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4.7 from 66 votes

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 592 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 lices hearty white sandwich bread torn into pieces
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted; plus two tablespoons chilled
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 pounds broccoli about 3-4 medium heads of broccoli, florets cut into 1-inch pieces, stems chopped
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9X13-inch baking dish. Pulse bread, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and melted butter in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add garlic. Set aside.
  2. Microwave broccoli florets (save stems for later), covered, in a large bowl until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes (no need to add water). Be careful not to overcook or they will become soggy and discolored. Melt remaining butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and broccoli stems until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is translucent, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, half-and-half, and salt and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Off the heat, stir in cheddar cheese, cayenne, remaining parmesan and broccoli florets.
  4. Pour the mixture into prepared baking dish and top with bread crumb mixture. Bake until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Serve.

Notes

  • Make Ahead Instructions: follow the recipe instructions. After pouring the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Store the bread crumb mixture separately in the refrigerator. Before baking, sprinkle the bread crumbs on top of the casserole. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 592kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 19g (95%) Cholesterol 89mg (30%) Sodium 1049mg (44%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 592

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 592kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 19g 95%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 1049mg 44%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.