There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy kitchen hug—perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days.

The dish is a casserole served in a white baking dish sitting on a white marbled surface. It has two main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, pale mix with visible small green broccoli pieces, mixed with a creamy texture and rice or similar grain. The top layer is bright shredded orange cheddar cheese melted all over, creating a rich and textured surface. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion, showing the thick, moist inside with broccoli and cheese mixed together, giving a colorful contrast between green and orange against the creamy base. 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 Recipe is a family favorite because it balances creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of veggie crunch. I’m always amazed at how simple ingredients can come together in such a satisfying way, making it perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

Incredibly Easy to Make: Uses pantry staples and simple steps to whip up a deliciously creamy casserole without stress.
Balanced & Comforting: The broccoli adds freshness and nutrients, while the cheesy sauce delivers that rich, indulgent flavor everyone loves.
Versatile: It works great as a main dish or a side, pairing with everything from roast chicken to grilled sausages.
Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy multiple meals with minimal extra effort.

A white baking dish filled with a cheesy broccoli rice casserole, where the top is covered with melted bright orange cheese. A wooden spoon lifts a thick, chunky scoop showing layers of small green broccoli pieces mixed with soft white rice and melted cheese throughout. The casserole's texture looks soft with some shredded cheese strands on top and herbs visible in the mixture. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a special role—from the creamy roux that thickens the sauce to the sharp cheddar that brings bold flavor. Keep an eye out for fresh broccoli and quality cheese to get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl with a quarter cup of butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl with paprika, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with softened cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 cut into small florets to keep a tender-crisp texture that brightens the dish.
White rice: Cooked rice holds everything together, acting as a neutral canvas for the rich sauce.
Butter: The base for the roux, adds richness and helps the sauce thicken smoothly.
All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create a classic thickening roux for the creamy sauce.
Milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness, and keeps the casserole light enough to enjoy multiple servings.
Mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: These seasonings add depth and a subtle savory warmth that lifts all the flavors.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, giving that signature gooey, tangy bite.
Cream cheese: Adds silkiness and extra depth to the sauce, making it decadent without overpowering.
Salt & pepper: Essential final touches that enhance all the ingredients' natural flavors.

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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 tweaking this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry. It’s so forgiving that you can easily swap cheeses or add extras like caramelized onions without losing the comforting vibe.

Variation: I sometimes stir in cooked chicken or bacon bits for a heartier meal that doubles as dinner and leftovers for lunch.
Diet-friendly swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option that still feels satisfying.
Seasonal twist: Adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes amps up the flavor and adds a pop of color.
Make it spicy: A pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños gives it a playful kick if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Rice

Start by cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets—this helps them cook evenly and blend nicely in the casserole. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the broccoli for about two minutes until it’s bright green but still crisp. Don’t skip the cold water rinse afterward; it stops cooking immediately and preserves that perfect tender-crisp texture. While you do that, make sure your white rice is cooked and ready. I usually use leftover rice because it’s less sticky, but freshly cooked is great too.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

This part is like magic: melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the flour, cooking it gently for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Stir constantly so it doesn't burn—it should smell nutty and look smooth. Then slowly add the milk, plus the mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring as it thickens over medium heat. Once you see the sauce starting to coat the spoon and thicken nicely (about 4 minutes), remove it from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese along with softened cream cheese. This combo gives the sauce a velvety finish.

Step 3: Combine, Top, and Bake

In a large bowl, toss together the blanched broccoli, cooked rice, and cheesy sauce until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. That crusty, melted cheese on top? Totally worth the wait.

Top Tip

Through making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few little things that helped it turn out perfectly every time—and I want you to have that same success!

Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Blanch it just long enough to brighten color and soften slightly, or it will get mushy after baking.
Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts better and gives that signature tangy cheesy flavor that mild cheddar can’t match.
Make the Roux Slowly: Stir the butter and flour mixture continuously over medium heat to avoid lumps and get a smooth sauce base.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool just a few minutes so the sauce firms up slightly—it makes serving so much easier!

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy broccoli casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or some crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor. A few cracks of fresh black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely finishing touch. Sometimes I even throw on fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or even a simple baked salmon. For veggies, a crisp green salad or glazed carrots round out the meal perfectly without competing with the casserole’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty, personal touch. Another fun way is to bake it inside hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast-iron skillets—super cute and perfect for holiday meals or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays delicious for up to 3 days. Reheating gently in the microwave or oven brings back that creamy texture without drying it out.

Freezing

If I want to freeze servings for later, I portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers without the top cheese crust (I add fresh cheese when reheating). It freezes well for up to 2 months and thaws overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. This method helps maintain creaminess and prevents the top from burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy. Blanching frozen broccoli works too if you want to refresh it before mixing.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour in the roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch (use half the amount).

Can I substitute other cheeses for cheddar?

Yes! Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and melt, but Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, or a mix of cheeses can work well depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure they melt smoothly.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Making sure the sauce is thick and creamy helps lock moisture in. Also, avoid overbaking—once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s done. Covering the dish with foil for part of the baking time can help retain moisture as well.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes I’m always happy to share with friends and family. It’s approachable enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress anyone around the table. Once you try it, you’ll see why it keeps showing up on my weekly menus—it’s pure comfort food made simple, with so much love baked right in. Do give it a go, and let it become your go-to cozy casserole too!