There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling from the oven, and this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, packed with broccoli, and just loaded with cheesy goodness—perfect for family dinners or meal prep that satisfies big and small appetites alike.

This image shows a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese spread evenly on top of a dish. Below the cheese is a mix of white rice, small green broccoli pieces, and some pale green chunks, all combined together. The dish is in a white rectangular ceramic baking pan with a smooth edge. A black serving spatula is lifting a portion from the corner, showing the gooey, mixed texture underneath with the cheese stretching slightly. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is one of those easy, no-fuss dishes that strangely manages to impress every time. I love how the creamy cheddar sauce blankets fluffy rice and tender broccoli, making it a family favorite that even picky eaters ask for on repeat.

Comfort Food at Its Finest: The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with wholesome broccoli makes for a cozy, satisfying meal that's perfect any day.
Easy to Prep: Using frozen broccoli and cooked rice keeps the process quick without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap cheeses or add spices to match your taste or what’s on hand.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and can easily be frozen for quick future meals.

A square white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of small green broccoli pieces mixed with white mashed potatoes, forming a somewhat uneven textured base. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese in a smooth, thick golden-yellow layer with slight browning edges, covering most of the surface but still showing bits of the potato and broccoli mixture beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe plays its part to create a balanced and creamy casserole. Frozen broccoli saves time while keeping bright color and texture. The cheese binds everything with rich, melty flavor. Simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk turn the whole dish into an irresistible creamy bake.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, a large white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, two uncracked garlic cloves, a few small cubes of fresh butter stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing whole milk, and small white ceramic bowls each holding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Broccoli: It’s convenient, already chopped, and partially cooked, which helps speed up your prep time without losing that fresh veggie taste.
Cooked Rice: I prefer chilled rice because it soaks up the sauce better and prevents a mushy casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts smoothly—don't settle for mild cheddar here!
Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the sharpness of the cheese.
Garlic: Just a touch for warmth and aroma, it elevates the whole dish.
Butter and Flour: These make a roux that transforms milk into a luscious cheese sauce—classic comfort food technique.
Whole Milk: Offers richness that makes the sauce creamy without being heavy.
Spices (Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Black Pepper): These are key! They add complexity and a little kick that surprises your taste buds.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe depending on what I have around, and you should too! It’s a flexible base for mixing in different veggies, seasonings, and cheeses that make it uniquely yours.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some cooked chicken and swapped smoked paprika for chili powder to give it a southwestern flair. My family loved the twist!
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly—just be sure to check the melting properties of your cheese alternative.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli and Rice

First things first, thaw your frozen broccoli just enough to chop it into bite-sized pieces—this helps it cook evenly in the casserole. Then, toss the broccoli into a large bowl with your cooked rice and about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar. This mix will be the hearty base of your bake.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While your oven warms to 350ºF, finely dice the onion and mince your garlic. Melt butter in a small saucepan on medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook until it forms a light golden paste, which usually takes about 2 minutes.

Next, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking as the sauce heats and thickens to a creamy, heavy cream-like consistency. It’s important to keep it moving so it doesn’t burn or get lumpy.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Remove the sauce from the heat and season it generously with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and freshly cracked pepper. I always taste here and fine-tune the seasoning because this sauce carries the whole dish's flavor. Pour it over your broccoli, rice, and cheese mix, then stir until everything’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×9 casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes—or until the cheese on top is melted and starts to turn a gorgeous golden brown. That bubbling cheese smell is what you’re waiting for!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe countless times, and here’s what I’ve learned to get it just right every time.

Use Chilled Rice: Warm or freshly cooked rice can make the casserole mushy. I find chilling it on a baking sheet before mixing helps it stay firm and soak up the sauce.
Don’t Skip Seasoning: The sauce needs to be well-seasoned because rice and broccoli are neutral. Taste and adjust salt and spices before combining.
Watch the Sauce Thickness: If it’s too thin, your bake will be soggy. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread well. Aim for a cream sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Let the Casserole Rest: After baking, let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps it set up and makes serving cleaner and easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

cheesy broccoli rice bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper on top just before serving adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—think arugula or baby spinach. For heartier meals, grilled chicken or baked fish make perfect complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in individual ramekins, topped with a crispy herb breadcrumb crust. It’s elegant and looks like you put in way more effort than you did!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole goes straight into an airtight container and into the fridge where it lasts about 3-4 days. I find it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Freezing

I freeze this bake in portion-sized containers for quick lunches or dinners. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it keeps nicely without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, 350ºF for about 15 minutes keeps it creamy and melty, avoiding any dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just blanch the fresh broccoli for about 2 minutes in boiling water, then drain and chop before adding it to the casserole. This softens it just enough so it cooks perfectly in the bake.

What’s the best rice to use in this recipe?

I prefer using pre-cooked, chilled rice, whether white or brown. Chilled rice soaks up flavors better and keeps the casserole from becoming mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. You might need to adjust seasoning to balance the different flavors.

How can I make the topping crispy?

For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a bit of melted butter over the cheese before baking. The breadcrumbs brown nicely and add great texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is a true staple in my kitchen for those busy weeknights when I crave something homey, cheesy, and nourishing without hours of effort. I hope you find the same warm satisfaction in every bite—and maybe even pass it on to your favorite people. Give it a try; you’ll be so glad you did!