If you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s just right for one person, look no further than the Cheesy Broccoli And Rice Casserole For One. This mouthwatering dish combines tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a generous amount of gooey cheese for a satisfying solo meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and precise measurements, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy a homemade casserole that’s perfect for a cozy night in. So gather your ingredients, get your apron on, and soon you’ll be savoring the warm and cheesy goodness of this delightful dish.
Ingredients
To make a delicious cheesy broccoli and rice casserole for one, you will need the following ingredients:
Rice
You will need half a cup of rice for this recipe. Choose any type of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice.
Broccoli
You will need one cup of broccoli florets. Make sure to wash and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces before using them in the casserole.
Cheese
For a cheesy and flavorful casserole, you will need half a cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese works great, but feel free to use your favorite type of cheese.
Milk
To make the cheese sauce, you will need half a cup of milk. Use any type of milk you have on hand, such as whole milk or plant-based alternatives like almond milk.
Butter
You will need one tablespoon of butter for this recipe. The butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth cheese sauce.
Flour
To thicken the cheese sauce, you will need one tablespoon of flour. All-purpose flour works well in this recipe.
Onion
For added flavor, you will need one small onion, finely chopped. The onion will provide a savory note to the casserole.
Garlic
To give the casserole a hint of garlic flavor, you will need one clove of garlic, minced. The garlic will complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall taste.
Salt
You will need half a teaspoon of salt to season the casserole. Adjust the amount to your preference.
Black Pepper
For a touch of spiciness, you will need a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Feel free to add more or less according to your taste.
Preparation
Before assembling and baking the casserole, you’ll need to prepare the main components. Follow the steps below:
Cook the rice
Start by cooking the half cup of rice according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling the rice in water for a specific amount of time, then allowing it to simmer until fully cooked. Once the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
Steam the broccoli
While the rice is cooking, steam one cup of broccoli florets until they are tender. You can steam the broccoli by placing it in a steamer basket over boiling water or by microwaving it with a little water in a covered dish. Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes or until it is cooked to your desired tenderness. Once steamed, drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside.
Prepare the cheese sauce
In a small saucepan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they are softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add one tablespoon of flour to the saucepan and stir continuously for a minute to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the half cup of milk, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a smooth cheese sauce.
Assembly
Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole.
Combine rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce
In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the prepared cheese sauce. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed, ensuring that the rice and broccoli are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Transfer to a baking dish
Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring that it is tightly packed.
Baking
Once the casserole is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
Bake the casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish with the casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Serving
After the casserole has finished baking, it’s time to serve and enjoy your cheesy broccoli and rice creation.
Garnish
Before serving, you can add a little extra flair by garnishing the casserole with some fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Enjoy!
Now comes the best part – enjoying your delicious cheesy broccoli and rice casserole! Serve it hot and savor the creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice. This casserole makes for a satisfying meal on its own or can be paired with a fresh salad for a complete and balanced dinner.
Variations
While the basic recipe is delightful on its own, there are a few variations you can try to personalize your cheesy broccoli and rice casserole.
Add protein
To make the casserole more filling and nutritious, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu. Simply dice the protein of your choice into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce before baking.
Add vegetables
If you’re looking to add more veggies to your casserole, feel free to experiment with different vegetables. You can include diced bell peppers, carrots, or even peas to add color, texture, and extra nutrients.
Use different cheeses
While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, don’t hesitate to swap it out for other options. Try using mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your cheesy broccoli and rice casserole:
Make ahead
If you’re looking to save time during busy weekdays, you can prepare the rice, steam the broccoli, and make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble and bake the casserole, simply combine the prepped ingredients and proceed with the remaining steps.
Freezing and reheating
This recipe is freezer-friendly, so you can make a larger batch and store individual portions for later. Allow the casserole to cool completely before dividing it into single-serving containers or freezer bags. Label and freeze the portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a serving, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to make a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole for one. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or have guests over, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Get creative with variations and enjoy the comforting flavors of cheesy goodness combined with nutritious broccoli and fluffy rice.