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This is a picture of broccoli rice casserole baked in a cast iron skillet garnished with fresh chives

Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

This creamy broccoli rice casserole is made from scratch with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce. An easy, crowd-pleasing side dish for weeknights or holidays.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 274kcal
Author: Ruth Truett

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
  • 3 cups cooked long grain white rice
  • 1 med onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • ¼ cup heavy cream, warm
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp granulated onion
  • ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 oz herbed cream cheese, softened use your favorite flavor combo and/or brand
  • 1½ cups sharp white cheddar
  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese
  • extra cheddar and parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

The Broccoli

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and barely tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
  • Drain well, then place the broccoli on a clean dish towel and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Set aside.

The Sauce

  • In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
  • Add the salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir in the herbed cream cheese until fully melted.
  • Gradually whisk in the cheddar and parmesan until smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Assemble and Bake

  • Stir the cooked rice and broccoli into the cheese sauce until well combined. Top with extra cheddar and parmesan.
  • Bake in a preheated 350° until bubbly and golden on top (20-30 minutes), then let rest briefly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 503mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 818IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 1mg
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