If you're looking for a cozy, delicious, and simple dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food, look no further than One-Pan Cheesy Rice and Broccoli. This recipe is the perfect balance of creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and tender broccoli, all made conveniently in a single pan. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, need a quick weeknight side, or want a satisfying vegetarian dinner, this dish delivers every time.
Why One-Pan Meals Are the Way to Go
There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking everything in just one pan—less cleanup, quicker prep, and all the flavors meld together beautifully. This cheesy rice and broccoli skillet is no exception. With minimal effort, you get a wholesome, budget-friendly meal that’s as versatile as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All pantry staples and simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s indulgent yet nourishing.
Main Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
-
1 small onion, finely diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
-
2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
-
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
-
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
¼ cup milk or cream
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
-
1 cup cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken (for added protein)
-
Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for heat)
-
Mozzarella or pepper jack (for cheese variety)
-
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Stir in the uncooked rice and let it toast for about 1–2 minutes, coating it with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the broccoli florets. Re-cover and cook for another 8–10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broccoli is steamed but still bright green.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Once the rice and broccoli are fully cooked, stir in the milk, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until creamy and fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Garnish with additional cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve as a main dish or hearty side.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rice and Broccoli Skillet
1. One Pan = Less Stress
Clean-up is a breeze with everything made in a single skillet. That’s a win for weeknights and busy families.
2. Kid-Approved Flavor
Cheesy and creamy with tender veggies—this is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Perfect as a Side or Main
Enjoy it as a comforting side dish with chicken, meatloaf, or tofu—or bulk it up with protein for a full meal.
4. Budget-Friendly
Rice, broccoli, and cheese are affordable staples, making this dish easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Rice and Broccoli
-
Chop Broccoli Small: Smaller florets cook faster and more evenly in the rice.
-
Use Sharp Cheddar: A bold cheese flavor enhances the entire dish.
-
Avoid Overcooking: Remove from heat once cheese melts to avoid clumpy or gritty texture.
-
Try Brown Rice: If using brown rice, extend cooking time and add a bit more broth.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s nutritionally balanced, too:
-
Broccoli provides fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
-
Cheese adds protein, calcium, and healthy fats.
-
Rice supplies carbs for energy and can be subbed with brown or cauliflower rice for different dietary needs.
Make It Ahead and Store It Easily
Storage:
-
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
Freezer-Friendly:
-
Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Delicious Variations to Try
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice
Add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken for a protein-packed version.
Tex-Mex Twist
Stir in black beans, cumin, and a sprinkle of pepper jack for a southwest-style bowl.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Option
Use riced cauliflower for a low-carb variation while keeping all the cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cheesy broccoli rice skillet with:
-
Grilled or baked chicken
-
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
-
Roasted carrots or sautéed green beans
-
Garlic bread or whole wheat rolls
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheesy Rice and Broccoli recipe is everything you want in a comfort dish—easy, creamy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. It’s a must-have addition to your dinner rotation, whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying. Try it once and it’ll quickly become a household favorite.
