Creamy Broccoli Cheese Rice with White Beans Recipe
This creamy broccoli cheese rice with white beans is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring tender broccoli florets, cheesy almond-infused sauce, and protein-rich white beans, all combined with wholesome brown rice. Perfect as a hearty main or side, it blends creamy textures and mild flavors into a satisfying meal that’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Grains & Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice or a quick-cooking brown rice blend
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
Dairy & Fats
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar made with microbial or vegetable enzymes, divided
- 1 cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp almond meal
- Up to ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 can white beans (14–15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Chopped almonds, for topping
- Sliced green onions, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Rice and Prepare Broccoli: Cook the brown rice according to package directions. If using quick-cooking rice, this will be faster. Meanwhile, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and plunge them into cold water to stop cooking. After cooling, drain well and chop most of the florets into smaller pieces for easier integration.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the almond meal and salt and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to create a nutty, thick base.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer gently, stirring constantly until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine All Ingredients: Fold the cooked rice, chopped broccoli, and drained white beans into the cheese sauce. Add vegetable broth little by little to reach a creamy consistency that coats all ingredients well.
- Finish with Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the mixture in the skillet. Cover the pan and let it sit for a few minutes off heat to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with chopped almonds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Using a quick-cooking brown rice blend reduces total cooking time to about 35 minutes; standard brown rice will extend the time.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, considering the saltiness of your cheese and broth.
- Chopped almonds add a delightful crunch, but you can omit or replace with other nuts or seeds if preferred.