Why We Love this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Tender rice and broccoli baked all snug with melty cheese… Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s a classic vegetarian American dish that has been popular for generations because it is both budget-friendly and simply delicious. Even the most picky eaters come back for seconds! In this easy recipe, we add crushed red pepper flakes and green chiles (your choice of mild and spicy) for a delightful kick of heat. The blend of cream cheese and cheddar cheese helps to balance the spice, so you get this WOW combination of unique flavors in every scoop. The casserole is quick to put together in about 15 minutes, so it’s great to prep right after work. Then pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes and go unwind from the day. By the time you are settled in your comfy clothes, the piping hot broccoli casserole is ready to serve as a hearty side or main dish!
Ingredients You Need
Butter – unsalted Onion – peeled and chopped Garlic – minced Rice – long-grain white rice Vegetable broth – or chicken broth, if you like Chopped green chiles – your choice of mild or spicy Spices – salt, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper Broccoli florets – fresh chopped Cream cheese – softened Sharp Cheddar cheese – shredded
How to Make Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter. Then add the onions and garlic. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the rice, 6 cups broth, green chiles, salt, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Allow the rice to cook for 15-20 minutes covered, until steam holes are evident on the surface and the broth has absorbed. Stir the small broccoli florets, cream cheese, 4 cups shredded cheddar, and remaining 1 cup broth into the rice. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the mixture. Spoon the rice mixture into the casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes. Then, top the rice with the remaining shredded cheddar and return it to the oven for 5 minutes.
Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Variations
Rice – swap long-grain white rice with short-grain rice or brown rice Cheese – cheddar cheese is classic, but feel free to substitute or do a combination with shredded Colby jack, Mexican blend, Italian blend, or spicy pepper jack cheese Veggies – try swapping broccoli with cauliflower florets for a different taste with the same veg-goodness you love Meat – mix in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken after stirring the cream cheese into the rice Mild broccoli cheese casserole – if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods feel free to simply omit the crushed red pepper Crunch – If you want a crunchy top, you can sprinkle panko bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or crispy fried onions over the dish before baking!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole has starchy rice, protein-rich cheeses, and broccoli… It is essentially an entire meal by itself! Make it the main feature of dinner and serve with your choice of side dishes. Can’t get enough veggies? Neither can we! Broccoli and cheese casserole is great to pair with savory Sautéed Mushrooms, Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts or Carrots, Creamed Spinach, or a simple green salad. Because it’s both a vegetable and carb-y casserole, this is also a terrific all-in-one side dish. Serve alongside meaty main dishes like Baked Ham, Smoked or Sous Vide Pork Chops, Grilled Chicken, or any protein you like!
Looking for More Classic Casserole Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Broccoli Cheese Casserole Mini Pies Cheesy Hominy Casserole Old-Fashioned Zucchini Casserole Savory Butternut Squash Casserole Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gratin
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