Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe

Comforting & Delicious Recipe

Looking for the perfect dish that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor? Look no further! Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole is the meal you never knew you needed. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese in every bite. It’s an easy, quick recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.

I still remember the first time I had a dish like this. It was a cold winter evening, and my mom whipped it up for dinner after a busy day. The smell of cheese and broccoli baking in the oven was enough to make anyone feel at home. It’s the kind of dish that just brings people together. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form!

This recipe is not only simple and budget-friendly, but it also checks all the boxes when it comes to family-friendly meals. If you love cozy dishes like Cheesy Potato Casserole, then this is your next must-try recipe. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!

What is Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole

You might be asking, “Why is this dish so special?” Well, Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole is one of those meals that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s like comfort food at its finest: hearty, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and that gooey layer of melted cheese is sure to make this casserole your new family favorite.

You know what they say: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If that’s true, then this casserole will definitely win some hearts. Why, you ask? It’s simple to make, full of nutritious veggies, and downright delicious! Ready to give it a try? I promise, you won’t regret it.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole

There’s a lot to love about Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole. First off, it’s a one-pan wonder – everything comes together in one dish, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! The main highlight? The combination of creamy, cheesy rice and the crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a perfect balance of textures that’s hard to resist.

Next, making it at home is a total cost-saver. No need to buy those pre-made casseroles from the store that are loaded with preservatives. This recipe lets you control the ingredients and flavor while saving money. You’ll love the fresh taste of homemade comfort food!

Lastly, this casserole is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste – add in some extra veggies, or even switch the cheese for something different! If you love dishes like Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, this one’s sure to be a hit. Ready to try it? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole

Quick Overview

This Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. It comes together in about 45 minutes and is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep for the week. The creamy rice and tender broccoli are baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust on top. It’s comfort food, but healthier and lighter than the traditional versions.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

Broccoli: 3 cups, chopped into florets (fresh or frozen).
Rice: 1 cup, uncooked (white or brown rice works).
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (or a mix of your favorite cheeses).
Milk: 1 1/2 cups, preferably whole milk or cream for a creamier texture.
Butter: 2 tbsp.
Flour: 2 tbsp (for the roux).
Vegetable Broth: 1 cup.
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, for topping (optional for extra crunch).
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated (for topping, optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to package directions. This will usually take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green (about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Once thickened, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese (if using). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!

What to Serve Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole With

This casserole is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a light soup. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Crispy Roasted Vegetable Salad or a bowl of Tomato Basil Soup for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking to add a protein, a side of Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken would complement the flavors beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole

Use fresh broccoli: While frozen broccoli works, fresh broccoli will give you that delightful crunch that makes this casserole shine.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for a crunchy topping.
Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it in a covered dish at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Recipe Schema Markup

Preparation Time: PT15M
Cooking Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Type of recipe: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Vegetarian Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 350 calories per serving

Pros

Comforting and hearty
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
Vegetarian and kid-friendly
Can be made ahead for convenience

Cons

May not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance (can be adjusted with dairy-free substitutes)
Requires a bit of baking time (though worth the wait!)

Recipe Instructions

Cook the rice and steam the broccoli.
Make the cheese sauce by cooking the butter, onion, garlic, flour, broth, and milk.
Mix rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce together in a baking dish.
Top with cheese, breadcrumbs, and parmesan.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Let cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!

This Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s comforting, cheesy, and a delightful way to enjoy broccoli. Ready to dig in? Enjoy!

Cheesy Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole