Best Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This cheesy broccoli and rice casserole by Southern Living is one of the best meals to serve at gatherings. It is so flavorful, filling, and great for sharing. If you want to incorporate some vegetables into your diet, make this recipe. I am sure you will love it. It’s often served during holidays and Thanksgiving as it’s delicious and easy to make.

RELATED: Easy New York Deli-Style Rice Pudding

If you are unfamiliar with this recipe, it is a rice dish with broccoli, sour cream, milk, cheese, mushrooms, and mayo. The topping is a mixture of cheese and panko breadcrumbs for some added texture. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish. Give this delicious dinner recipe a try. You also might like this dish: Easy Potato, Sausage, & Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 3 cups of reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 fresh thyme sprig
• 2 cups of chopped onion
• 1/2 cup of diced celery
• 1 (8 oz) package sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (divided)
• pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• pinch of ground red pepper
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of mayo
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Step 2:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Add the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Toss to combine.

Step 3:

In a medium saucepan, add the broth, milk, bay leaf, and thyme sprig. Bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover to keep it warm until ready to use.

Step 4:

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

Add the mushrooms, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 6:

Add the garlic and cook for 45 seconds. Next, stir in the flour until combined. The mixture will be dry.

Step 7:

Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Stir the broth into the mushroom mixture. Add the remaining 1 cup of cheese and mix until smooth. Next, add the rice, sour cream, mayo, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Cover with the lid, then bake at 350f for 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 8:

Once done baking, remove it from the oven and increase the temperature to broil.

Step 9:

Microwave the broccoli with 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt in a microwave-safe bowl at high for about 2 minutes. Drain then pat dry. Stir into the rice mixture.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture and the remaining cheese over the broccoli mixture. Place the Dutch oven on the middle oven rack and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Best Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole