There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that just invites you to dig in. This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy goodness and tender broccoli, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.

This image shows a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese spread evenly on top of a dish. Below the cheese is a mix of white rice, small green broccoli pieces, and some pale green chunks, all combined together. The dish is in a white rectangular ceramic baking pan with a smooth edge. A black serving spatula is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the gooey, mixed texture underneath with the cheese stretching slightly. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this cheddar broccoli rice casserole has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s just so easy and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers on taste and comfort every single time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it super accessible.
Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, with a bit of a kick from the spices – it hits all the right notes.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies, cheese types, or even spices to fit your mood.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters tend to love the cheesy goodness and tender broccoli hidden in the casserole.

A square white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of small green broccoli pieces mixed with white mashed potatoes, forming a somewhat uneven textured base. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese in a smooth, thick golden-yellow layer with slight browning edges, covering most of the surface but still showing bits of the potato and broccoli mixture beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The harmony of ingredients in this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is what makes it so comforting and satisfying. You get the fresh (or frozen) broccoli for veggies, a cheesy sauce that’s rich and flavorful, and rice that acts as the hearty base. Here’s a quick rundown of why each ingredient is a star:

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a large white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few small cubes of fresh butter stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole milk, and small white ceramic bowls each holding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Broccoli Florets: I rely on frozen because it’s already chopped and pre-cooked slightly, saving a ton of time without sacrificing texture.
Cooked Rice: Using chilled, pre-cooked rice ensures the casserole isn’t mushy and soaks up all that creamy sauce just right.
Cheddar Cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar packs the bold flavor you want — mild cheddar won’t cut it!
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These build the aromatic base of the cheese sauce and deepen the flavor profile.
Butter & Flour: They come together to create a roux, the thickening agent that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Whole Milk: It’s the key to getting that rich, velvety cheese sauce instead of something thin or bland.
Seasonings (salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper): These simple spices amp up the flavor with a lovely smokiness and a gentle kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this cheddar broccoli rice casserole recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often toss in extra veggies or swap out cheeses based on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. You can make it yours without losing any comfort.

Variation: Sometimes, I add a handful of cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky, meaty twist that takes this casserole to the next level.
Dietary Tips: If you want it lighter, swapping whole milk for a lower-fat milk works, though it’s less creamy. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.
Cheese Swaps: Try mixing sharp cheddar with a little Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a meltier, nuttier cheese sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli and Rice

First, thaw your frozen broccoli and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This helps distribute broccoli evenly throughout the casserole. Toss the chopped broccoli in a large bowl with your cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar — hold onto the rest for the topping. Using pre-cooked rice that’s chilled makes a big difference here to keep the texture just right.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic for the Sauce Base

Now, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and soft — this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a deep, savory foundation in your cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Creamy Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir until it forms a smooth paste. Let this cook, stirring constantly, for about two minutes or until you notice a light golden color — this cooks out the raw flour flavor. Next, slowly whisk in the whole milk. Keep whisking and heating until the mixture simmers and thickens to the consistency of heavy cream.

Step 4: Season and Combine Everything

Add salt, smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper to the sauce. I always taste here and adjust seasoning generously — a flavorful sauce is key since the rice and broccoli are pretty neutral on their own. Once seasoned, pour the sauce over your broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture. Stir well so every grain and floret gets a creamy coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Pop it into your preheated oven at 350ºF and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden with a few crispy edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and these tips have helped me nail it every time. They’ll help you get a creamy, flavorful result without the dreaded watery bottom or bland taste.

Use Chilled Rice: Letting the cooked rice cool before adding prevents mushiness and helps it soak up the sauce perfectly.
Don’t Skip Sautéing Onions and Garlic: This step builds flavor layers that elevate the whole dish beyond just “cheesy rice.”
Season the Sauce Well: The sauce really carries the flavor, so make it bold with paprika, cayenne, and pepper.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cheese topping as it can go from golden to burnt quickly—usually 35 minutes hits the sweet spot.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even some crispy fried onions on top for texture. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up just a bit, balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole plays well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, roasted chicken, or even some garlic bread. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but also flexible as a side for bigger meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered the casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with extra sharp cheddar and breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. It makes for a charming presentation that feels a bit fancier but is still super cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store mine, I let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from steam.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers so I can thaw and reheat just what I need. It stays creamy and delicious, though I recommend adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating for fresh meltiness.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the texture close to freshly baked. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great. Just be sure to blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes and then drain well before adding it to the casserole. This helps soften the broccoli and maintains the nice texture you want.

What type of rice works best for this cheddar broccoli rice casserole recipe?

Cooked long-grain white or brown rice works best, especially if it’s been chilled. Using leftover rice that’s been cooled helps the grains stay separate and absorb the sauce better without becoming mushy.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free roux. Just make sure the other ingredients, like broth or seasoning, are also gluten-free if you decide to add extras.

How can I make the casserole less spicy?

The spices here add just a gentle warmth and depth, but if you prefer to keep it milder, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. The cheddar cheese will still bring plenty of flavor without the extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe feels like a little kitchen victory every time I make it. It’s cozy, flavorful, and adaptable – perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and comforting without fussing too much. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it just like I did, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food too. So grab that cheddar and broccoli, and let’s make some cozy magic happen!