any cheese you like for this recipe, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For a crispy top, add breadcrumbs before baking. You can also use crushed crackers as a topping.
- To make it even more decadent, add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg