Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender broccoli florets, cooked rice, and sharp cheddar cheese baked together in a rich cheese sauce. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for a hearty family meal or a potluck side.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets
- 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli and rice: Thaw the frozen broccoli and chop into smaller pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked rice, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, saving the remaining ½ cup cheddar for topping.
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven temperature to 350ºF to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a small saucepot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.
- Make a roux: Stir in the flour with the butter, onion, and garlic mixture until a paste forms. Continue cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes until the paste is light golden brown.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, keeping the mixture smooth. Heat it to a simmer while whisking until the sauce thickens to the consistency of heavy cream. Remove from heat.
- Season the sauce: Stir in salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed, remembering the sauce should be flavorful since the rice and broccoli are unseasoned.
- Combine and assemble casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9 inch casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned around the edges.
- Serve: Divide the casserole into six portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli is convenient and partially cooked, speeding up preparation; if using fresh broccoli, boil it for 2 minutes before using.
- Pre-cooked and chilled rice is best for texture and flavor absorption; cook and cool fresh rice before using if needed.
- Use medium or sharp cheddar cheese for better flavor instead of mild cheddar.
- Whole milk ensures a rich cheese sauce; lower-fat milk will reduce creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
