Nothing quite beats the warm, creamy comfort of my favorite Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. With gooey melted cheese hugging tender broccoli and fluffy rice, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a casserole that has two visible layers. The bottom layer consists of a creamy mixture with green broccoli pieces mixed throughout, giving it a chunky texture. The top layer is a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese, bright orange in color, spread evenly over the broccoli base. A wooden spoon is lifting a portion of the casserole, showing the thick, mixed texture of the broccoli and cheese. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. 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've made this cheesy broccoli rice casserole countless times and it never disappoints. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy richness with just enough broccoli to keep things fresh. Plus, it’s so easy to pull together, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Cheesy, creamy texture: The combination of cheddar and cream cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
Quick and simple: Just about 45 minutes from start to finish with everyday ingredients.
Balanced flavors: A hint of mustard and paprika amps up the taste without overpowering the broccoli.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters tend to ask for seconds because it’s that comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a breeze because every ingredient plays its part to make a creamy, cheesy casserole with just the right texture. Using freshly cooked broccoli florets keeps things bright, and the homemade cheese sauce makes all the difference compared to using canned soup bases.

Flat lay of fresh small broccoli florets, a mound of cooked white rice, a quarter cup of golden butter cube, a small pile of all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy milk, a tiny heap of bright yellow mustard powder, a small pinch of reddish paprika, a tiny amount of pale onion powder, a small pinch of fine garlic powder, a mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small dollop of soft cream cheese, a small pile of coarse salt, a small pinch of ground black pepper all arranged symmetrically, 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 florets provide that perfect tender-crisp bite and vibrant green color.
White rice: Cooked rice acts as a neutral base that soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the smooth cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it’s creamy without being runny.
Milk: Gives the sauce body and a silky finish.
Mustard powder: A secret weapon to brighten and enhance the cheesy flavor.
Paprika, onion, and garlic powder: These spices layer in subtle warmth and depth.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and full-flavored, it melts perfectly to form that irresistible topping and binder inside.
Cream cheese: Softens the sauce and adds extra creaminess for a velvety texture.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning to pull all the flavors 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 things I love most about this cheesy broccoli rice casserole recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it extra cheesy, add a crunchy topping, or turn it veggie-packed, the base is super flexible.

Variation: I sometimes swap broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of both for a milder flavor and a little textural variety. It always works out great.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives the dish a little kick if you like it spicy.
Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey to turn this into a hearty main dish.

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

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli

I bring a medium pot of water to a boil, then add the small broccoli florets for exactly two minutes. This keeps them bright green and tender, but still with some bite. Once they're ready, I immediately rinse them under cold water to stop cooking—this step is key to avoid soggy broccoli in the casserole.

Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce Roux

In a small saucepan, I melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking it for two minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste. Then I slowly add the milk along with mustard powder, paprika, onion, and garlic powder. Stirring constantly, I bring it to a gentle simmer where it thickens perfectly over about four minutes—patience here makes a creamier sauce.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Off the heat, I stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar and all the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Salt and pepper go in last for seasoning. This combination makes the sauce incredibly rich, with a nice tang from the cream cheese.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

I toss the cooked rice and blanched broccoli gently in the cheese sauce, then spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Finally, I sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and bake at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on the edges.

Top Tip

From my experience making this casserole time and again, a few little tricks make all the difference between good and great.

Blanch broccoli properly: Don’t skip the ice bath after boiling. It locks in color and keeps the texture just right.
Cook the roux well: Cooking the butter and flour together for 2 minutes eliminates that raw flour flavor and makes a smooth sauce.
Use a mix of cheeses: Adding cream cheese with sharp cheddar creates creaminess and bright cheesy flavor without heaviness.
Don’t overbake: Aim for bubbly cheese topping that’s just golden—overbaking dries out the casserole.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy broccoli casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A little cracked black pepper on top adds just the right touch of spice.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a weeknight meal. For a vegetarian spread, serve with a crisp garden salad and some crusty bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or potlucks, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden crust. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and looks extra special on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let the casserole cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and wrap tightly. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but the oven keeps the cheese topping nice and melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just be sure to thaw and pat dry the broccoli before mixing it with the rice and cheese sauce to avoid extra moisture that could make the casserole soggy.

What type of rice is best for the casserole?

I recommend using long-grain white rice cooked until tender but not mushy. You can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but you may need to adjust the cooking and baking times accordingly.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream cheese for its signature flavor and creaminess, so making it fully dairy-free isn’t straightforward. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and shredded plant-based cheese alternatives along with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and nicely golden brown around the edges. You’ll also notice it’s heated through and thickened beneath the surface. If you insert a knife near the center, it should come out warm.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers comforting, satisfying flavors without fuss. I genuinely feel it’s one of those dishes you'll revisit time and again, whether for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with a simple homemade classic. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy cooking and eating it as much as I do.