There's something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser any night of the week.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a broccoli casserole that has three main layers. The base layer is a mixed creamy texture with small pieces of broccoli and rice in pale green and white shades. The top layer is a bright melted cheddar cheese with an orange color that covers the broccoli mixture evenly. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion of the casserole, showing the thick, soft inside with broccoli and cheese stretching a little. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. 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’m absolutely smitten with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving a cozy side, this casserole never disappoints.

Comfort food at its best: The creamy cheese sauce paired with tender broccoli and rice creates an ultra-satisfying bite every time.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your fridge and pantry.
Hands-off baking: Once everything’s mixed and in the dish, the oven does all the work—perfect for multitasking.
Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.

A white baking dish filled with a thick cheesy broccoli casserole is shown, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion from the dish. The casserole has three visible layers: a bottom layer of soft, creamy rice or grain mixed with small green broccoli pieces, a middle layer with more broccoli and melted orange cheddar cheese spread unevenly through it, and a top layer fully covered in bright shredded cheddar cheese melted into a smooth texture. The colors mix cream, green, and orange, giving the dish a warm, inviting look. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays its part beautifully. Simple staples like broccoli and rice get an indulgent facelift from a homemade cheese sauce, making the casserole rich but never overwhelming.

Flat lay of fresh small broccoli florets, a mound of cooked white rice, a quarter cup of butter cube, a small white bowl of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl containing bright yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with deep red paprika powder, a small white bowl with light beige onion powder, a small white bowl of fine white garlic powder, a pile of shredded vibrant orange cheddar cheese, a wedge of soft cream cheese, a small white bowl of coarse salt, and a small white bowl of ground black pepper 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: Using small florets helps them cook evenly and blend smoothly into the casserole texture.
White rice: Cooked rice acts as a cozy base that soaks up the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Butter: Creates a silky roux when combined with flour, which thickens the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: It’s the secret to that velvety, creamy texture in the sauce.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works well for a rich but not too heavy sauce.
Mustard powder, paprika, onion, and garlic powders: These seasonings add depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s key for that classic cheesy flavor everyone loves. Using divided amounts helps keep some cheese on top for a golden crust.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and tanginess that balance the sharp cheddar.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the layers of flavor together.

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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

One of the most fun things about this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. I like to tweak it depending on what I have on hand, and you can too—make it a canvas for your favorite ingredients.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the broccoli for a mix of cauliflower and green beans to change it up, and it always turns out creamy and delicious.
Make it healthier: Try brown rice instead of white for extra fiber, just remember it will take a bit longer to cook.
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for a fuller meal that satisfies meat lovers.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños adds a nice kick if you want to kick that cheesy goodness up a notch.

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

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli with a Quick Blanch

First, bring a pot of water to a boil and drop in the broccoli florets for just two minutes. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli bright green and slightly tender without turning mushy. Don’t forget to plunge them immediately into ice-cold water—that stops the cooking in its tracks and locks in that vibrant color and crispness. It’s a little trick I picked up that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the broccoli cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for two minutes to cook out that raw flour taste—that’s your roux base. Then slowly whisk in the milk and the spices: mustard powder, paprika, onion, and garlic powder. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers and thickens—this usually takes about four minutes. Once it’s nice and smooth, remove from heat and stir in most of your cheddar cheese and the cream cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. This combo creates that dreamy, velvety texture that makes the casserole so good.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

In a large bowl, fold the blanched broccoli and cooked rice into your cheesy sauce, mixing gently until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the top—that’s what gives you that crisp, golden crust after baking. Pop it into a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and beautifully browned on top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes after baking—you’ll want to dive right in, but a little rest helps everything set up perfectly. Then scoop it out and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh broccoli flavors. I guarantee your whole kitchen will smell amazing by the time it’s ready!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really take this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe to the next level and help it turn out perfectly every time.

Blanch Broccoli First: It keeps the broccoli from getting mushy and preserves that beautiful green color.
Constantly Stir the Sauce: When making the roux and adding milk, give it your full attention to avoid lumps—this makes the sauce silky smooth.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp gives a bolder flavor that cuts through the creaminess for a well-rounded dish.
Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: It adds richness and helps the sauce stay creamy even after baking.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy broccoli rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh chopped chives or parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and fresh brightness. Sometimes, a little extra cracked black pepper over the top gives a nice bite that pairs well with the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or roasted pork chops. When I’m serving a weeknight dinner, some crusty bread and a crisp green salad round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with a little extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a fancy crust. Trust me, they disappear fast, and guests love the personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays great for up to 4 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I portion it out before baking or freeze fully baked leftovers in freezer-safe containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats nicely in the oven or microwave without losing that cheesy goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven to keep it from drying out. A light sprinkle of milk before reheating can help regain creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps that melty texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole to avoid extra moisture. Blanching frozen broccoli isn’t necessary since it’s already been cooked.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the sauce?

Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and subtle tang that balances the flavors, but you can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or even more cheddar cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind, the consistency of the sauce might change slightly.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Just whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold milk before adding it to avoid lumps during cooking.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy in the casserole?

Make sure to cook the rice just until tender but not mushy. Using day-old cooked rice or letting freshly cooked rice cool and dry a bit before mixing into the casserole helps maintain its texture during baking. Also, blanching the broccoli minimizes excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for busy weeks and comforting weekend dinners alike. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and feels like a little homemade indulgence without much fuss. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a family favorite you reach for again and again.