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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole

September 25, 2022

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two images showing the broccoli rice casserole on a small white plate and the whole casserole below in the white baking dish with one serving removed. center color block with text overlay.

This easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect side dish for dinner tonight! Made in one pot, completely from scratch, this cheesy side dish is a total crowd pleaser. Delicious enough for the holidays yet easy enough for weeknight dinners!

Love casseroles? Make sure to try these favorites: Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheeseburger Casserole and this Twice Baked Potato Casserole!

This post is sponsored by Challenge Dairy.

serving of broccoli rice casserole on a small decorative white plate with the casserole dish in the background.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

This easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is one of those perfect side dishes that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s a one pot recipe meaning that everything happens inside one large skillet or dutch oven – including cooking the rice! The broccoli can either be microwaved or boiled before being added so I guess there is one more bowl there – but, really, the clean up is pretty simple and the flavor is worth every single second.

There is nothing more comforting than a casserole and when you combine cheese with rice and broccoli… well, you’ve got a real winner on your hands.

This broccoli and rice casserole starts how all great recipes start – with butter. It adds flavor to the casserole itself and is the perfect addition to the topping that provides a lovely crunchy, flavorful finish to the dish.

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box of challenge unsalted butter on small cutting board with butter sticks pulled out of the side of the box.

I used Challenge butter in this Broccoli Cheese Casserole because it’s the BEST. Challenge is the brand of butter I’ve used and trusted for years and years. Made with 100% real cream, it’s my butter of choice. I’ve been using Challenge products my whole life and trust their products. I know the quality is outstanding and use it for all my baking and cooking!

white casserole dish with broccoli rice casserole recipe in it. scoop of the casserole has been removed and is on a small white plate in the background.

What To Serve With This Casserole

This recipe is such a great cheesy, starchy side that it goes with just about everything. You really just need a main protein and you’re set. Here are a few of our favorite dinner recipes that we make alongside this Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole:

  1. Swedish Meatballs
  2. Honey Balsamic Chicken
  3. Salisbury Steak Recipe
  4. Garlic Herb Roast Chicken
  5. Chicken Fried Steak
top down look at broccoli rice cheese casserole in a white baking dish next to a black and white striped towel.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredients

You are going to love how easy and delicious this broccoli rice cheese casserole recipe is! As always, you can find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Now let’s take a look at what you’ll need to have on hand:

  • broccoli – you’ll need about 2 heads of broccoli, 8 cups of broccoli florets or 20 ounces. Make sure the florets are cut into bite sized pieces, no bigger than one inch or so.
  • unsalted butter – for sautéing the onions and adding extra flavor to this broccoli and rice casserole.
  • extra virgin olive oil – the combination of butter and olive oil is so delicious and the perfect foundation for this recipe.
  • onion – I used yellow onion but white would also work. Just make sure to finely dice the onion.
  • long grain white rice – the rice does not need to be cooked. It gets cooked in the pot. 
  • garlic – I used 3 cloves but you can use a little less if you’re not a fan of garlic. Minced garlic adds a lot of flavor without getting big chunks of overpowering garlic in the broccoli rice cheese casserole.
  • chicken stock or broth – I opted for a low sodium version for this recipe. The stock adds so much flavor to this recipe because the rice is cooked in it instead of water.
  • half and half – the half and half adds so much richness to this casserole recipe! Milk can be substituted.
  • salt – for flavor! It brings a lot of balance and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in this recipe.
  • sharp cheddar cheese – I recommend buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself. It will melt better. If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, check out some other suggestions in my tips and tricks section below.
  • Parmesan cheese – I love the addition of Parmesan cheese. It adds a bit of sharp flavor and intensity of flavor to this homey dish.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole Topping

  • unsalted butter – the butter will need to be melted and then combined with the rest of the topping ingredients. It creates a crunchy, buttery topping that is the perfect finish to this dish!
  • Panko breadcrumbs – creates a lovely, crispy topping. If you’re not a fan, check out some other suggestions in my tips and tricks section below.
  • smoked paprika – adds a hint of smokiness and flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese – helps the topping to brown and adds lovely flavor.

