There’s something about the warm, melty goodness of broccoli wrapped in cheesy rice that just hits the spot, right? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. Let me tell you why it’s worth making tonight.

The image shows a close-up of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a broccoli and cheese casserole. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a creamy mixture with small pieces of broccoli, light green and beige in color; the middle layer consists of chunks of bright green broccoli; the top layer is covered with melted shredded orange cheese, giving a textured and slightly glossy look. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the casserole from the dish, showing the mixed layers clearly. The dish sits on 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 Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty but simple, especially on busy weeknights. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Creamy, cheesy texture: The blend of cheddar and cream cheese creates that irresistible gooeyness you don’t want to miss.
Easy to prepare: Only about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick dinners.
Nutrient-packed veggies: Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, balancing out the indulgence.
Family-friendly: Both kids and adults adore it — a guaranteed way to get everyone at the table.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a casserole that has multiple layers. The bottom layer is a light beige rice or grain base mixed with small pieces of green broccoli. On top of this, there is a layer of melted orange cheddar cheese scattered unevenly across the surface. A wooden spoon lifts one serving of the casserole, showing the thick, moist texture with the rice and broccoli pieces clearly visible, topped with melted cheese strands. The outer edges of the casserole remain in the dish, showing a lightly browned, baked surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a little lowdown on why we use each one and some tips when shopping:

Flat lay of fresh small broccoli florets, a mound of cooked white rice on a simple white ceramic plate, a pat of golden butter on a small white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of pale all purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, a heap of bright shredded cheddar cheese on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of soft cream cheese, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, small white bowls each containing mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, all carefully arranged symmetrically and naturally 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

Broccoli: Fresh florets work best here; I like them tender but still with a bit of snap after blanching.
White rice: Cooked rice is the base that soaks up all that creamy cheese sauce beautifully. Make sure it’s fully cooked but not mushy.
Butter: Essential for making the roux which thickens the cheese sauce — key to that silky texture.
All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the base for the béchamel-style sauce.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness but you can use 2% for a lighter touch.
Mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: These spices subtly deepen the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic, tangy bite; shredding it yourself helps it melt better.
Cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the sauce.
Salt & pepper: For seasoning — adjust to your taste!

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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

I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my fridge or cravings that day, and this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is super flexible. Don’t be shy about adding your own spin!

Variation: I’ve tossed in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits before to amp up the protein and create a heartier meal—you’ll enjoy the extra savory kick.
Vegetarian: If you want to switch it up, try mushrooms or cauliflower alongside the broccoli for a different veggie combo.
Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, swap the cheddar and cream cheese with your favorite plant-based cheeses and use almond or oat milk.

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

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli for Bright Color and Perfect Texture

Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil. Drop in your broccoli florets for just two minutes—this quick blanch keeps them vibrant green and tender-crisp without turning mushy. Then, rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process; this trick keeps the broccoli looking fresh and not overcooked in the casserole.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce with a Roux

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, making sure to keep stirring — this cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and your spice blend: mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Keep stirring as it simmers and thickens, about 4 minutes. Removing it from heat, stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar and the softened cream cheese until bubbly and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is where the magic happens, creating that luscious base we all love.

Step 3: Combine, Top with Cheese, and Bake to Golden Perfection

In a large bowl, mix the blanched broccoli and cooked rice with your velvety cheese sauce. Transfer everything into your greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar right on top. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust. The smell while baking? Absolutely irresistible.

Top Tip

This casserole is all about that perfect cheese sauce and broccoli texture. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really take this recipe up a notch.

Blanch the Broccoli Properly: Don’t skip the cold water bath after boiling. It stops cooking immediately and locks in the color and crunch.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so shredding cheese yourself gives you that perfect smooth sauce.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Take your time cooking the flour and butter; it ensures a silky base and keeps your sauce from being grainy.
Keep an Eye in the Oven: Once the top turns golden and bubbly, it’s done — avoid overbaking to keep it creamy inside.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy broccoli casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a light dusting of extra paprika on top adds warmth and a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic roasted chicken or baked salmon for an effortless dinner. I’ve also served it alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad when I want to keep things extra cozy but balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during holidays, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins, turning it into a fancy side dish that steals the spotlight on the dinner table. It’s an easy way to impress guests without added fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store it, I usually let the casserole cool completely, then cover tight to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, which is great for meal prep. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven works best—cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, though I recommend stirring halfway to keep it even.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure to cook it fully before assembling the casserole since it takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce. Make sure your other ingredients like spices and cheese are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the best cheese to use for the dish?

Sharp cheddar works best for flavor and meltability. But feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings comfort and ease together in one dish. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or part of a holiday spread, it’s always a winner that fills bellies and warms hearts. Give this recipe a go—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again, just like I do.