If you crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This dish combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice to create a cheesy, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With every bite, you’ll experience layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe a timeless classic, easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company. Once you try this divine broccoli and cheese combo, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know these simple, yet all-important ingredients is the first step towards making a truly delicious casserole. Each component brings something unique to the table — from the freshness of broccoli to the velvety cheese sauce that ties everything together. Trust me, the magic really happens when these basics come together perfectly.
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star veggie, offering vibrant color and a tender-crisp crunch after blanching.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: The fluffy base that absorbs the rich sauce and adds comforting texture.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- ¾ cup diced onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the cheese sauce.
- 3 tbsp flour: The thickening agent for the creamy sauce, creating that perfect consistency.
- 2 cups milk: The liquid base for the cheese sauce, making it irresistibly creamy.
- Seasonings (garlic powder, pepper, dry mustard, paprika, salt): A harmonious blend that elevates the sauce’s flavor without overpowering.
- 3 tbsp cream cheese: Adds tang and smoothness for a luscious sauce texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Sharp and gooey cheddar cheese marries everything in cheesy goodness, with some folded into the sauce and some sprinkled on top.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for just 2 minutes; this keeps them bright green and tender while retaining a bit of snap. Once blanched, drain them thoroughly, setting the stage for perfectly balanced texture in your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Onions in Butter
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the diced onions until soft and fragrant. This step brings out their natural sweetness, contributing to a rich base for the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and seasonings – garlic powder, pepper, dry mustard, paprika, and salt – stirring constantly. This helps to cook the flour slightly and infuse the mixture with those wonderful flavors that make the cheese sauce so irresistible.
Step 4: Whisk in the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking as the sauce thickens; patience here rewards you with a perfectly smooth and creamy cheese sauce that hugs every broccoli floret and grain of rice.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar until everything melts into a velvety, cheesy dream. These cheeses bring a tangy depth and gooey comfort that’s absolutely essential.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently fold together the cheese sauce, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice. Mixing everything now ensures every bite is packed with cheesy, broccoli goodness balanced with fluffy rice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, until the casserole is beautifully bubbly and the cheese on top is irresistibly melted and slightly crisped.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh, bright contrast to the rich casserole. A light dash of smoked paprika also adds a subtle warmth and eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty side or main dish, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted chicken creates a well-rounded meal. The freshness of a tangy vinaigrette salad helps cut through the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions at dinner parties. You can also layer it with extra cooked bacon or caramelized onions between layers for added flavor complexity that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully after a day, making leftovers even better in some cases!
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adding a little extra time for thorough heating.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through and bubbly. To keep that gorgeous cheesy top from drying out, add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating for a fresh melt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen broccoli well before using to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole runny.
Is it possible to substitute the white rice with brown rice?
Yes, brown rice works fine but keep in mind it has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor. Make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing in the casserole.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
It already is! Just be sure your shredded cheddar cheese is vegetarian-friendly if you want to avoid animal rennet.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
A sharp or extra sharp cheddar offers a nice tang and depth, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences — milder cheeses create a creamier, less bold flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain the broccoli well after blanching and watch your sauce thickness carefully; the sauce should coat the back of a spoon before mixing everything together.
Final Thoughts
Warm, cheesy, and comforting, the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe is a brilliant way to bring family and friends together around the table. It’s easy to make, packed with hearty, fresh ingredients, and just downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to experience the cozy, cheesy joy this casserole has to offer — it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender broccoli florets, fluffy cooked rice, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection, making it an ideal family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ¾ cup diced onion
Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dry mustard, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 ½ cups for sauce, ½ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and blanch broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the fresh broccoli florets for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Cook onion and create roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the flour and season with garlic powder, ground black pepper, dry mustard, paprika, and salt to taste, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk slowly, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add cream cheese and cheddar: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully blended into the sauce.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce with the blanched broccoli and cooked white rice, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and pour in the broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Blanching broccoli briefly helps maintain its bright green color and tender-crisp texture in the casserole.
- Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
