Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole (High Protein!) for the Table

Love a good one pan meal? Try my viral Marry Me Tofu as well as my Sheet Pan Baked Tofu and Veggies and my Peanut Sauce Noodles with Tofu!

Why you’ll love this cheese casserole!

I’ve never been a huge casserole girl but I do GENUINELY love a good cheesy rice casserole! I wanted to find ways that I could keep this vegetarian but still add in some boosts of protein. So, we’re adding in beans and greek yogurt which combined with the cheddar cheese make this a great source of vegetarian protein!

Why you’ll love this simple rice casserole:

• True one-dish meal (protein + veggies included)
• Made without a mix – no canned soup
• Comforting, cheesy comfort food that still feels balanced
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing!

Ingredients needed

The simple ingredients for this broccoli rice casserole recipe are listed down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!

• Long-grain white rice – The base of the casserole! You end up with fluffy rice that soaks in the creamy sauce. I don’t recommend instant or short-grain rice here.
• Fresh Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen both work; no need to thaw frozen broccoli.
• White beans – Adds plant-based protein and makes the casserole more filling without overpowering the flavor. Cannellini or great northern are dependable but chickpeas would also work well!
• Roux – butter, flour, and milk to make the broccoli casserole cheesy and creamy!
• Plain Greek yogurt – Adds extra creaminess with a slight tang and a great way to get in protein. I recommend 2% or whole milk yogurt! Sour cream would also work well.
• Veggie broth – Essential for cooking the rice directly in the casserole while adding more flavor.
• Spices – We’re adding in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – The star of the show! Sharp cheddar gives the go-to flavor, and freshly shredded melts the smoothest. This give a great boost of protein to the recipe! Monterey jack cheese would also be satisfying here.
• Other options – a large onion sauteed and added into the casserole would be savory! I’ve also tried this with a cracker topping and LOVED it. Simple crumble up ritz crackers and sprinkle on top with the cheese.

How to make it

Only a reminder that you can find the FULL written recipe for this cheesy broccoli rice casserole down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you:)

1. In a large casserole dish, mix together the rice, beans, and broccoli. Set aside.

1. Make the creamy cheese base by creating a roux out of butter, milk, and flour. Mix in the spices including garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika + salt and pepper.

1. Over medium heat, slowly mix in the shredded cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted. Save some of the cheese to put on top at the end.

1. Mix the cheesy mixture into the casserole dish with rice, beans, and broccoli until evenly distributed. Spread evenly in the pan, cover, and bake. Add the remaining cheese and bake until melted and lightly golden brown.

Expert Tips

• Cover tightly with foil during the first bake so the rice cooks evenly.
• Stir gently after adding the sauce to make sure the rice is mostly submerged.
• Let the casserole rest before serving—this helps it set up perfectly.
• If your oven runs hot, check at the 40-minute mark to avoid over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions