Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake (Printable)

Creamy casserole combining broccoli, rice, and sharp cheddar baked with a crunchy topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (approximately 1 large head)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Grains

04 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

→ Dairy & Eggs

05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
06 - 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids & Pantry

09 - 2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Toppings

13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
03 - Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the rice is coated and lightly toasted.
04 - Pour in the broth, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture just to a simmer.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the broccoli florets, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until evenly combined.
06 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove the foil, gently stir the contents, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
08 - In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and evenly sprinkle over the casserole.
09 - Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the rice is tender.
10 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving to enhance flavors and texture.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one dish, so theres barely anything to clean up afterward.
  • The creamy cheese sauce soaks into the rice while it bakes, making every bite ridiculously comforting.
  • You can prep it in the morning, cover it, and just slide it in the oven when dinnertime hits.
02 -
  • Covering the dish tightly with foil is critical, if steam escapes the rice wont cook through.
  • Dont skip the resting time at the end, it lets the sauce thicken up and makes serving so much easier.
03 -
  • Use a box grater to shred your own cheddar, pre-shredded cheese has coating that makes the sauce grainy.
  • If the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
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