Patrick Oconnell
Broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole is a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish that can be served as a side or a complete meal. This family-favourite recipe is easy to make, and can be adapted to your taste. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner option or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can use a variety of ingredients, including different types of rice, cheese, and vegetables, and even add meat for a heartier meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
| Broccoli type | Fresh broccoli florets, frozen broccoli, or frozen broccoli florets |
| Rice type | Quick-cooking white rice, brown rice, long-grain rice, or leftover cooked rice |
| Cheese type | American cheese (Velveeta), cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or any cheese that melts well |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, onion, garlic, milk, cream, flour, garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder, nutmeg, breadcrumbs, potato chips, mushrooms, chicken, rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, sausage, tuna, celery, or any other vegetables |
| Casserole dish size | 8x8-inch, 9x13-inch, or 2 qt |
| Baking time | 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right rice
When it comes to choosing the right rice for your broccoli cheese casserole, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a variety that will hold up to baking and not turn mushy. It's worth noting that different types of rice will absorb moisture differently, which can affect the final texture of your dish.
Let's go through some of the most commonly used rice options for this casserole:
White Rice
White rice is a popular choice for this dish, as it cooks relatively quickly and is likely to be available in most pantries. However, be cautious when using white jasmine rice, as it tends to absorb more moisture and break down during cooking. If you do use jasmine rice, it is recommended to start with pre-cooked, cold rice.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a nutritious and tasty alternative to white rice. It has a nuttier flavour and a chewier texture, which can add an interesting dimension to your casserole. Quick-cooking brown rice can be substituted for white rice in a 1:1 ratio if you're short on time.
Long-Grain Rice
Long-grain rice, particularly when combined with wild rice, adds elegance and texture to the dish. This blend provides a nice mouthfeel and ensures the rice holds up during baking.
Instant Rice
If you're short on time or want to simplify the cooking process, instant rice is a viable option. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking it separately before adding it to your casserole mixture.
Other Alternatives
While rice is traditional, you can experiment with substitutes like quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist on the classic casserole. These alternatives can provide similar textures and flavours while boosting the nutritional profile of your dish.
In conclusion, the right rice for your broccoli cheese and rice casserole depends on your personal preferences and what you have available. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite, and remember to consider the texture and moisture absorption of the rice to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly.
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Preparing the broccoli
Broccoli forms a key part of this dish, so it's important to prepare it properly. You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If you're using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets and blanch them before adding them to the casserole. This will ensure that the broccoli is slightly crispy, as it will continue to cook in the oven. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, which can be added directly to the casserole without blanching.
To blanch the broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the florets. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help the broccoli retain its vibrant green colour and crisp texture.
If you want to add some extra flavour to the broccoli, you can sauté it in a pan before adding it to the casserole. Simply heat some butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the broccoli florets. Cook them until they are slightly charred and tender, then remove them from the heat.
Another option is to steam the broccoli. This can be done by placing a steamer basket in a pot of boiling water and adding the broccoli florets to the basket. Cover the pot and let the broccoli steam until it is tender but still slightly crispy. This method will help retain the nutrients in the broccoli while also ensuring a crispy texture.
Finally, you can also bake the broccoli in the oven before adding it to the casserole. Simply place the florets on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Bake them at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred. This method will add a depth of flavour to the broccoli and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
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Making the cheese sauce
To make a cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, cheese, and seasoning. You can use unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, and kosher salt. For the cheese, cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use American cheese, such as Velveeta, or whatever you have on hand, like Swiss or Monterey Jack.
First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir to combine. Cook this mixture, also known as a roux, for about 30 seconds to a minute. The roux will form the base of your sauce and give it a creamy texture. Next, slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This should take around 3 to 4 minutes.
At this point, you can add your cheese. Stir the sauce until the cheese is melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, or nutmeg, to enhance the flavour of your sauce. Continue stirring until you have a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
Once your sauce is ready, you can combine it with the broccoli and rice. Make sure your broccoli is slightly crisp as it will cook further in the oven. Toss the cheese sauce with the broccoli and rice until everything is evenly coated. You can then transfer this mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden.
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Combining the ingredients
To make a broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole, you can combine the ingredients in several ways. Here is one way to do it:
First, cook the rice according to the package instructions. You can use quick-cooking white rice, brown rice, or long-grain rice. Some recipes suggest using leftover cooked rice, while others recommend cooking it fresh. You can also cook the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor.
Next, prepare the broccoli. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets, cooked according to the package instructions. If using fresh broccoli, place the florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes to keep them slightly crisp as they will cook further in the oven.
Now, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for about 30 seconds to create a roux. Whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Add shredded cheese of your choice, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, and whisk until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika.
Combine the cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. You can also add cooked chicken, ham, or mushrooms to make it a heartier dish.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese and crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
You can also add extra ingredients to customize your casserole. Some suggestions include chopped onions, cream of mushroom soup, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, or smoked sausage.
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Baking the casserole
To bake the perfect broccoli cheese and rice casserole, there are a few important variables to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to use rice that holds up during baking and doesn't turn mushy. Recommended options include brown rice, long-grain rice, or a long-grain and wild rice blend. If you do choose to use white rice, it's best to avoid jasmine rice as it tends to absorb too much moisture and break down during cooking.
Before baking, ensure that your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). You can cook the rice according to the package directions or use leftover cooked rice. If you're cooking the rice specifically for this dish, some folks recommend cooking the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor.
For the broccoli, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, blanching or boiling it for about 2 minutes beforehand can help ensure it remains slightly crisp, as it will continue to cook in the oven. However, you can also choose to add the broccoli crowns directly to the casserole to save a step.
Now, let's assemble the casserole! Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they become translucent and softened. If you'd like to add some garlic, you can do so at this stage. You can also add spices like cayenne, paprika, mustard powder, or nutmeg to give your casserole a kick.
Once the onions are cooked, it's time to make the cheese sauce. Add flour to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes, then slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove from heat and add your choice of cheese. You can use cheddar, American cheese like Velveeta, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you have on hand. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. You can also add cooked chicken, ham, sausage, or mushrooms at this stage to make it a heartier meal. Mix everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese and, optionally, crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Finally, bake the casserole in the preheated oven for around 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the topping is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly. Enjoy your creamy and delicious broccoli cheese and rice casserole!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need rice, broccoli, cheese, butter, milk, and onion. You can also add in some spices like garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder, or nutmeg.
First, cook the rice and broccoli separately as instructed on their packages. Then, cook the onion and butter on medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, add flour, garlic powder, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in milk while whisking and continue until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and add spices, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Combine the broccoli, rice, and cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Finally, bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
You can use white rice, brown rice, or long-grain rice. Some recipes recommend avoiding white jasmine rice as it absorbs moisture and breaks down during cooking. If you do use jasmine rice, it is best to start with cold, cooked rice.
Yes, you can add meat to make it a more filling dish. Some options include chicken, ham, sausage, or tuna.
