Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Kids may not clamor for broccoli, but they’ll love this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Here’s how to make a creamy, cheesy, vegetarian side dish with hidden nutritional benefits.

Busy moms will appreciate the ease of this side dish, plus the nutritional benefits. Broccoli, for one, is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and potassium.

In addition, this casserole recipe does not require any heavy cream or processed cheese, which can contribute excessive calories, saturated fat, and sodium to a meal.

Instead, it uses a combination of milk, grated cheddar cheese, and spices to create a creamy yet wholesome sauce that coats the rice and broccoli.

This cheesy side dish starts on the stove and finishes cooking in the oven, freeing you up to do other things. Let’s get started, shall we?

Ingredients

Use the Right Rice

To achieve perfectly creamy broccoli and cheese rice, the type of rice you use matters. While any type of long-grain rice will work, using the right rice can make a world of difference.

For the best results, long grain, basmati or jasmine rice. These types of rice have a longer grain, which means they will cook evenly and absorb the cheese sauce without becoming mushy.

How to Cook Rice Without it Becoming Mushy

The secret is to use the absorption method. Cooking the rice properly is essential to achieving the perfect texture and consistency for your broccoli and cheese rice.

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Place the rice in a pot and add 1 ½ cups of liquid for every cup of rice.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Add the Broccoli at the Right Time

Cooking the rice properly is only part of the equation when it comes to making the perfect broccoli and cheese rice. Adding the broccoli at the right time is just as important. There’s a fine line between undercooked and overcooked broccoli, and you want to make sure it’s just right.

1. Wash the broccoli under cold water cut it into bite-sized florets. Set it aside while the rice is cooking.
2. Once the rice has been cooking for about 12-15 minutes, add the broccoli on top of the rice, but do not stir it in.
3. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes. This will allow the broccoli to steam and cook without turning into mush.
4. After the 6-8 minutes have passed, check the broccoli. It should be bright green, tender, and still slightly firm. If it’s still too hard, cover the pot and continue cooking for another minute or two. But be careful not to overcook it, or it will become mushy and lose its vibrant color.

Time to Bake!

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked rice and broccoli, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, simply add a splash of milk to thin it out.
2. Place it in a greased casserole dish and bake in the oven until it’s piping hot and bubbly!

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to put your own unique spin on it. Here are just a few variations you can try:

• Meat lovers: Add cooked sliced chicken sausage to the casserole for a heartier meal.
• Cheesy goodness: Swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type, like pepper jack or gouda.
• Spice it up: Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Veggies galore: Try adding other vegetables to the mix, like sliced cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers.

TIPS AND STORAGE:

• 2% milk can be used in this recipe, however it will be a little runnier. I recommend whole milk or even half and half in this recipe.
• You can also use 2 cloves of fresh garlic finely minced instead of garlic powder.
• Your rice mixture may seem a little runny after 15 minutes, but the rest of the liquid will cook off or be absorbed into the casserole in the oven.
• Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway.

Other Favorite Side Dishes:

• Hands down, our Parmesan Garlic Noodles have been your favorite side dish.
• Another way to get veggies into kids is our Lemon Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes and Asparagus.
• If creamy is what you’re into, try our Mushroom Risotto – it’s worth the time!

CHEESY BROCCOLI AND RICE CASSEROLE
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