Dress up boxed long grain and wild rice with fresh broccoli and shredded cheese to create this easy Broccoli Cheese Rice. A quick side dish for a busy weeknight that’s both kid and adult-friendly!
This recipe is so easy that I had to consider whether I should even share it with you all. Then I decided that is precisely why I should share it with you! I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay to rely on quick and easy recipes like this when I’m planning my weekly menus.
The majority of my side dishes are made from scratch, but I keep my pantry stocked with packaged rice mixes for those nights when easy cooking is a must. I love that I can just grab a box or two at the last minute and super-charge it with whatever I happen to have on hand. This time it was fresh broccoli and shredded cheese.
Broccoli Cheese Rice goes well with so many entrees – chicken, steak, pork, and seafood. It’s also a delicious way to sneak some veggies in on your kids. They won’t know what hit ’em.
Ingredient Notes
- Long grain and wild rice: For this recipe you can use any packaged long grain and wild rice that you prefer. I love Farmhouse brand but good old Uncle Ben’s will do just fine. Each brand can be a slightly different size but two boxes that are in the 4- to 6-ounce range will work. You’ll also need the seasoning packet from the boxes and the amounts of water and butter listed to prepare the rice.
- Broccoli: I prefer using fresh broccoli florets, cut small, for the best result.
- Cheese: A combination of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Rice
- Prepare the rice: Follow the directions on the box to prepare two boxes of rice with the water, butter, and both seasoning packets.
- Add broccoli and cook: Bring the mixture to a boil and then toss in the roughly chopped broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and cook for about 20 minutes, or the time stated on the package.
- Add the cheese: Stir the broccoli and rice to fluff it up a bit and add the shredded cheese.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the heat and stir until the cheese melts into the rice.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, just use one of the seasoning packets or adjust the amount down as much as you’d like.
More Rice Recipes You’ll Love
- Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
- Almond Rice Pilaf
- Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Jambalaya Rice
- Browse my collection of side dish recipes for more ideas!
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Broccoli Cheese Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ⅔ cup water, or as indicated on the box of rice
- 2 boxes long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet, (4- to 6-ounces each)
- 1 large or 2 small broccoli crowns, coarsely chopped (2 heaping cups)
- 1 cup shredded cheese, I use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a lid, combine the butter, water (use the amount indicated on your package for 2 boxes), both boxes of rice, and both seasoning packets (*see note below). Bring the mixture to a boil over HIGH heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, add the broccoli, reduce the heat to LOW, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or the time indicated on the package.
- Remove the cover and stir in the cheese. Remove from the heat and stir until the cheese has melted and it is well combined.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
More Ideas
This post was originally published April 27, 2015. It has been updated with new text and images.
Thank you so much for this idea! The kiddos liked it just as much as us!
I love this idea. I am always trying to find new ways to get my toddler to eat vegetables and since she loves rice I am definitely going to try this!
It is a great way to sneak in some veggies! Thanks, Terri 🙂
I’m always looking for delicious sides! Great sounding recipe.
Thanks, Julie!