There’s something so irresistibly cozy about a warm, cheesy dish bubbling fresh from the oven—that’s exactly what this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe delivers. It’s a comforting blend of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Trust me, it’s a classic worth having in your recipe rotation.

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

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to time and again because it hits that sweet spot of comfort food and nutrition. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and can easily be adapted to suit what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

Super comforting flavor: The rich, cheesy sauce combined with broccoli and rice creates a dish that feels like a warm hug.
Simple and approachable: No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—perfect for busy weeknights.
Great for meal prepping: It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Customizable: You can swap out ingredients or add extras to keep it interesting every time you make it.

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

The magic of this Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe lies in how everyday ingredients come together to create something special. Each item plays a role—from the sharpness of the cheddar to the creaminess of the sauce, right down to the texture of the rice and broccoli.

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: I prefer frozen for convenience and consistent texture, plus they’re already partially cooked which helps speed up prep.
Cooked rice: Using pre-cooked, chilled rice really helps the casserole hold together without getting mushy.
Cheddar cheese: Go for medium or sharp cheddar—it adds a bold flavor that balances nicely with the mild broccoli and rice.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently in butter.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves bring warmth and aroma that elevate the whole dish.
Butter and flour: These create a roux to thicken the milk into a luscious cheese sauce.
Whole milk: Key for richness and creaminess that coats the casserole perfectly.
Seasonings (salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper): Layered spices add complexity and a slight kick—don’t skip these!

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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

I love tweaking this casserole depending on what’s in the fridge or pantry. The great thing is, it’s forgiving, so feel free to make it your own by adding favorite extras or swapping ingredients.

Variation: Sometimes, I toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon for added protein and a smoky twist—trust me, it doesn’t disappoint!
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, swap whole milk for half-and-half or use a mix of cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Seasonal spins: Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers is a nice way to brighten it up during different seasons.
Spice it up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the cayenne pepper.

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

Step 1: Prep the broccoli and rice

First, get your broccoli ready by thawing and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Frozen broccoli is perfect here because it’s already partially cooked, which helps the casserole come together faster and have a great texture. Toss your chopped broccoli into a large bowl along with the cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese—hold off saving the rest of the cheese for topping later.

Step 2: Make the creamy cheese sauce

Preheat your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready when you are. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, then melt butter in a small saucepot over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes—this is a key flavor-builder, so don’t rush! Stir in flour to make a paste, cooking gently until it’s a light golden brown—this removes that raw flour taste.

Whisk in the whole milk gradually and keep stirring as it heats up. Once it simmers, it will thicken nicely to a creamy consistency like heavy cream. Remove from heat and season with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—you want this sauce flavorful since it’ll coat veggies and rice.

Step 3: Combine and bake

Pour the cheesy sauce over your bowl of broccoli, rice, and cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly in that gorgeous sauce. Transfer the mixture into a 9×9-inch casserole dish and spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake for about 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown at the edges.

Top Tip

After making this casserole several times, I’ve found a few tricks that totally change the result for the better. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every single time.

Use chilled, cooked rice: This prevents the casserole from getting mushy and helps it hold its shape well.
Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic: It adds depth and sweetness that lifts the entire dish.
Season the sauce well: Because rice and broccoli are pretty neutral, a flavorful cheese sauce is essential to keep things exciting.
Let the casserole rest after baking: Waiting 5 minutes makes it easier to portion and serves better cohesion when plated.

How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my casserole with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a handful of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, crispy breadcrumbs or toasted almonds on top add a lovely crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve alongside baked chicken or grilled sausages.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone gets their own cheesy portion, and it feels a bit more special. It also reheats nicely if you want to prepare ahead.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh casserole, pack leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven with a cover to maintain moisture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole with great success—just portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it’s cooled. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through and bubbly.

Reheating

To keep your casserole creamy and avoid drying out, I reheat it covered in the oven at 325ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot. Adding a splash of milk before heating helps refresh the sauce if it seems thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh broccoli, just boil it for about 2 minutes until slightly tender before adding it to the casserole to mimic the texture of frozen broccoli.

What type of rice is best for this casserole?

Pre-cooked white or brown rice works best, especially if it’s been chilled. This helps avoid mushiness and ensures the casserole holds together well.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheddar-style shreds, though the flavor and texture will be different.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Using chilled, cooked rice and properly draining or thawing your broccoli are key steps. Also, don’t add extra liquid beyond the sauce, and bake until the top is golden and bubbly to reduce excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious, comes together easily, and satisfies cravings for something hearty and cheesy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or your go-to dish for feeding family and friends. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a favorite in your home too!