There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings flavors and textures together so beautifully. This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a creamy, cheesy hug in a dish, combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and sharp cheddar in one simple, satisfying meal.

This image shows a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese spread evenly on top of a dish. Below the cheese is a mix of white rice, small green broccoli pieces, and some pale green chunks, all combined together. The dish is in a white rectangular ceramic baking pan with a smooth edge. A black serving spatula is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the gooey, mixed texture underneath with the cheese stretching slightly. The background is 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 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’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels like home. It’s quick to assemble, uses familiar ingredients, and always gets rave reviews at our family dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: You don’t need dozens of ingredients to create a casserole bursting with cheesy, savory goodness.
Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a sneaky way to get some veggies into picky eaters because who can resist cheese?
Customizable: You can swap out the veggies or cheese and still achieve an absolute winner.

A square white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of small green broccoli pieces mixed with white mashed potatoes, forming a somewhat uneven textured base. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese in a smooth, thick golden-yellow layer with slight browning edges, covering most of the surface but still showing bits of the potato and broccoli mixture beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in building up layers of flavor and creamy texture, and a few shopping tips can really help you get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a large white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few small cubes of fresh butter stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole milk, and small white ceramic bowls each holding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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

Frozen Broccoli Florets: I love using frozen because they’re already chopped and partially cooked, speeding up prep time without sacrificing freshness. But fresh broccoli works well if you blanch it briefly first.
Cooked Rice: Leftover rice chilled well overnight is ideal, since it soaks up the sauce without getting mushy. Both white and brown rice work wonderfully, depending on your preference.
Cheddar Cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar adds that perfect punch of flavor. Mild cheddar won’t quite deliver the same cheesy punch, so choose wisely here.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base for the creamy cheese sauce and add subtle depth.
Butter & Flour: Making a simple roux with butter and flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture you want in a casserole.
Whole Milk: It’s the secret behind the richness of the sauce. You can swap to a lower-fat milk, but don’t be surprised if the casserole feels less decadent.
Spices (Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper): These bring warmth, a subtle smoky kick, and just the right seasoning balance across the whole dish.

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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

While I stick closely to the classic mix here, I love encouraging you to make this recipe your own. I’ve tried swapping a few ingredients based on what’s in my fridge or dietary needs, and it always works out pretty well.

Vegetable Swap: I’ve swapped broccoli for cauliflower or added chopped spinach for an extra green boost. Both versions feel fresh and delicious.
Dairy-Free Variation: Using a plant-based milk and vegan cheddar substitute also works, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich—still tasty though!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce amps up the flavor for those who love a little heat in their casserole.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Rice

Start by thawing the frozen broccoli, then chopping it into bite-sized pieces if needed. This helps everything cook evenly. Toss the broccoli with your cooked rice and set aside about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, saving half a cup for the topping later.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Finely dice a yellow onion and mince two garlic cloves. In a saucepot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir constantly to form a paste and cook it until it turns a light golden brown, about two minutes—that’s your roux. Next, gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, keeping the mix smooth. Heat until the sauce thickens to a creamy, heavy cream consistency. Finally, season with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and tweak the seasoning here—the sauce should be bold enough to flavor the whole dish.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour your cheese sauce over the broccoli, rice, and shredded cheese mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Transfer the whole mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and has those lovely golden brown edges. Let it rest just a few minutes before serving so it sets nicely.

Top Tip

After making this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe countless times, I realized a few small details make all the difference between good and great. These tips saved me dozens of times when I first started.

Thaw Broccoli Properly: Make sure you thaw and drain the broccoli well—excess water can make the casserole watery.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the butter and flour for at least two minutes prevents that raw flour taste and ensures a smooth sauce.
Season the Sauce Well: Since rice and broccoli are mild, a well-seasoned sauce really lifts the dish.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives a punchy flavor that keeps the casserole from tasting dull or bland.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few crispy fried onions on top add wonderful crunch and a little onion sweetness that complements the creamy casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted carrots. Sometimes I like to add a side of grilled chicken or baked salmon for some protein, rounding out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange individual portions in small ramekins and bake them separately. It adds a touch of elegance and ensures everyone gets a perfect serving. You can also sprinkle mixed cheeses on top or add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole holds its texture well when properly chilled, making it easy to enjoy later without losing that creamy goodness.

Freezing

If I plan ahead, I freeze a batch before baking in a freezer-safe dish. Wrapped tightly, it’s best used within 2 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, though every now and then the topping loses a bit of its crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture creamy without drying it out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but it won’t be quite as evenly heated or have that baked cheesy top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just blanch the broccoli for about 2 minutes in boiling water, then drain well before adding to the casserole to match the texture of thawed frozen broccoli.

What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Sharp or medium cheddar is the way to go for rich flavor. Mild cheddar is too subtle and doesn’t provide enough cheesy punch.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk for a plant-based milk like oat or almond, and use a vegan cheddar alternative. Just keep in mind the sauce may not be quite as creamy or rich.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?

Make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before mixing. Using chilled, cooked rice also helps keep the texture firm. Avoid adding extra liquid during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that never disappoints. It’s both cozy and straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. I love how it manages to sneak veggies into a cheese-lover’s dream without fuss, and I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.