Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Apr 06, 2022, Updated Dec 10, 2024
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Save this Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice for a night that you just want something comforting and cozy! If your kids aren’t too picky, they are going to love this too. If they are picky? Scoop them a portion without any broccoli (if they’re like, “EWW GREEN THINGS!”). And then go here for your picky eating quick start guide and join the thousands of parents who have also said “NO MORE” to picky eating running the household.
Why I love this recipe
What’s not to love about a cheesy rice dish? It’s surprisingly nutrient packed, too. We have just enough cheese to make it creamy and delicious without going so over the top that it leaves you feeling overly stuffed and blah.
Want nutrition extra credit? Use bone broth in place of traditional chicken broth in this recipe for a protein boost.
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
If you like a one-pot meal with simple ingredients that cooks FAST thanks to the lovely instant pot, you need to give this one a try. You might even have all the ingredients on hand right now?! I liked white cheddar cheese (freshly grated off the block) but yellow cheddar would be just fine too.
Ingredients Needed
I made this cheesy broccoli rice with white rice instead of brown since my kids like white rice better. You might be able to do it with brown rice by adjusting the cooking time and liquid amount but I haven’t tried it.
Also, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer.
I like it with sharp cheddar cheese, but you could try medium or mild cheddar.
How to make Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
First, dice your onion small. So my kids don’t complain about pieces of it, I dice it REALLY small.
Turn on the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add the oil or butter. Once warm, add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and stir constantly (to prevent burning) for about 30 seconds.
Push the “off” button and add two cups of the broth, and all of the rice. Stir, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the pressure release knob to “sealing.”
Cook the rice on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer is up, do a quick release on the pressure.
Once the pin has dropped and you can open the lid, add in the broccoli, remaining ½ cup broth, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Place the lid back on the pot, turn the pressure knob to “sealing,” and cook for 1 minute on high pressure.
When the timer is up, perform a quick release. When the pin has dropped and you can open the lid, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Yum, cheesy.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this if I don’t have an instant pot or pressure cooker?
- You can, but I haven’t tried it myself! I would probably just cook the rice according to package directions using broth in place of water. Separately in a skillet I would saute the onions, add the garlic, then the broccoli and cook until soft, adding a few tablespoons of broth while cooking the broccoli. Then, when the rice is done and veggies are tender, mix everything together including the cheese, then serve.
- Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Picky Eater Tips
It’s okay if your little one only wants the rice and the cheese, or just one of those items. Mixed dishes are typically challenging for young kids to enjoy because there’s so many different textures and flavors going on. As adults, we tend to like eating a variety of textures together! But for young children, it can be overwhelming in their mouth.
Other recipes you might like
Red Lentil Pasta with Veggie Packed Tomato Sauce
Best Baked Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe (Kid-friendly!)
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or butter
- ½ medium onion, minced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-½ cups chicken broth, divided, or veggie broth if making vegetarian
- 1 cup medium grain white rice
- 1-½ cups chopped broccoli florets , bite size pieces
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn on the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add the oil or butter. Once warm, add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the garlic and stir constantly (to prevent burning) for about 30 seconds.
- Push the “off” button and add 2 cups of the chicken broth, and all of the rice. Stir, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the pressure release knob to “sealing".
- Cook the rice on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer is up, do a quick release on the pressure.
- Once the pin has dropped and you can open the lid, add in the broccoli, remaining ½ cup chicken broth, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Place the lid back on the pot, turn the pressure knob to “sealing,” and cook for 1 minute on high pressure.
- When the timer is up, do a quick release. When the pin has dropped and you can open the lid, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. All nutrient values are approximations, as there are natural variations in ingredients and measurements.
I’m about to make this and I’m really excited! My kids can’t have cheese, any ideas for substitutes? I was just going to make it without for now. Also, I do have a picky eater like you talked about- so I thought about making the broccoli separate. Any suggestions for how to do that? (In the recipe the rice and broccoli are cooked together.) Thanks for the inspiration!