Broccoli-Rice Melange
A comforting blend of fluffy rice and tender broccoli, enriched with melted cheddar and seasoned with onion, Worcestershire, and a hint of paprika. This versatile casserole is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a creamy, cheesy flavor with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked fluffy rice ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, heated and drained ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked rice and thawed, drained broccoli in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and milk.
- Pour the egg mixture into the rice and broccoli, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with melted butter or margarine and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle with paprika on top.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the egg mixture. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer, just steam it lightly before mixing. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or even instant rice in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli-Rice Melange pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for added freshness. For a hearty vegetarian option, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a slice of crusty bread. It’s also a great side dish for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Rice Melange contains roughly 766 calories, with 20g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1133mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you'll want to use pre-cooked or leftover brown rice to ensure the dish bakes properly in the designated time.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese instead of Cheddar. Additionally, ensure that your butter or margarine is dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly if you're using fresh vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).