Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy cheeses, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this casserole ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal planning and leftovers.
Ingredient Notes:
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Provide a vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Shredded carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the casserole with a delicious aroma and savory flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the casserole.
- Cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and tanginess.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a bold and rich cheese flavor.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty kick.
- Long grain white rice: Adds a hearty and filling element to the casserole.
- Kosher salt, white pepper, black pepper, and dijon mustard: Season the dish to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the ingredients.
- Sauté the onions, broccoli, carrots, and garlic in butter until tender.
- Add the milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, rice, and seasonings to the pan.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Customize the casserole by adding cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Be sure to rinse and drain the rice before adding it to the casserole to remove excess starch.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set and develop flavors.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the casserole before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before using.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines the goodness of broccoli, rice, and three types of cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, small dice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté onions, broccoli, carrots, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in milk, cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, rice, salt, pepper, and mustard until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 1 hour until the rice is cooked through.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding cooked chicken or ham for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 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: 50 mg