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To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Skillet, gather these items: - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Red pepper flakes for an extra kick Fresh broccoli gives a bright color and crisp texture. It holds up well during cooking. I recommend using fresh florets for this dish. They add a lovely crunch and better flavor. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. It cooks faster but may lose some texture. If you use frozen, reduce steaming time to just 2-3 minutes. Cheddar cheese is my go-to choice for this recipe. It melts well and adds sharp flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch. You can mix cheeses for a unique taste. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The key is to use cheese that melts easily. This will create a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} This dish is simple and quick to make. You need just one skillet. First, gather your ingredients. You will chop, sauté, and simmer. This method makes the rice creamy and cheesy. 1. Heat olive oil: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. 3. Add garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. 4. Toast rice: Stir in the rice and paprika. Toast for 1-2 minutes. 5. Add broth: Pour in vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a boil. 6. Simmer: Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. 7. Steam broccoli: While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes. 8. Fluff rice: Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. 9. Combine: Fold in the steamed broccoli and mix well. 10. Add cheese: Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. 11. Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like. 12. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To fluff rice, use a fork gently. This helps keep the grains separate. Avoid stirring too hard. This can make the rice mushy. Fluffing also helps mix in the broccoli and cheese well. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice skillet! To boost the flavor of your cheesy broccoli rice, use fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or chives add brightness. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes when cooking. This gives a nice warmth to the dish. One mistake is overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on the time. If you cook it too long, it becomes mushy. Make sure to steam the broccoli just until bright green. Overcooking it makes it soggy. Lastly, don't skip seasoning. Salt and pepper make a big difference in taste. Use a large skillet to cook the rice evenly. Stir the rice often when toasting; this helps prevent sticking. Always fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking. This keeps the grains separate and light. For a quick meal, prep your ingredients ahead. Chop the onion and garlic, and measure the rice and broth in advance. Pro Tips Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe as it stays fluffy and separates well. Avoid using short-grain rice which can become sticky. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese to create unique flavors. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist to the dish. Perfect Broccoli: To retain the vibrant green color and nutrients, steam the broccoli just until tender. Overcooking can lead to a dull color and mushy texture. Make it a Meal: Add cooked chicken or tofu to the skillet for a heartier meal. This addition can provide extra protein and make it a complete dish. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your cheesy broccoli rice skillet. Chicken is a great choice. Simply dice cooked chicken and mix it in with the rice. Tofu is another option if you want a plant-based protein. Use firm tofu, press it, and cube it. Sauté the tofu until golden brown before adding it to the dish. This adds flavor and texture. This dish is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan too. Swap out the cheese for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Use vegetable broth that is free from animal products. Adding more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms makes it even more colorful. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting different dietary needs. If you love heat, consider adding peppers. You can mix in chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers. For a milder kick, try bell peppers with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Add these during the cooking step with the onions and garlic. This extra spice can wake up the flavors and make your meal even more exciting. After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice skillet, it's key to store leftovers properly. Let the dish cool down for a bit. Next, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a skillet. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Heat on low until warm, stirring often. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat for about one to two minutes. Check to ensure it’s hot all the way through. Freezing is a great way to save extra cheesy broccoli rice skillet. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above, and enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty taste. It also has more fiber. However, it takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to around 40-45 minutes. Use about 2.5 cups of vegetable broth for brown rice. This will keep it moist and fluffy. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth. Check the labels on your cheese too. Most cheeses are gluten-free, but some may have fillers. Always read the package. You can also use gluten-free rice. This makes the meal safe for everyone. You can add many vegetables to this dish. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. Just chop them into small pieces. Add them when you mix in the broccoli. This way, they cook evenly and blend nicely with the cheese and rice. This blog post covered key aspects of making a delicious dish. We discussed the ingredients, including fresh versus frozen broccoli and cheese options. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to fluff your rice. We also shared ways to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You found variations for protein sources and storage tips for leftovers. In the end, you can enjoy tasty meals while saving time and reducing waste. Follow this guide to make cooking fun and easy.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Skillet

A creamy and cheesy rice dish packed with fresh broccoli, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to fill the kitchen.
  • Add the rice and paprika to the skillet, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its nutty flavor.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth while stirring the mixture, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
  • During the rice cooking time, steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • After the rice has finished cooking, use a fork to fluff the grains gently. Fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the rice.
  • Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the warmed rice and broccoli mixture. Stir well until the cheeses are melted and seamlessly combined into a creamy, cheesy skillet dish.
  • Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, adjusting for desired spiciness.
  • Allow the skillet to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving, as this helps the mixture to firm up a bit for better scooping.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls and garnish with extra cheese and red pepper flakes for added color.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, rice, skillet, vegetarian