Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole One Pot

$- 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based) - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil When I cook Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. The brown rice gives a nutty flavor and chewy texture. For the broth, I use vegetable broth to keep it light and tasty. Fresh broccoli florets add a bright crunch, making each bite special. Cheddar cheese is key here. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. I also use cream cheese for extra smoothness. You can choose milk, either dairy or plant-based, based on your preference. Onion and garlic bring warmth and depth to the dish. I finely chop the onion to soften quickly. Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. I season with paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, I top the dish with breadcrumbs for that golden, crispy finish. It all comes together for a comforting meal! - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Next, add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns clear. - Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells good. - Stir in 1 cup of uncooked brown rice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of milk. - Bring this mix to a gentle boil. - Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. - Cook for about 30 minutes until the rice is soft and most liquid is gone. - Stir it now and then to stop it from sticking. - After the rice is done, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. - Mix in 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. - Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and everything mixes well. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a baking dish before pouring in the rice and broccoli mix. - Smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking. - Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top for a nice crunch. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To ensure your rice is tender, cook it gently. Use two cups of vegetable broth for flavor. Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers. This helps the rice cook evenly. For a creamy consistency, add both cream cheese and cheddar. They melt beautifully and give a rich taste. Adding spices like paprika brightens the dish. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor. If you want a twist, switch up the cheese! Try mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds color and freshness. Pair your casserole with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a full meal. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can change the rice in this recipe. Use white rice for a quicker cook time. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great options too. They add different flavors and textures. Changing the vegetables also works well. Try carrots, peas, or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. You can even mix in spinach for extra greens. If you need a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and cheese. Almond milk or oat milk are excellent choices. Look for dairy-free cream cheese too. This swap keeps the dish creamy and tasty. For gluten-free needs, skip breadcrumbs or use gluten-free ones. This keeps the crispy topping while being safe for gluten-free diets. You can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Store it covered in the fridge for one day. When you're ready, bake it as usual. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for around 20 minutes, or until warm. Enjoy the cheesy goodness again! To store your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for the best results. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, proper storage is key. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. To prevent sogginess, do not add too much liquid. Make sure the rice absorbs it all during cooking. For flavor, make sure to season well with salt and pepper. Try to mix the cheese well so every bite is cheesy and delicious. Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown. It cooks faster but may not have the same nutty flavor. Use the same amount of rice. Adjust the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes. Check the texture often to avoid overcooking. To reheat the casserole, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This casserole goes well with a fresh side salad. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. Roasted vegetables can be a nice touch too. The total time is about 1 hour. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook the rice. Baking adds another 25-30 minutes for a golden top. Yes, you can add protein! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans work great. Stir in the protein after mixing in the cheese. This will add flavor and make it a heartier meal. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple and tasty. You only need a few key ingredients, like uncooked brown rice and fresh broccoli. We went over how to prepare and bake it step by step. Remember to consider texture and flavor by choosing the right spices and cheeses. Feel free to make swaps for your diet needs or meal prep. With these tips, you can enjoy this comforting dish any time. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking!$

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole One Pot

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with this easy recipe! Made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and savory brown rice, this dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Follow simple steps to create a comforting meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Click through for the full recipe and make your weeknight dinners a hit! #CheesyBroccoliRiceCasserole #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes #HealthyEating

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Ingredients

1 cup uncooked brown rice

2 cups vegetable broth

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1/2 cup cream cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

Stir in the uncooked brown rice, vegetable broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

When the rice is cooked, add the broccoli florets, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese and cream cheese are melted and everything is well combined.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole for a crispy topping.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for added color. This casserole can be paired with a side salad for a complete meal!