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