Ingredients

6 cups fresh broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups cooked white rice

SAUCE

3 tablespoons butter
¾ cup onion diced (about 1 small)
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
¼ teaspoon each garlic & black pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
▢ salt to taste
▢ 3 tablespoons cream cheese
▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cook onion and butter on medium-low heat until softened and translucent. Stir in flour, garlic powder and pepper. Cook an additional 2 minutes.
Gradually pour in milk while whisking. Continue whisking over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and add dry mustard, paprika, cream cheese and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
Place broccoli in boiling water for about 2 minutes. You still want it slightly crisp as it cooks more in the oven.
Stir together rice, broccoli and cheese sauce. Place in a greased 2 qt casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese lightly browned.

Variations on Broccoli Rice Casserole

Lighten it up: To lighten this up a little bit you can use light cheese and lowfat milk with great results. We’ve also subbed in brown rice or quinoa (or even Cauliflower Rice) with amazing results.
Add protein: We very often add in chicken to make a chicken and rice casserole (the perfect way to enjoy your leftover baked chicken breasts). Turkey or ham work great too.
Swap the Cheeses: Out of cheddar? Use swiss, monterey jack or whatever you have on hand.
Add veggies: Add in cauliflower or whatever other veggies you have on hand to turn it from a side into a whole meal!

Casseroles