Description
This Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses simple ingredients and minimal preparation to deliver a delicious, cheesy rice bowl with a nutritious vegetable boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth Mixture
- 3 cups broth, chicken or vegetable
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped pretty small
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Splash of half and half, optional
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Broth Mixture: In a medium saucepan with a lid, bring the broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Rice and Broccoli: Stir in the white rice and chopped broccoli, return the mixture to a boil, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender. Some broth remaining in the pan is acceptable.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Remove the pan from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of half and half if desired.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and add additional salt and freshly ground pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
Notes
- Check the sodium level of the broth beforehand; with low-sodium broth, you may need to add more salt at the end.
- The type of cheese used affects saltiness, so always taste before final seasoning.
- Brown rice is not recommended as a substitute due to longer cooking time and different broth requirements.
Keywords: broccoli cheese rice, easy broccoli rice, cheesy rice recipe, one pot rice dish, broccoli cheddar rice