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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Looking for a comforting, easy side dish that’s packed with flavor? This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole checks all the boxes!

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli and perfectly cooked rice, this casserole is ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings. 

 

Main image for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

 

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect side dish at my house.

First, it’s one the whole family loves. Broccoli and cheese are always a winning duo for getting picky eaters to enjoy their veggies.

I can make it in advance and bake when I’m ready, which saves time on busy nights and makes it a perfect additions to potlucks or holiday meals.

And it’s so delicious. Each bite delivers rich, creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch from the broccoli, making it a dish everyone will love.

No canned cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup in this recipe. Just whole ingredients, real food, and great flavors.

Whether you need a rice dish, a broccoli casserole, or just something simple, this easy broccoli rice casserole recipe is 100% homemade and 100% delicious.

That makes it a perfect addition to any meal, anytime.

 

all ingredients for Cheesy broccoli and rice casserole laid out on the counter.

 

What Ingredients Are in this Broccoli Rice Casserole?

  • White Rice: Forms the base of the broccoli rice cheese casserole, providing a soft and fluffy texture; any type of rice will do.
  • Onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
  • Butter: Used to sauté the onions, adding richness and enhancing flavor.
  • White Wine: Adds acidity and a slight tang to balance the creaminess of the sauce in the cheesy rice casserole.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory flavor and creates a light, flavorful liquid for cooking the sauce.
  • Light Cream: Makes the sauce creamy without being overly heavy, giving the dish a luscious texture.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess and depth of flavor that cuts through the richness.
  • Broccoli Florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and essential nutrients, balancing the creaminess.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating the best cheesy broccoli casserole, with extra cheese added on top for a golden finish.

Pro Tip: For best results, you want to make broccoli rice casserole with fresh broccoli. But in a pinch frozen broccoli can be used for convenience.

 

Onions and white wine and chicken broth in a large skillet

 

How to Make Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Rice:

  1. Cook the rice.
  2. Sauté onion in butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add wine and chicken broth. Reduce the liquid by half.
  3. Whisk cream and mustard together, temper, and blend into the broth mixture.
  4. Add broccoli and cook until crisp-tender.
  5. Combine the fluffy rice, sauce, and cheese in a large bowl or large pot.
  6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake.
  7. Remove foil and bake until melty cheese is golden brown on top.

Pro Tip: Temper the cream before adding it to the hot liquid to avoid curdling. Also, make sure to only cook the broccoli until it’s crisp-tender, as it will soften more while baking.

 

cream and Dijon mustard mixed together in a bowl.

 

How to Store Broccoli Rice Casserole:

To store your easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, cover broccoli rice and cheese casserole with foil to retain moisture and heat in a 350-degree oven until warm throughout.

How Long Does Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Last?

This easy cheesy rice casserole dish will last 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

 

Cream mixture being poured into onion mixture.

 

Can You Freeze Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, this easy cheesy rice casserole freezes well, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container.

It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

 

Broccoli added to cream mixture.

 

Can I Add Protein to Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes you can add protein to easy rice casserole!

Adding cooked chicken breasts, turkey, or even ham will turn this side dish into a hearty main.

Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey from the holidays would be great choices.

You can also experiment with crumbled bacon or sausage for an extra boost of flavor.

 

Cooked rice and cheese added to broccoli casserole in skillet

 

What Goes Well with Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

This easy cheesy rice casserole pairs beautifully with your favorite main dish like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.

It’s also a perfect side for holiday meals alongside turkey, ham, or beef. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad on the side to balance the richness.

Try some of these dishes:

 

Broccoli rice mixture poured into a casserole dish

 

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli with Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used with this easy broccoli rice casserole.

Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the sauce. This prevents excess water from making the casserole soggy.

Keep in mind that frozen broccoli will have a softer texture, so it’s best to add it during the last few minutes of cooking.

 

freshly baked casserole in casserole dish.

 

Is Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Healthy?

This easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole gives a great balance of veggies and dairy, especially with broccoli as the main star, rich in vitamins and fiber.

You can make it healthier by using brown rice instead of white rice, reducing the amount of cheese, or opting for a lower-fat cream.

However, broccoli rice cheesy casserole is still a creamy and cheesy dish, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

 

Baked casserole fluffed and in casserole dish

 

Whether you need a great recipe that can go with any main course or just something to make ahead for those busy weeknight dinners, this easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a great way to get people fed on a tight schedule.

 

Baked casserole fluffed and in casserole dish

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Yield: 9
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. A delicious side dish!

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350*F.
  2. Cook rice according to package directions.
  3. While your rice is cooking, sauté your chopped onions in butter until translucent.
  4. Add white wine and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until liquid reduced by about half.
  5. Whisk together your half and half and Dijon mustard until well blended.
  6. Lower heat to low, and remove a little of chicken broth and wine mixture and add cream to that to temper it. Then add the cream mixture to the chicken broth wine mixture, and stir to blend.
  7. Add broccoli to the sauce and cook until crisp-tender.
  8. Remove from heat, add cooked rice and cheese, setting aside a little cheese for on top of the casserole.
  9. Place the broccoli rice mixture into a baking dish, cover with tin foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove tin foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

Notes

Cooking time includes cooking time for rice, and assumes you will be cooking the sauce and broccoli while rice is cooking.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 479Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 763mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 19g
Originally Posted: December 11, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: January 22, 2025

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TAMMY BROCHETTI

Saturday 11th of August 2018

I Loved this! Most of our guest did too! It is very rich so you don't want to serve with prime rib! I would totally make this again!

Thanks!

Katie

Sunday 1st of April 2018

What kind of cheese should I use?

Michelle Nahom

Monday 2nd of April 2018

Cheddar works great!

Chris Frasetto

Wednesday 28th of March 2018

Can I made this casserole a day in advance and cook the next day?

Michelle Nahom

Monday 2nd of April 2018

I've never done that, but let me know what happens if you try.

Jill J

Monday 17th of April 2017

Oops! I forgot that wine curdles milk! If you want to cut down on the amount of cream and sub in milk, don't use wine. I'd use more broth.

Jill J

Monday 17th of April 2017

Quick question - Do I need to cook 1.5 cups dry rice to make 3 cups of cooked rice, or do I need 1.5 cups of rice that's already cooked (ie 3/4 cup dry rice)?

Michelle Nahom

Monday 17th of April 2017

You need 1.5 cups of already cooked rice, so 3/4 cup of dry rice. :)

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