Isn’t it great when a meal comes together in one pan? That’s the magic of this Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Skillet with Garlic Sauce. It’s the kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a big hug after a long day. My kids gobble it up, and honestly? I love it just as much. It’s hearty, comforting, and proof that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s get cooking.
Top Reasons To Make It
You’re going to love this recipe. First off, it’s a true one-pan wonder. You’ll cook the rice right in the same skillet with the broccoli, which means less cleanup and more flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile. Got some leftover veggies in the fridge? Toss them in. And the best part? It’s a complete meal—your protein, grains, and veggies are all right here, ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying on the table, fast.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics.
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of our creamy garlic sauce.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed: The hearty base of our skillet.
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth: Cooks the rice and adds depth.
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets: For that classic flavor and a nice crunch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan alternative): For that irresistible, melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based): Helps create a creamy, smooth sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The key to thickening our sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant. You don’t want it to burn.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir it around for a minute to lightly toast it. This gives it a fantastic nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 12 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet and carefully place the broccoli florets on top of the rice. Re-cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- While that’s cooking, whisk together the milk and flour in a small bowl until it’s completely smooth. This is our quick slurry for the sauce.
- Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the milk mixture over the rice and broccoli, then immediately stir everything together. The residual heat will thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and smoked paprika until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and combined. Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve it up right from the skillet!
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your favorite veggie dishes. Don’t have cheddar? Try mozzarella or a pepper jack for a little kick. For a vegan version, your favorite store-bought shreds and unsweetened oat milk work perfectly. You can also swap the broccoli for cauliflower or throw in a handful of frozen peas or corn with the broccoli. If you want to add a protein punch, a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans stirred in at the end is a great move for meatless meals.
Pro Tips For Perfecting Your Dish
- Rinse your rice! This simple step washes off excess starch and keeps your rice from getting gummy.
- Don’t peek while the rice is cooking. Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice properly.
- Cut your broccoli florets small. This ensures they cook through at the same rate as the rice.
- Make sure your slurry is smooth. A few quick whisks will prevent any flour lumps in your final garlic sauce.
- Let the skillet sit off the heat for a couple of minutes after adding the slurry. This gives the sauce time to thicken up to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- And my most important tip? Taste it before you serve! Adjust that salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This skillet is a meal all on its own, but it plays well with others. For a simple pairing, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. It also makes a terrific side dish for plant based meals alongside a veggie burger or some baked tofu. My family loves to drizzle a little hot sauce over the top for an extra kick. So good.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken up a lot as it chills, so the best way to reheat it is on the stovetop. Just put it in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir in a small splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture. You can microwave it in a pinch, but stir it every 30 seconds and add that liquid to prevent it from drying out. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can become grainy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it. Just add it straight from the freezer in step 5, and you might need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What other types of rice can I use? Long-grain white rice is our top choice, but brown rice can work too. You’ll need to adjust the liquid to about 3 cups and the initial cooking time (before adding the broccoli) to about 30-35 minutes. Check the package instructions for the best results.
- Is this dish gluten-free? It easily can be! Just use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the slurry and ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Then you’ve got a fantastic gluten-free option for your tasty vegetarian recipes.
- My sauce is too thin. What happened? This usually means the skillet wasn’t hot enough when you added the slurry. Next time, make sure you take it off the heat and then immediately add your slurry, stirring constantly. It will thicken as it cools slightly.