How To Make Broccoli Rice Casserole

  1. Cook broccoli by microwaving for 3½ to 4 minutes until broccoli is tender and bright green.
  2. Melt butter and olive oil together in a large deep skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. A
  3. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Stir in rice and garlic and continue cooking, stirring continuously, for 1 minute.
  5. Add in the chicken stock, half and half and salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low.
  6. Cook until the rice is tender, about 22 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Stir in the cooked broccoli, grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and prepare the topping.
  9. Combine the melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake the broccoli cheese rice casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
  11. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking the Broccoli: Don’t want to microwave the broccoli? You can cook the broccoli on the stovetop instead. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add broccoli and cook for 4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain thoroughly before adding to recipe.

seven image collage showing how to make broccoli rice casserole.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: This broccoli cheese rice casserole can be covered tightly or stored in airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: To freeze this casserole, cool completely, transfer to a freezer safe, airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

  • Turn this broccoli rice casserole into a meal by adding diced ham or chicken to the recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or rotisserie chicken!
  • Swap in half cauliflower for the broccoli for a unique flavor twist!
  • Tired of cheddar cheese? Try Swiss cheese or pepper jack cheese for a yummy change. You can go half and half with the cheddar or all in!
  • Customize the crunchy topping! I love this Panko topping but here are some other delicious options: Ritz crackers, cornflakes, seasoned breadcrumbs.
serving of broccoli casserole on a small plate with a box of butter in the background.

More of our Favorite Side Dishes

Side dishes make the meal! I’ve said it a million times and that’s because it’s true. A few awesome side dishes can take any meal – holiday or otherwise – to the next level. Don’t miss out on these favorites:

  1. Cheesy Potatoes
  2. Green Bean Recipe
  3. Cornbread
  4. Mashed Potatoes
  5. Dinner Rolls
  6. Creamed Peas
  7. Creamed Corn
  8. Baked Potato Recipe
  9. Fried Cabbage

How To Make Broccoli Rice Casserole

Print Pin
5 from 132 votes

Broccoli Rice Casserole

This easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect side dish for dinner tonight! Made in one pot, completely from scratch, this cheesy side dish is a total crowd pleaser. Delicious enough for the holidays yet easy enough for weeknight dinners!
Course casserole, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli and rice casserole, broccoli cheese rice casserole, broccoli rice casserole, broccoli rice cheese casserole
Prep Time 35 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Servings 8
Calories 568kcal
Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces broccoli florets cut into bite sized pieces, about 2 heads of broccoli or 8 cups
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter I used Challenge butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice not cooked
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 32 ounces chicken stock or broth, low sodium
  • 1 ¼ cups half and half
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Casserole Topping

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, I used Challenge butter
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish, set aside.
  • Cook broccoli by placing in a microwave bowl and covering. Microwave for 3½ to 4 minutes until broccoli is tender and bright green. Do not overcook. (Alternatively, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add broccoli and cook for 4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain thoroughly before adding to recipe.)
  • In a large deep skillet or dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Stir in rice and garlic and continue cooking, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute.
  • Add in the chicken stock, half and half and salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender, about 22 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Carefully stir in the cooked broccoli, grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese making sure to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  • Transfer to the prepared baking dish (or, if using an oven safe skillet, consider baking it right in the skillet) and prepare the topping.
  • In a small bowl, stir to combine the melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
  • Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Storage Information:
This casserole can be covered tightly or stored in airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze this casserole, cool completely, transfer to a freezer safe, airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 963mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1439IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 418mg | Iron: 2mg

By Trish - Mom On Timeout September 25, 2022 Appetizers and Sides, Casseroles, Recipes, Side Dishes

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Fall Apple Salad »

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    April 24, 2025 at 7:14 AM

    This is delicious! It’s become a staple in our family holiday meals. After the 1st time I made it, my Mom requested it again. I ‘ve made it several times since. I normally use milk but for Christmas last year, I used half & half. It actually did taste a little better. I’ve used both broth and bouillon. For Easter, I used brown rice which I won’t do again. I apparently should have cooked the rice longer because it was too crunchy for my taste.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      April 24, 2025 at 11:20 AM

      That makes me so happy! Yes, brown rice requires significantly more time to cook – delicious but takes longer. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

      Reply
  2. Jillian says

    November 24, 2024 at 7:56 AM

    Can you add cooked diced chicken to this?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 27, 2024 at 8:01 AM

      Absolutely! We love it with ham, turkey – whatever we have on hand!

