Name: Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 Cups White Rice, cooked; 1 Package Frozen Broccoli Florets, cooked; 4 Tablespoons Butter; 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch; 2 Cups Milk; 1 Teaspoon Salt; 1 Teaspoon Pepper; 1 Teaspoon Garlic; ½ Teaspoon Paprika; 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted; ½ Cup Breadcrumbs

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This easy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is a one pot meal that your whole family will love. Top it with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs before baking for a delicious dinner the whole family can enjoy! This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try, this Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect option!

For busy families, our Easy Recipes are a lifesaver. Casseroles are a great option because they can be made ahead of time and then simply reheated when you’re ready to eat. Plus, they usually contain a variety of ingredients, so you can get a complete meal in one dish. With a little planning, you can have a delicious home-cooked meal on the table in no time.

broccoli rice casserole recipe on wooden board

What’s Needed for this Recipe:

Here is everything that you need to make this simple dish!

White Rice– White rice is often used in casseroles because it is a neutral base that takes on the flavors of the other ingredients. It is also easy to cook ahead of time, so it can be a time-saver for busy cooks.
Frozen Broccoli Florets– Frozen Broccoli Florets are already cut into bite-sized pieces, so all you have to do is toss them into your casserole. Plus, they’re a fraction of the price of fresh broccoli, so they’re a budget-friendly option. Frozen broccoli also has a longer shelf life than fresh, so you can stock up and always have some on hand. And since they’re pre-cut, they’re perfect for busy weeknight meals when you don’t have time to prep fresh vegetables.
Butter– When it comes to making a roux for your casserole, butter is definitely necessary. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat (usually butter) that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. Butter is necessary for a roux because it helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Cornstarch– Cornstarch is used to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups. It’s a good choice for dishes that need to be thickened quickly, since it doesn’t require time to cook and swell.
Milk– Milk is especially essential in a roux, which is a flour-and-fat mixture that is used to thicken sauces and soup bases. Milk makes the perfect thickening agent for a roux because it contains both fat and protein.
Salt– Salt provides flavor and helps to thicken the roux. This is because salt helps to break down the gluten in flour, which makes it easier for the roux to bind together and thicken.
Pepper– Pepper adds flavor and depth to the dish, while also helping to balance out the other flavors. Pepper is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Garlic– It’s also a key component of roux, the thickening agent used in gravy, stews, and other sauces. Garlic adds flavor to the dish while also helping to thicken it. When you add garlic to a roux, the flavor will be subtle but present.
Paprika– Paprika is used in many easy recipes, such as making a roux because it adds flavor and color to the dish.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese– Shredded cheese adds flavor and creaminess to the dish, making it more enjoyable to eat. In addition, the cheese helps to bind the ingredients together, making the casserole less likely to fall apart when sliced.
Breadcrumbs–Breadcrumbs help to absorb any excess moisture that may be released during cooking. Also, the breadcrumbs add a bit of texture and flavor to the dish. The butter helps to brown the breadcrumbs, making them nice and crispy. When used in moderation, breadcrumbs and butter can really take a casserole to the next level.

broccoli rice casserole with ingredients

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Do You Cook Frozen Broccoli Before Putting it in a Casserole?

You may be surprised to learn that frozen broccoli can actually be used in place of fresh in many recipes, including casseroles. Frozen broccoli is just as nutritious as fresh, and it can even save you time and money. Frozen broccoli is typically pre-chopped, so all you need to do is add it to your casserole. There’s no need to waste time cutting up the broccoli or worry about it going bad before you have a chance to use it. Plus, frozen broccoli is usually less expensive than fresh. So next time you’re making a casserole, don’t hesitate to reach for the frozen broccoli!

broccoli rice casserole recipes in process

Can I Use Frozen Cooked Rice in My Casserole?

Frozen cooked rice can be a great time-saver when you’re making a casserole. You can use it straight from the frozen state, without having to thaw it first. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes to account for the frozen rice. Also, frozen cooked rice tends to be a bit drier than fresh cooked rice, so you may want to add a little extra liquid to your casserole. But other than that, frozen cooked rice is a perfectly good stand-in for fresh cooked rice in any casserole recipe. So go ahead and give it a try!

broccoli rice casserole in front of red striped towel

Do I Need to Cover My Casserole to Cook it in the Oven?

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t always need to cover your casserole when cooking it. In fact, there are several situations when it’s better to leave the lid off. For example, if you’re trying to achieve a crispy top layer, you’ll want to cook the casserole uncovered. This is also the case if you’re using a self-basting type of meat, such as a turkey breast. The juices will help keep the casserole moist, so there’s no need to cover it and risk making it soggy.

However, if you’re cooking a casserole with a wetter filling, such as a pasta bake, you’ll need to cover it during the cooking process. This will help to prevent the liquid from evaporating and ensure that the casserole is cooked evenly throughout. So, next time you’re whipping up a casserole, take a moment to consider whether or not you need to cover it before popping it in the oven.

broccoli rice casserole recipe with spoon

Do I Need to Cover My Rice Casserole While Baking?

This is a common question among home cooks, and unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Covering a rice casserole while it bakes will help to trap steam and prevent the rice from drying out. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the rice while it’s cooking, as it can quickly become overcooked if left covered for too long.

If you’re not sure whether or not to cover your rice casserole, start by checking on it after about 20 minutes of baking. If the rice appears dry or crunchy, then covering the dish may help to prevent further overcooking. Ultimately, the best way to judge whether or not to cover your rice casserole is to use your best judgement and keep an eye on the rice as it bakes.

Can I Freeze Fresh Broccoli?

Many people are surprised to learn that broccoli can be frozen, but it is actually a great way to extend the shelf life of this nutritious vegetable. broccoli should be blanched before being frozen, which involves boiling it for a brief period of time. This helps to kill any bacteria that may be present and also helps to preserve the color and flavor of the broccoli.

After blanching, the broccoli should be immediately placed in ice water to stop the cooking process. Once it is cooled, the broccoli can be bagged and placed in the freezer. When thawed, it may not be as crisp as fresh broccoli, but it will still be safe to eat and can be used in any recipe that calls for cooked broccoli.

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overhead view of broccoli rice casserole

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