Name: Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets; 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp); 1 yellow onion; 2 garlic cloves; 3 Tbsp butter; 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper; ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish on the table, and this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe hits that cozy spot perfectly. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice—a simple dish that somehow feels like a hug from the inside out.

The dish is a baked casserole in a white rectangular dish, with a bright orange melted cheese layer on top. Below the cheese, there is a mixture of white rice and green broccoli pieces visible, giving the dish a textured look with small chunks of vegetables spread throughout. The cheese on top is smooth and slightly bubbly, covering the entire surface except where a black spatula lifts a portion, revealing the creamy, mixed layers underneath. The edges of the casserole dish show some browned spots where the cheese has baked slightly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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 Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole more times than I can count, and every time it feels just right—filling, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company. Its simplicity is its charm, but there’s so much flavor beneath the surface!

Comfort food at its best: It brings together creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and hearty rice in one delicious bite.
Super easy to prepare: With mostly pantry and freezer staples, it comes together quickly even on busy days.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the cheese, spices, or add-ins to fit your tastes or what's in your fridge.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: This casserole gets gobbled up no matter the audience, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of small green broccoli pieces mixed with creamy white mashed potatoes, creating a soft and chunky texture. The top layer has melted cheddar cheese spread evenly across the dish, giving it a bright orange color with smooth, slightly bubbly spots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role to create that rich, homey flavor and perfect texture. Here’s why I love them and why you should pick quality versions when possible.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few cubes of pale yellow butter arranged neatly, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, and small white bowls containing fine salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced symmetrically 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

Frozen Broccoli Florets: Picking frozen is a total time-saver and they’re already blanched, which keeps the texture just right once baked.
Cooked Rice: Whether white or brown, chilled rice holds up well in the casserole, soaking up the sauce without turning mushy.
Cheddar Cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar packs a punch in flavor—don’t go for mild or you’ll miss the cheesy kick.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently before making the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic lifts the whole dish with its fragrant richness—just a couple cloves do the trick.
Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These create the roux base for the creamy cheese sauce, helping it thicken perfectly.
Whole Milk: The rich, creamy liquid that balances the cheese’s sharpness and gives a luscious texture.
Seasonings (Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper): Don’t underestimate these—they bring warmth and a subtle smoky heat that amps up the flavor wonderfully.

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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 thing I love about this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your own taste. I often add a pinch more cayenne when I want a little extra heat, or swap in some smoked gouda for part of the cheddar to deepen the flavor.

Variation: I once stirred in cooked chicken breast pieces to make it a heartier main dish, which my family adored. Give it a try if you want more protein!
Make it vegetarian: Just stick to the base recipe and add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Grain swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve swapped the rice for quinoa with great results—just adjust liquid accordingly.

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

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Rice

First off, thaw your frozen broccoli and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes sure every forkful has a nice broccoli-to-rice balance. Toss the broccoli, cooked rice, and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar into a large bowl—reserve the rest for the topping. It’s best when the rice is cold or at least room temperature; fresh off the stove, it can be too soft for the casserole texture we want.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

While the oven heats to 350ºF, finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking until it’s light golden brown; this cooks out the raw flour taste and gives you that silky base for your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Season

Pour the milk in slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce simmers and thickens to the texture of heavy cream. Now comes the fun part—season generously with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cracked black pepper. This sauce is the heart of the casserole, so make sure it's well seasoned before mixing it with the broccoli and rice.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Mix the creamy sauce thoroughly into the broccoli, rice, and cheese. Spread the whole mixture evenly into a 9×9 inch casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges. That bubbly cheese crust is what you’re aiming for.

Top Tip

From experience, I know this casserole is forgiving yet has a few secrets for shining perfectly every time. Here are my tried-and-true tips to nail it:

Use sharp cheddar: The richer flavor makes a huge difference; mild cheddar tends to fall flat in this dish.
Season well: The sauce carries most of the flavor, so season it boldly before mixing it with bland rice and broccoli.
Don’t skip chilling the rice: Hot rice makes the casserole too wet. Cooling it keeps the texture just right.
Watch your bake time: Keep an eye on the top. You want golden edges, not burnt—35 minutes usually does the trick for me.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some extra freshly cracked black pepper and a few thinly sliced green onions on top before serving. It adds a fresh bite that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes if the mood strikes for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple protein sides—think roasted chicken, grilled sausage, or even a light salad with citrus vinaigrette if you want to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or holidays, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or layered it in clear glass dishes so guests can see the pretty layers of broccoli and cheese through the sides. Makes it feel extra special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and reheating only takes minutes.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—I portion it out before baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding an extra 10 minutes or so to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through—about 20-25 minutes. I love how the casserole crisps up a bit on top again, almost like freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in this recipe?

Yes, you can! If you use fresh broccoli, I recommend blanching it in boiling water for 2 minutes before chopping and adding it to the casserole. This helps keep the texture tender and prevents it from being too crunchy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.

Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Yes! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even cooked barley can work well. Just adjust the liquid and cooking times accordingly to get the best texture for your choice.

What cheese works best in this casserole?

Medium or sharp cheddar is best because it melts beautifully and imparts a rich, tangy flavor. Avoid mild cheddar, which tends to be too subtle for this recipe. You can also mix in other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe that feels like a little slice of home, even on the busiest days. It’s my go-to for a dish that delivers warmth, comfort, and a satisfying dose of veggies in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find it just as comforting and flexible as I do, a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and wholesome flavor that’s easy to love.