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- 1 cup brown rice (white rice can also be used for quicker cooking) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened I love using brown rice in this dish. It gives a nutty taste and extra fiber. White rice cooks faster but still works great. Fresh broccoli florets add color and crunch. The blend of cheddar and cream cheese makes it super cheesy and creamy. - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika Onion and garlic bring a strong flavor base. I sauté them until they are soft and fragrant. Thyme and paprika add warmth and depth to the dish. They make each bite interesting and tasty. - 3 cups vegetable broth (or substitute with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for extra crunch Using vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian-friendly. It adds a savory flavor that makes everything come together. Breadcrumbs on top create a nice crunch. They make the casserole feel extra special. To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small, finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be translucent and fragrant. This step builds a great base for flavor. Next, stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic should become aromatic and add a lovely depth to your dish. Now, it’s time to toast the rice. Add 1 cup of brown rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. This toasting enhances the rice's nutty flavor. Be careful not to let it burn. After toasting, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. For brown rice, cook for about 40-45 minutes or 15-20 minutes for white rice. When the rice is tender, stir in 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender. For the final touch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if you want extra crunch. Then add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the pot and let it sit on low heat for 5 minutes. This helps melt the cheese and crisp up the breadcrumbs, adding a delicious topping. To make perfect rice, rinse it first. This removes excess starch and keeps it from getting sticky. For brown rice, cook it in broth for extra flavor. Bring the broth to a boil before adding rice. Then, cover the pot and let it simmer. Check the rice after 40-45 minutes. For white rice, it cooks faster, about 15-20 minutes. When cooking broccoli, add it near the end. This keeps it bright green and crunchy. Steam it in the pot with the rice for about 5-7 minutes. You want it tender but not mushy. To boost the flavor, try adding extra spices. A pinch of cayenne gives a hint of heat. You can also use garlic powder for an added kick. For a fresh taste, squeeze in some lemon juice before serving. If you want to switch up the cheese, use mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese adds a unique flavor. Cream cheese can be swapped for ricotta for a lighter base. For a stunning dish, serve it directly from the pot. Use a large spoon for easy scooping. For individual servings, use colorful bowls. To make it look festive, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the look. Enjoy this dish, and impress your guests with its beauty! {{image_4}} You can add protein to the casserole for a heartier meal. Cooked chicken is a popular choice. Just shred it and mix it in with the rice and cheese. If you prefer plant-based options, you can add tofu. Simply cube it and sauté it with the onion and garlic for flavor. This recipe works for both vegetarians and meat lovers, making it versatile for any meal. Feel free to get creative with vegetables! You can swap in carrots, peas, or even spinach. These options add color and nutrients. Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers also work well. Consider what’s fresh at the market. Using seasonal vegetables can boost the flavor and make the dish even more delightful. If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free rice and broth. For those seeking a vegan dish, swap out the cream cheese and cheddar for plant-based alternatives. You can also reduce calories by using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This change keeps the dish light while still being tasty. Low-carb options are easy to achieve with these simple swaps. To keep your One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the casserole cool for about 30 minutes before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into serving-sized portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, take the casserole out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To warm it up, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. If it seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water before heating. Enjoy that cheesy goodness! I prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and fiber. Brown rice takes longer to cook, about 40-45 minutes. White rice cooks faster, only needing 15-20 minutes. If you are short on time, go for white rice. Both options work well in this dish and taste great. Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. You can cook the rice and broccoli earlier in the day. Then, mix in the cheeses and seasonings right before serving. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you're ready, just heat it up on the stove or in the oven. To add creaminess, use more cream cheese. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir these in when you mix in the cheeses. For extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add more cheddar cheese as well. This blog post covered how to make a creamy rice casserole. We explored main ingredients like rice, broccoli, and cheese. You learned how to cook rice and prepare aromatics. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and presented variations for dietary needs. For a delicious dish, don't be afraid to mix it up. Use your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy making this recipe your own! With simple steps and a few tricks, you'll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Savor the deliciousness of this One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights! With simple ingredients like brown rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheeses, you can whip up a comforting meal in just one pot. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also packed with flavor. Discover how to create a cheesy masterpiece that your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and make dinnertime a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup brown rice (white rice can also be used for quicker cooking)

3 cups vegetable broth (or substitute with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavor.

      Toast the Rice: Add the brown rice to the pot, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice and enhance its nutty flavor, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

        Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook the rice according to the package instructions—approximately 40-45 minutes for brown rice or 15-20 minutes for white rice.

          Combine Ingredients: Once the rice is tender, stir in the fresh broccoli florets, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

            Season to Taste: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on low heat, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

              Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for added texture, then layer on the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

                Melt and Crisp: Cover the pot and let it sit on low heat for 5 minutes. This will help melt the cheese and crisp up the breadcrumbs, creating a delicious topping.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For serving, dish the casserole directly from the pot or scoop individual portions into bowls. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or fresh thyme leaves to add a vibrant touch to your presentation. Enjoy your comforting and cheesy masterpiece!