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Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake

A comforting meat-free broccoli and brown rice casserole with creamy cheddar sauce and a crisp topping.

45 min6 servings
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Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake
AI-generated food illustration. Actual prepared dishes may differ.

About this recipe

This cozy casserole uses cooked brown rice instead of pasta and leans on broccoli for texture. It is a separate family-friendly dinner from the site's ground-meat baked pasta casserole.

Use already-cooked rice

Brown rice can take much longer than the bake itself, so prepare it ahead or use a suitable refrigerated cooked-rice pack. Steam broccoli briefly and drain well to avoid a watery casserole.

Keep the cheese sauce smooth

Whisk milk slowly into the flour and butter, then remove from high heat before stirring in yogurt and cheddar. Spreading cheese on top during baking adds a golden finish without drying the inside.

Recipe at a glance

Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake takes about 45 min: 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 6 servings. Follow the ingredient quantities and cooking steps in the printable card below.

BEST QUICK RECIPE · RECIPE CARD

Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake

A comforting meat-free broccoli and brown rice casserole with creamy cheddar sauce and a crisp topping.

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings6

Ingredients

11 items

Check off ingredients as you prepare them.

Instructions

5 steps
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8-by-11-inch casserole dish. Steam broccoli for 3 minutes and drain.

  2. Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute; whisk in milk until lightly thickened.

  3. Remove pan from heat, then add yogurt, garlic powder, salt, pepper and 1 cup cheddar.

  4. Fold in warm cooked rice and steamed broccoli. Spread evenly in baking dish, adding remaining cheese and bread crumbs.

  5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking note: Cooking times are estimates. Follow safe food-handling practices, check doneness with a food thermometer when appropriate, and always review ingredients for allergens.

Helpful cooking tips

Frequently asked questions

Can I make the casserole with white rice?

Yes. Use the same amount of cooked rice; the final texture may be slightly softer.

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