One-Pan Broccoli Cheese Rice

This One-Pan Broccoli Cheese Rice is a delicious cheesy, easy dinner or side dish loaded with simple ingredients like carrots, rice, broccoli and cheese. A perfect dish for the whole family.

One-pot, one-pan, sheet-pan dinners are really my favorite. I love making our lives easier in the kitchen and that is exactly what is needed to do so. And it’s not some sort of trend or hot thing to try. It is exactly what everyone should be doing to save time in the kitchen!

This one-pan broccoli and cheese rice is exactly the dish you want to make for a side dish. It isn’t boring like plain rice, kids love it and it can even be a main dish especially if you add in some cooked chicken or protein too.

I love prepping this earlier in the week to serve whenever we need quick eats. It reheats really well too and it’s something we keep coming back to to make. It’s easy, flavorful and so delicious to make!

I made this out of necessity when we had some extra broccoli and cheese on hand that was going bad. And this was just the dish to use it up and it really uses pantry and fridge staple too. No fancy ingredients!

What ingredients are in Broccoli Cheese Rice:

• Butter, ghee or oil – either of these will work for this recipe
• Onion – I usually use a white sweet onion
• Garlic cloves – fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic work best
• Shredded carrots – you can buy grated as well if that’s easier for you
• Broth – veggie or chicken works for this
• Uncooked rice – I usually use basmati rice but use your preferred rice
• Non-dairy milk – or any milk really can work. If non-dairy, make suer it is unsweetened 
• Broccoli florets – fresh or frozen can both work here
• Grated parmesan cheese – I usually grate a fresh block of parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese – I typical shred it myself but you can buy shredded already as well

How to make this one-pan cheesy broccoli rice:

1. Add butter or oil to large pan/skillet and warm over medium heat
2. Add in the onion and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant
3. Next add in the carrots, rice and broth and mix together
4. Bring to a boil then simmer and put a lid on and cook for 10 minutes
5. Remove lid then add in broccoli and milk and mix
6. Put the lid back on and cook for 4 minutes or until broccoli is tender
7. Add in the cheese, stir and enjoy warm!

FAQs on making this one-pan cheesy rice:

• Can I use any rice for this? I think so! I typically use basmati rice but just read the packing and adjust cook time as needed based off the rice you use. You could also even use orzo instead.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Totally! Prep this whenever and eat within 5 days of cooking. It reheats really well and if it does seem dry, just add a splash of broth, milk or water when reheating.
• Can frozen broccoli or carrots work? Absolutely. I do like to let them thaw out a bit so it’s not as watery but only if time permits.
• What proteins taste good with this? Chicken is our go-to. You can add in some rotisserie chicken too if that makes life easier. Additionally some ground meat can be great addition too!

A few delicious recipes to serve with the rice:

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Buffalo Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf (gluten-free)

The Best Homemade Chicken Meatballs