There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. This classic Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe brings together tender broccoli florets and fluffy rice smothered in a rich cheese sauce—making it a truly satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a broccoli and cheese casserole. The bottom layer is a creamy mixture with visible small broccoli florets mixed evenly throughout, showing a green and light beige texture. The top layer is shredded orange cheddar cheese, spread thickly across the surface, slightly melted with a smooth and glossy texture. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion out, lifting a chunky mix of broccoli, casserole base, and melted cheese. 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 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

I’ve been making this casserole for years, and what keeps me coming back is its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness with the freshness of broccoli and the comforting texture of rice. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, especially on busy weeknights or for potlucks.

Timeless Comfort: The blend of cheese and creamy sauce makes every bite indulgent without being complicated.
Simple Ingredients: You don't need fancy or hard-to-find items; everything is pantry-friendly and straightforward.
Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: This recipe pleases all kinds of palates, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the seasonings, cheese types, or even swap veggies to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

The image shows a white baking dish with a broccoli and cheese casserole inside. The casserole has two main layers: a base layer made from small, grain-like rice mixed with small broccoli pieces in green, covered with a top layer of melted orange-yellow shredded cheese. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the casserole from the dish, showing the thick and soft texture of the casserole with visible bits of broccoli and cheese mixed together. The white marbled surface is visible around the baking dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays its part in creating a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Understanding their roles helps you make the best version every time.

Flat lay of fresh small broccoli florets, cooked white rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with softened cream cheese, a chunk of butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of all purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a white ceramic bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs, small white bowls each containing mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper placed symmetrically around the main ingredients, 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 or frozen, broccoli brings color, texture, and a healthy freshness that cuts through the richness.
White rice: Cooked rice acts as the hearty base, soaking up all those cheesy, creamy flavors without getting mushy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to make a roux, which is essential for that smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
Milk: The creamy component that blends everything together, creating a luscious sauce.
Mustard powder: Gives a subtle tang that highlights the cheese flavor without overpowering.
Paprika, onion powder & garlic powder: These spices add depth and warmth to the sauce, making it more interesting and layered.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheddar provides the star cheesy flavor and stretches perfectly when baked.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sharp cheddar and spices.
Salt & pepper: Simple but crucial—season well for that perfect savory punch throughout.

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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 often like to tweak the classic Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood that day. It’s such a forgiving recipe—feel free to experiment!

Variation: Sometimes I swap half of the broccoli with cauliflower or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthier note; it gives the casserole a lovely twist without losing its familiar comfort.
Dairy swaps: If you’re lactose-sensitive, try using lactose-free milk and a mild dairy-free cheese alternative, but keep that cream cheese to maintain creamy texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped green chilies to your cheese sauce for a gentle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Make it meaty: Toss in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage to turn this into a hearty main course.

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

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli for Perfect Texture

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then bring a medium pot of water to a boil and blanch your broccoli florets for just two minutes. This quick boil brightens the green and softens them slightly without making them mushy. Immediately rinse the broccoli in cold water to stop the cooking process—this little step is key to keeping them fresh and vibrant in the casserole.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

While the broccoli is resting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about two minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts your thickening magic. Slowly whisk in the milk and your seasoning powders—mustard, paprika, onion, and garlic—and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of your spoon.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses for Creamy Goodness

Take the pot off the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese together with the softened cream cheese. This combination creates a smooth, luscious sauce with terrific flavor depth. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be rich and velvety—if it seems too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine and Bake to Perfection

In a large mixing bowl, toss the blanched broccoli and cooked rice with your cheesy sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mix into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out nicely. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust once baked. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and beautifully browned on top. Then proudly serve it hot, right from the dish—the ultimate comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that take this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe from good to downright irresistible. These tips saved me from watery casseroles and bland outcomes more times than I can count.

Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Blanch just long enough to soften slightly, or you’ll end up with mushy veggies and a soggy texture.
Stir the Sauce Constantly: This prevents lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly for that perfect consistency.
Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Its bold flavor really shines and balances the creaminess from the cream cheese.
Top with Extra Cheese: The golden crust on top is what gives the casserole its irresistible finishing touch—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep toppings simple—just a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if I want a spicy surprise.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled sausage, or even a simple baked fish for a full meal. A crisp green salad or lightly dressed steamed veggies make perfect lighter sides to balance all that cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like baking this casserole in individual ramekins—makes for a cute, personalized presentation. You can also sprinkle the top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for an extra crunchy topping that elevates the texture beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I store leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld more as it rests.

Freezing

If I’m preparing ahead, I freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping the dish firmly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes for it to heat through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out, then uncover for a few minutes to refresh the cheesy crust. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven really brings the flavor and texture back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Brown rice works well here, but since it takes longer to cook and has a firmer texture, I recommend cooking it ahead until tender before mixing. Keep in mind it can change the dish’s texture slightly, but it’s a healthier alternative that still tastes great.

What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe for maximum flavor?

Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to because of its bold taste and excellent melting properties. You can mix it with mild cheddar or add a little Monterey Jack for creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of smoked cheese adds fantastic depth.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

You can! Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and try vegan cream cheese and plant-based shredded cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but it still makes a tasty, creamy dish. Just be sure to check that your dairy-free cheeses melt well.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

You want to see the cheese bubbling and nicely browned on top, usually after 30-35 minutes of baking at 350°F. The casserole should be hot and creamy throughout. If it seems too runny, give it a few extra minutes; if the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil until done.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor and heartiness that satisfies everyone at the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a fail-proof way to make broccoli and rice exciting and comforting all at once.