The Creamiest Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delectable broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crisp vegetable notes in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheese melts into golden patches, creating irresistible golden-brown edges that promise deliciousness.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal effort.

Nutritious green florets nestle among fluffy rice, making each bite both satisfying and wholesome.

Comfort food doesn’t get more inviting than this hearty casserole that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to dig right in and savor every delightful spoonful.

Why Everyone Loves Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Quick and Simple Prep: Minimal chopping and sautéing make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks looking for a stress-free meal solution.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combines broccoli and rice with creamy cheese, delivering a balanced dish that satisfies both nutrition and taste cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile casserole works brilliantly as a family dinner, potluck contribution, or make-ahead meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Creativity: Easy to adapt with additional proteins like chicken or swap cheeses, allowing personal touch and kitchen experimentation.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Must-Haves

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and a fresh flavor to the casserole.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• White Rice: A classic staple grain that creates a hearty foundation for the casserole.

• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add richness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Introduces a tangy flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, bold flavor and creates a melty, golden topping.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions to develop a deep flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the casserole.

How to Prepare Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Broccoli

Warm the oven to 375°F. Rinse the broccoli thoroughly under cool water. Cut away the tough stems and chop the vegetable into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook White Rice

Prepare white rice in a large pot following package directions. Cook slightly less than fully done to prevent turning mushy during baking.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Chop the onion into tiny pieces. Melt butter in a skillet and cook onions until they become translucent and release a sweet, caramelized fragrance.

Step 4: Combine Base Ingredients

Mix the cooked rice, sautéed onions, and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to create a colorful vegetable foundation.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Milk
• Eggs
• Sour cream

Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper for a rich, velvety texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese to Mixture

Grate the cheddar cheese. Fold most of the cheese into the rice and broccoli mixture, keeping some aside for topping.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a casserole dish. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly and creating a smooth surface.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. This will create a golden, crispy crust with delightful texture.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges become slightly crispy and bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the dish set and allows flavors to blend completely before serving.

Tricks for Better Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp, bright green broccoli and high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Slightly undercook rice and drain broccoli well to maintain a firm, pleasant consistency in the casserole.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions in butter until golden to develop a rich, sweet undertone that complements the creamy cheese base.
• Boost Protein Power: Add cooked chicken or diced ham for extra protein, transforming this vegetarian dish into a complete meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

New Spins on Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Replace white rice with protein-packed quinoa for a gluten-free, nutrient-dense alternative that adds more protein and fiber to the dish.
• Vegan Vegetable Casserole: Swap eggs and dairy with silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to create a creamy, dairy-free version that's perfect for vegans.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a zesty, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to significantly reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, vegetable-forward casserole option for keto dieters.

Side Ideas for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Fresh Herb Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast against the casserole's smooth, cheesy texture.
• Protein-Packed Side Dish: Serve grilled chicken breast seasoned with rosemary and garlic, offering a lean protein that enhances the vegetable casserole's hearty profile.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Storage Know-How

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 2 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Your Broccoli Rice Casserole Questions Solved

• Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious with broccoli providing vitamins, fiber, and protein from eggs and cheese. It balances vegetables and dairy for a wholesome meal.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. You can enhance protein by adding extra cheese or incorporating beans if desired.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

Ensure you don’t overcook the rice initially, use full-fat dairy like milk and sour cream, and cover with cheese to maintain moisture during baking.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

No problem! You can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes to achieve a similar crispy topping texture.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this scrumptious broccoli rice casserole, blending hearty grains with verdant vegetables. Cheesy, creamy, and packed with wholesome goodness, this dish invites you to savor a classic family favorite that satisfies both hunger and heart.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 heads broccoli
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 lb cheddar cheese

Dairy and Binding:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly wash the broccoli, trimming the tough stems and chopping into bite-sized florets.
2. In a large pot, cook white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
3. Finely dice the onion and sauté in butter until translucent and fragrant, releasing a sweet, caramelized aroma.
4. Combine cooked rice, sautéed onions, and chopped broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant vegetable base.
5. Whisk together milk, eggs, and sour cream until smooth, then season with salt and black pepper for a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Grate the cheddar cheese and fold most of it into the rice and broccoli mixture, reserving some for topping.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly and creating a level surface.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top, creating a golden, crispy crust that will add textural contrast.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy and bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly Prep Broccoli: Chop broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Rice Texture Trick: Slightly undercook rice during initial preparation to prevent mushiness during baking, maintaining a pleasant al dente consistency.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg