Print

Comforting Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole

cheesy beef and broccoli rice casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, comforting casserole combining tender broccoli, savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and rice for an easy, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 3 cups (300g) broccoli florets, fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 2 cups (400g) cooked white rice, day-old or freshly cooked and cooled
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice if not using leftover rice; cook 1 cup (200g) uncooked white rice according to package instructions and let cool slightly.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar and all mozzarella until melted. Add Worcestershire sauce and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  9. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  10. Top with remaining ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese.
  11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden with spots. Check broccoli tenderness; it should be tender but hold shape.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook broccoli before baking to avoid mushiness; blanch or steam briefly if desired. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting texture. Let casserole rest after baking for easier slicing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and verify Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. To brown cheese more, broil 1-2 minutes watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, one dish meal

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/comforting-cheesy-beef-and-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/