Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Even though we try very hard to eat healthy around here there are some things I used to buy prepackaged that I  would get extreme cravings for. My biggest weakness has always been boxed rice mixes. Before this cheesy broccoli rice recipe, it was so easy to cave in and stock up on boxed rice mixes.
You know the one I’m talking about.  You saute the rice, add the water and flavor packet, let it simmer and then you eat an entire pan full by yourself.  We have all been there. Well, it was rice… but it had ingredients and additives in it that I could not even begin to pronounce if I tried.

Trying to avoid that, I started seeking other options. I wanted the same feeling of happiness I get from those boxed rice mixes, but without the guilt of eating unhealthy and the guilt of putting unknown ingredients in my body. Enter Cheesy Broccoli Rice.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice satisfies my boxed rice cravings perfectly.  It is homemade and absolutely delicious, plus I know every ingredient it is made with!  Long grain rice, real cheese and spices with a veggie thrown in for good measure. The cheesy broccoli is perfect for the veggie lover or the not-so-veggie-lover.

It is also a very versatile recipe.  In the past, I have made it with cheddar cheese, and I loved the result of the cheesy broccoli.  Then, I made it with Monterey Jack, and still loved the cheesy broccoli and how it tasted with the rice.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice
wow yum! looks sooooo good! ill definitly make this only with vegie stock to make it vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

•     1 lb. frozen broccoli florets, thawed
•     2 Tbsp butter
•     2 cups long grain rice
•     1/2 tsp salt
•     Freshly cracked pepper
•     1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
•     1/4 tsp garlic powder
•     1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
•     1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Place the rice in a large pot and add 3 cups water. Place a lid on the pot and bring it up to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering for 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let the rice rest without removing the lid for an additional 5 minutes. (OR use your favorite method of cooking rice -- rice cooker, Instant Pot, etc.)
2. While the rice is cooking, chop the broccoli florets into tiny pieces.
3. Once the rice has cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Add the butter, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and some freshly cracked pepper. Fold the butter and spices into the rice until fairly well combined (the butter should melt quickly in the hot rice).
4. Add the chopped broccoli and gently fold it into the rice. The broccoli should bring the temperature of the rice down just to the point where it is hot/warm, but not so hot that the cheese immediately melts when stirred into the rice.
5. Finally, add the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, and fold to combine again. Taste and adjust the salt or butter if needed. Serve immediately.

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