One Pan Broccoli Cheddar Rice 🥦🧀

This comforting dish brings together the wholesome goodness of broccoli and the rich, creamy flavor of cheddar cheese, all cooked together with rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

For the rice mixture

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley or chives
• Extra cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent.

🥄 Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from browning too much, as that can affect the flavor of the dish.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

• Stir in the rice and toast for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

• Pour in the broth, then add the salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

⚠️ Keep the pan covered! This helps the rice cook properly and keeps the steam trapped for fluffy grains.

• After 10 minutes, add the broccoli florets on top without stirring, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

• Remove the pan from heat, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and broccoli. Cover again for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

• Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the cheese and broccoli into the rice. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

• Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives and a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

🧀 For an extra gooey experience, feel free to toss in more cheese after fluffing the rice, and let it melt for a minute before serving.

Variations

• Whole Grain: Substitute the white rice for brown rice, adjusting the cooking time to 40-45 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
• Protein Boost: Add diced cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for added protein. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese just before serving.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based cheese alternative and vegetable broth to keep it dairy-free, while still ensuring it remains flavorful.
• Herbed Delight: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that complements the broccoli beautifully.

Enjoy this easy, cheesy, and nutritious one-pan broth that leaves both your taste buds and your kitchen happy! 🍽️✨