Delicious Entrees To Serve With Broccoli, Cheese, And Rice

Broccoli, cheese, and rice is a classic combination that can be served as a vegetarian main course or a side dish. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be paired with a variety of entrées, from meat to fish. For a well-rounded meal, it is often served with a protein such as chicken, salmon, or steak. For those who enjoy a crunchy texture, a crispy topping like Panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips can be added. Broccoli, cheese, and rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for family dinners and holiday gatherings.

Chicken

Crispy Baked Chicken

As suggested by Spend with Pennies, you can serve a broccoli rice casserole alongside Crispy Baked Chicken and a tossed salad for a perfect, easy meal. The crispiness of the chicken and the tenderness of the broccoli rice casserole create a delightful contrast in textures.

Honey Balsamic Chicken

Mom on Timeout recommends Honey Balsamic Chicken as a main protein to go with a broccoli rice casserole. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar in the chicken dish will likely pair well with the creamy and cheesy flavors of the broccoli rice.

Garlic Herb Roast Chicken

Another suggestion from Mom on Timeout is Garlic Herb Roast Chicken. The roasted flavor of the chicken, complemented by garlic and herbs, will likely create a delicious combination with the broccoli rice casserole.

Cajun Chicken

The Hungry Waitress mentions that their broccoli cheese rice pairs well with Cajun Salmon. You could try a Cajun Chicken entrée for a similar flavor profile. The spicy and savory notes of Cajun seasoning will likely go well with the mild and creamy flavors of the broccoli rice.

Maebells suggests serving their Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rice with Keto Chicken Tenders for a super easy kid-friendly meal. The crispiness of the chicken tenders can add a nice textural contrast to the tender broccoli rice.

Salmon

Baked Salmon with Crispy Roasted Broccoli and Hearty Brown Rice

This super easy and super healthy recipe involves baking salmon and roasting broccoli, while preparing some hearty brown rice on the side. The salmon and broccoli can be seasoned with kosher salt, crushed red peppers, black pepper, and fresh thyme to give it a nice flavour. This is a simple yet tasty way to prepare salmon with broccoli and rice, and it's a great option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Broiled Salmon on Rice with Broccoli

This recipe is a twist on the classic combination of salmon and rice. The salmon is broiled, resulting in quick cooking time, flaky texture, and no fishy smell in the kitchen. A sweet and salty soy- or tamari-based sauce is added to the salmon fillets, creating a sticky and slightly crisp glaze. Fresh broccoli florets are added to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking, providing colour, nutrients, and extra flavour. This method also saves time by only requiring one pot for the rice and vegetable.

For a more unique take on salmon with broccoli and rice, you can create a salmon sushi rice bowl. This recipe involves roasting salmon and broccoli in the oven with a ginger-soy marinade. The roasted salmon and broccoli are then served over sushi rice, along with leafy greens, vegetables, sesame seeds, and chillies. This bowl is a great option for a healthy and flavourful lunch or dinner, and it can be customised with various toppings and ingredients.

Lemony Broccoli Rice Casserole with Salmon

This casserole dish is a comforting and quick option that combines salmon, broccoli, rice, and a variety of tasty ingredients. It includes ingredients like Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon pepper seasoning, and Cayenne pepper, resulting in a flavourful and satisfying meal. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring only one bowl and one baking dish. It's a perfect choice for those who enjoy casseroles and are looking for a simple and comforting meal.

This dish is a delightful combination of salmon, broccoli, and rice that is simple, tasty, and convenient to prepare. It includes Thai jasmine rice, tamari and soy sauces, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds. The salmon is cooked with a sauce mixture, and the broccoli is cooked separately with sesame oil and the remaining sauce. The fish is flaked and mixed with the cooked rice and broccoli, creating a savoury and sweet mess that is both filling and nutritious. This "mess" is a favourite among children and adults alike, and it's a great go-to option for a quick and tasty family meal.

Ham

Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole with Ham

Create a hearty and comforting casserole by combining cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, and diced ham. This dish can be made in one pot and is perfect for a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering. The addition of ham provides a savoury contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and makes it a more substantial meal.

For a unique twist on the traditional quiche, combine diced or cubed ham with broccoli and cheese in an egg-based mixture, and bake until set. This option is excellent for breakfast or brunch and can be made ahead of time. The saltiness of the ham pairs well with the richness of the egg and cheese.

Grilled Ham and Broccoli Cheese Sandwiches

Layer sliced ham, melted cheese, and steamed broccoli between two slices of bread and grill until golden. This quick and easy option is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner and can be customised with different types of bread and cheese.

Combine cooked pasta, broccoli, cheese sauce, and cubed ham in a baking dish and bake until bubbly. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made in large quantities. The pasta provides a filling base, while the ham adds a savoury element to the creamy cheese sauce.

These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or as a fun twist on the typical entree. Simply wrap blanched broccoli florets and cubes of cheese with thin slices of ham. Secure with a toothpick and bake or grill until the ham is crispy and the cheese is melted.

These suggestions showcase how ham can be incorporated into an entree featuring broccoli cheese and rice in a variety of ways, from casseroles to sandwiches to bite-sized appetizers. The salty, savoury flavour of ham complements the creamy cheese and tender broccoli, creating satisfying and flavourful dishes.

Turkey

Ground Turkey Broccoli Cheese Rice Skillet

This recipe is a one-pot meal ready in under 40 minutes. It includes ground turkey, broccoli florets, and a cheesy sauce made with milk, broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. The dish is topped with a crunchy panko Parmesan topping.

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Turkey

This casserole features cooked rice, broccoli, and turkey in a creamy cheese sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. The casserole is topped with a buttery, cheesy topping and baked until bubbly.

Cheesy Broccoli, Turkey, and Rice Casserole

This casserole is another option for using up leftover turkey. It includes a simple combination of broccoli, chopped turkey, brown rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. The sauce includes cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. The casserole is topped with a buttery, crushed cracker topping.

Baked Turkey Divan with Broccoli

This casserole includes layers of broccoli and sliced or diced cooked turkey, covered in a homemade cheese sauce. The sauce is a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, dry mustard, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. The casserole is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and broiled until the cheese is browned.

Pork chops

Choosing the Right Cut

When selecting pork chops for this meal, consider choosing thicker cuts, such as thick-cut boneless pork chops or bone-in chops. Thicker cuts tend to retain moisture better during cooking, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.

Seasoning

To enhance the flavour of your pork chops, season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika or cumin to add extra depth of flavour to your dish.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook pork chops, but two common methods are skillet cooking and baking.

Skillet Pork Chops with Broccoli Cheese and Rice

For skillet-prepared pork chops, heat some oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season your pork chops with salt and pepper, and then place them in the skillet. Cook each side for 4 to 6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time if your pork chops are thinner or thicker than 3/4 inch, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Serve the pork chops with broccoli cheese and rice on the side.

Baked Pork Chop Casserole with Broccoli Cheese and Rice

For a one-dish meal, try this bake-and-dump pork chop casserole. Start by stirring together uncooked wild rice, chicken broth, and seasonings in a baking dish. Add in diced onion and broccoli florets, and place slices of butter on top.

Next, season your pork chops with salt and pepper and place them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through.

Once the pork and rice are done, remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the casserole with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Tips and Variations

• For extra flavour, try using herb-roasted chicken-flavoured rice mix or adding a variety of spices and herbs.
• If you prefer your pork chops well done, leave them in the dish for the full cooking time or until the rice is tender.
• To make this dish even more hearty, add some shredded cheddar cheese to the rice mixture before baking.
• For a change from pork, you can substitute chicken fillets or chicken breasts.

Frequently asked questions