BEST BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE

Best Broccoli Rice Casserole image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 50m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, grated
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 ounces processed cheese, cubed
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar
8 cups small broccoli florets
6 ounces diced pimentos, drained
2 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.
In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle over the flour, dry mustard and cayenne and stir to mix it in well. Continue to cook for 1 minute.
Next, add the milk, stirring constantly; cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until totally combined. Stir in the pepper, salt and paprika. Add the processed cheese, stirring until completely melted. Next, add 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar and stir until melted. Then, fold in the broccoli and pimentos.
In a large baking dish, create a base with half of the rice. Top with half of the broccoli cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining rice, then the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the Cheddar evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.