Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (128 g) yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cups (264 g) fresh broccoli florets, small dice; 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 ¾ cups whole milk, room temperature; 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1 ½ cups (140 g) extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup (44 g) grated parmesan cheese; ¾ cup (148 g) uncooked long grain white rice, rinsed and drained; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

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Let me tell you about my favorite comfort food secret: this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s that golden, creamy, cheesy dish that just feels like a warm hug on your plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to bring a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, this casserole balances fresh broccoli and tender rice with a luscious cheese sauce that melts in your mouth.

What really makes this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe stand out is how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into something special. I love how the sharp cheddar and parmesan create rich layers of flavor, while the dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving something cozy, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a starring role, working in harmony for both flavor and texture. When shopping, pick fresh broccoli with tight florets and bright orange carrots for the best taste and color contrast.

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—finely diced works best for even cooking.
Fresh broccoli florets: I like small dice so the bites are perfect and cook evenly.
Shredded carrots: They bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that warm, aromatic punch.
Unsalted butter: Melts everything together with richness, giving a velvety base.
Whole milk: Using whole milk keeps the sauce creamy and smooth.
Cream cheese: Cubed, it melts nicely to add extra silkiness.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded, it packs a punch of tangy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds an umami depth that makes the cheese sauce irresistible.
Uncooked long grain white rice: Rinsed well beforehand so the casserole turns out fluffy, not sticky.
Kosher salt: Divided, so you can season gradually and get the balance just right.
White pepper: Adds a subtle heat without changing the cheese’s color.
Freshly ground black pepper: To bring that aromatic warmth and seasoning punch.
Dijon mustard: A small but mighty addition that brightens up the cheesy blend beautifully.

Variations

I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is no exception. Here are some ways I’ve tweaked it or seen others enjoy it—feel free to experiment to match your mood or dietary preferences.

Vegetarian Variation: This recipe is already veggie-forward, but you can swap the dairy for plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and cheese to keep it vegan-friendly. I tried almond milk and a cashew-based cheese, and it worked surprisingly well!
Extra Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to sneak in more veggies. I like adding some sautéed mushrooms to deepen the flavor.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño—because who says cheesy casseroles can’t pack a little heat?
Gluten-Free: Perfect as is since it’s rice-based; just double-check your cheese and mustard for any gluten additives.
Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different twist. I once made a smoky cheddar version that instantly became a family favorite.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish—this little step saves you a lot of scrubbing later! Melt your butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add your finely diced onion with a pinch of kosher salt. Cooking these for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent builds a sweet, flavorful base. Then add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t rush this; the smell is worth the wait!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next, stir in your white pepper, a little more kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the dijon mustard. The mustard might sound odd, but it’s the magic ingredient that brightens up the cheese. Pour in the whole milk and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often so nothing sticks or scorches. When it starts bubbling gently around the edges, lower your heat and add the cream cheese cubes slowly, stirring as they melt into that luscious sauce. Once smooth, remove from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar in batches, letting each melt completely before adding the parmesan last. The texture should be thick, creamy, and rich.

Step 3: Combine Veggies and Rice

Time to fold in your diced broccoli, shredded carrots, and the rinsed rice. Mixing well here means every bite will have that delicious cheesy coating—don’t be shy about giving it a good stir! The fresh veggies stay vibrant, and the rice starts soaking up all those flavors, which is what makes this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe so wonderfully satisfying.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, cover with foil, and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping the rice cook through and the broccoli to soften just right. After 40 minutes, take off the foil, stir the casserole gently, then bake it uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the top has a slight golden crust. Patience here creates that classic casserole texture that’s anything but mushy.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole and let it rest for at least 5 minutes—this helps everything set so it won’t slide off your plate. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness before serving. This final touch makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows seven small white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white plate with a block of pale yellow butter. Next to it, on the right, is a white bowl filled with white chunks of soft cheese. Below the cheese is a white bowl filled with long-grain white rice. To the left of the rice is a small white bowl holding creamy yellow mayonnaise. Above that bowl is a white cup filled with milk. Near the center of the image, there is a small white bowl containing dark red crushed pepper flakes. At the bottom left, a white bowl is filled with shredded pale yellow cheese, and to the right of it, a white plate holds fresh green broccoli florets. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always finish this casserole with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a beautiful green contrast and a little brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle extra parmesan on top before baking for an even cheesier golden crust. Crispy fried onions make a fantastic crunchy garnish if you want to treat yourself.

Side Dishes

Because it’s already hearty, I like pairing my cheesy broccoli rice casserole with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad or roasted cherry tomatoes. Grilled chicken or baked salmon are excellent proteins to complement this casserole if you want a full meal. For a cozy dinner, creamy tomato soup makes a lovely match too.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I used mini ramekins and made individual portions for a dinner party—it was a big hit and made serving so easy. Another time, I baked it layered with extra greens on top, sliding it under the broiler for a minute to get the cheese bubbly and golden. For a festive touch, adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving gives it an unexpected flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps wonderfully for about 3-4 days. When cooled completely before sealing, it maintains its creamy texture without getting soggy. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to recombine everything.

Freezing

This casserole freezes pretty well—wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. I recommend freezing in portion-sized containers for easy meals later. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, it reheats more evenly without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This helps retain moisture and prevents drying out. If using a microwave, add a sprinkle of water and cover loosely to keep it creamy. Stirring halfway through microwaving helps heat it evenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works as a convenient substitute. Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the casserole watery. I recommend adding the broccoli at the same stage and keeping an eye on baking time, since frozen veggies release more moisture.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before baking?

Nope, the rice cooks right in the casserole during baking. Just make sure to rinse it first to remove excess starch for fluffier results. The cheese sauce provides enough moisture for the rice to cook through in about an hour.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Since this dish uses rice and naturally gluten-free ingredients, it’s safe as long as your cheeses and dijon mustard don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or sensitivity.
How do I store leftover casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation. Reheat gently to bring back that creamy texture.
What can I serve with cheesy broccoli rice casserole?

This casserole pairs great with fresh salads, roasted veggies, or simple grilled proteins like chicken or fish. It’s also perfect alongside soups or as a veggie-packed side to a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become one of those dishes I rely on whenever I want comfort without fuss. It’s forgiving, delicious, and hits the cozy spot every time. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how those simple ingredients can turn into something so special. Just like sharing it with a friend over coffee, I’m passing along a warm kitchen secret that I know you’re going to love.