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Cooking rice perfectly is a fundamental skill that contributes significantly to the overall success of your Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole. To achieve fluffy, non-mushy rice, follow these steps:

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Broccoli Delight Casserole! This creamy dish combines fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a medley of delicious cheeses for a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Rich in nutrients yet irresistibly cheesy, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. With easy-to-follow preparation steps, you'll create a delightful dish that brings everyone together around the table.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 cup frozen broccoli)

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch casserole dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

      Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess water before use.

        Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, and milk. Add half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, mixing everything together until well combined. Season the mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.

            Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. For an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer, if desired.

              Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

                Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese for a delightful touch. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy broccoli and rice casserole!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings