Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake (Printable Version)

Comforting casserole with broccoli, rice, melted cheddar, and creamy sauce baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Grains

04 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

→ Dairy & Eggs

05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
06 - 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids & Pantry

09 - 2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Toppings

13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
03 - Add rice to skillet and stir until coated and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in broth, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in broccoli florets, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, and sour cream until evenly mixed.
06 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, stir gently, then sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the surface. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and evenly sprinkle on top.
08 - Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden, bubbly, and rice is tender.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one dish, so theres barely any cleanup after dinner.
  • The rice gets creamy without constant stirring, and the cheese does all the work.
  • Its one of those meals that tastes like you fussed, but you didnt.
02 -
  • Covering the dish tightly with foil is crucial, or the rice will come out crunchy and undercooked.
  • Dont skip the resting time at the end, it lets the sauce thicken up and makes serving so much easier.
03 -
  • Use a skillet thats big enough to hold everything comfortably, or the rice mixture will overflow when you stir in the broccoli.
  • Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes better.
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