This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a timeless comfort dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli into one irresistible bake. It’s rich yet balanced, cheesy but not heavy, and ideal as a side dish for family dinners, holidays, or weeknight meals. With simple ingredients and homemade sauce, it’s fresher and tastier than anything from a can!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. Unlike processed versions, this casserole is made completely from scratch — no canned soup needed! The buttery roux, melty cheddar, and touch of cream cheese create a luxuriously smooth sauce that hugs every grain of rice and tender broccoli floret. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

When it comes to cozy, heartwarming dishes, few recipes are as beloved as the classic Broccoli Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home — creamy, cheesy, and full of wholesome flavor. Whether served as a side or a satisfying vegetarian main, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is made entirely from scratch, proving that comfort food doesn’t need shortcuts. Instead of canned soup, you’ll make a quick and creamy sauce using butter, milk, and a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. The result? A silky, cheesy base that coats every bite with irresistible flavor.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its balance. The fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition, the white rice provides a tender, satisfying texture, and the homemade cheese sauce ties everything together. A sprinkle of paprika and dry mustard enhances the flavor, while melted cheddar delivers that gooey, melty finish everyone loves.

Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or simple weeknights, this easy broccoli rice casserole can be prepared ahead and baked when needed. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or baked tofu.

What makes this recipe stand out is its fresh, creamy flavor and homemade touch. The ingredients are simple, but the taste feels indulgent. It’s one of those dishes that disappears quickly at the dinner table — a true classic reimagined for the modern kitchen.

So if you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is the one to keep in your rotation. With every bite, you’ll taste comfort, nostalgia, and just the right amount of creamy indulgence.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Casserole Base:

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• ¾ cup diced onion (about 1 small)

• 2 cups milk

• 3 tablespoons cream cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve remaining 1 cup for topping)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.

4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

5. Add cream cheese, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.

6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted. Adjust salt to taste.

7. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce until well-coated.

8. Assemble: Transfer mixture into a lightly greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.

9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.

10. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a cozy main or side dish!

Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

• Substitute brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and texture.

• Add cooked chicken or turkey to make it a complete meal.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully — perfect for meal prep!