      Reply
  3. Angela says

    March 7, 2024 at 5:10 AM

    This turned out absolutely amazing! I did have to sub out some things based on what I had (no half and half so I used a mix of milk and heavy cream, did not have chicken stock so I used water and chicken base) but it turned out beautifully! Thank you

    Reply
  4. Amy Galindo says

    December 25, 2023 at 3:47 PM

    So very good. Made this to go with Christmas dinner today and it’s a keeper. I halved it because it was on of several sides with just 7 of us eating today. Also used frozen steam In bag broccoli and chopped it up a little more so there weren’t big chunks. So good. Best casserole recipe I’ve tried. Thank you so much for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 26, 2023 at 8:01 AM

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the casserole Amy, Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  5. Mary liz says

    October 29, 2023 at 12:58 PM

    this dish was very good! I was looking for one to make without the usual condensed can of this and that. I added rotisserie chicken and some pepper. other than that… followed the recipe, thank you!

    Reply
  6. Izaryah says

    September 18, 2023 at 5:31 PM

    I just made this. It was really easy and yummy. I added some roasted garlic powder to the topping mix and I opted for boiling my broccoli. Thank you so much for the recipe. Cheers

    Reply
  7. Courtney Wells says

    August 18, 2023 at 3:15 PM

    The best EVER! My husband and family love…love…love this! It has become a holiday staple

    Reply
  8. Nancy says

    December 24, 2022 at 2:23 PM

    I made this casserole today and it was very good. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Blessings and have a joyous holiday. I DID ADD TURKEY AND USED BROWN RICE TOO. STILL WONDERFUL RECIPE. THANK YOU

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    December 24, 2022 at 2:20 PM

    I made this casserole today and it was very good. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Blessings and have a joyous holiday.

    Reply
  10. Donna says

    November 26, 2022 at 1:27 AM

    This is sooo good! The best broccoli rice casserole I’ve had. 😋

    Reply
  11. Valory says

    November 25, 2022 at 6:37 PM

    I made this for Thanksgiving and my family said I now have to make it every year! It turned out absolutely delicious! This is by far the best broccoli rice casserole I have ever had! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 2, 2022 at 9:27 PM

      I appreciate that so much Valory, thank you!

      Reply
  12. Betty says

    October 4, 2022 at 3:33 AM

    Could you use a rice pot instead? Put everything from step 4 into the rice pot and then add the ingredients of step 5 and let the rice pot do the cooking?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 2, 2022 at 9:28 PM

      I haven’t tried it that way but maybe? You would lose the crunch topping for sure but maybe the rest might work?

      Reply
  13. Christine Killoran says

    October 2, 2022 at 7:36 PM

    Had this casserole for dinner tonight. It was delicious! Since there are just two of us, I cut the recipe in half. We’ll have leftovers for tomorrow.
    Did not make changes to the recipe other than cutting it in half. I prepared it early in the afternoon and refrigerated it covered without baking. Baked it for 25 minutes as I prepared the rest of the meal. Perfect side dish and something I would bring to a potluck.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 2, 2022 at 9:28 PM

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this dish Christine! Thank you for the sweet comment!

      Reply
  14. lee says

    September 27, 2022 at 4:15 AM

    Made this in my dutch oven (just boiled broccoli seperate) it was a big Hit! I had plenty to share with my friends and freeze for a quick lunch or side. I loved the panko topping, gives it a nice crunch! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 2, 2022 at 9:28 PM

      Thank you Lee!

      Reply
  15. Juliet Kruger-Meador says

    September 27, 2022 at 2:00 AM

    Can u email me all of
    the broccoli & rice casseroles u have listed above? Especially the ones with chicken, mac & cheese& kelbousa dausage?
    Thx, Juliet Kruger-Meador

    Reply
5 from 132 votes (121 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I’m Trish!

Welcome to Mom On Timeout where I’m serving up real food for real families! Dinners, desserts, and everything in between!
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