Description
A cozy Broccoli Cheddar Brown Rice Bake made with tender cooked brown rice, broccoli, creamy cheddar sauce, and a golden topping. Serve it as a comforting meatless family dinner or hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked brown rice (about 700 g)
- 4 cups (350 g) small broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 2 cups (200 g) grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs, optional
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Steam the broccoli for 3–4 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
2. Melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Fold the cooked brown rice and drained broccoli into the cheddar sauce until evenly coated.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and optional panko breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is hot and the topping looks lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fully cooked brown rice because the casserole does not contain enough liquid or baking time to cook dry rice.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Remove the sauce from direct heat before adding cheddar to help keep it smooth.
- Freshly grated cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- White rice can replace brown rice when you use the same cooked volume.
- For a softer topping, omit the panko breadcrumbs.
- Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving so the filling can settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole