Description
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice is a comforting, quick, and flavorful dish combining tender broccoli, creamy melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious and family-friendly recipe balances fiber, vitamins, and protein, making it a versatile meal or side dish loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Grains
- 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice and Broccoli: Cook rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. While the rice cooks, steam or boil the broccoli florets until bright green and slightly crisp, making sure not to overcook to avoid mushy texture.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in garlic powder (or fresh garlic), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk or cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once warm, slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked rice and broccoli into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated with the creamy cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice into bowls or plates while still warm. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese or a pinch of black pepper on top for added flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Fluff the rice slightly with a fork before mixing to avoid mushiness.
- Steam broccoli until just tender-crisp for optimal texture.
- If mixture seems dry, add more milk or cheese sauce to adjust consistency.
- Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg