Discover the easy and flavorful Instant Pot Broccoli and Rice recipe that combines tender broccoli and fluffy rice in a delicious one-pot dish. Perfect as a side or main course, this quick and nutritious meal is ready in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Creamy and cheesy broccoli and rice dish cooked in an Instant Pot, garnished with fresh herbs.
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If you are looking for a great side dish, this Broccoli and Rice Instant Pot Recipe, really hits the spot. It’s a family favorite, and so good! Perfect, when you want something healthy, but only have a few minutes.

If you love easy Instant Pot Recipes, try my recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas, Instant Pot Sweet Tea, Instant Pot Peach Cobbler, or Instant Pot Teriyaki Pulled Pork.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup and making meal prep a breeze.
  • Creamy and Comforting: The rich cheese sauce envelops the broccoli and rice, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, from chicken to fish, or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice on kitchen table.
  • Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the onions for a delicious base.
  • Onions: These provide a sweet and savory depth to the dish as they cook down.
  • Vegetable broth: This liquid infuses the rice with flavor and ensures it cooks perfectly.
  • White rice: This variety yields fluffy grains that absorb the broth and pair well with the broccoli.
  • Broccoli, fresh: Adds vibrant color and essential nutrients to the dish.
  • Kosher salt: This enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the broccoli.
  • Black pepper: This adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to round out the dish.

How To Make Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Recipe 

Sauting the onions in the instant pot bowl.

Step One: Start by adding olive oil to the Instant Pot Bowl. Then press the saute button, after about 30 seconds, add your diced onions, saute until they are soft. (Remember to mix them, as they saute, otherwise, they will burn)

Adding the ingredients to the Instant Pot Bowl.

Step Two: Add the 2 cups of vegetable broth, and rice. Mix well. Add your lid, making sure it’s in the sealed position, then press manual high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes.

Cooked rice and onions in the pressure cooker basket.

Step Three: Once the timer is done, do a quick release. Once it’s safe to open your Instant Pot, open it up, stir the rice add another 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth, broccoli, salt and pepper and stir.

Add broccoli in the instant pot.

Step Four: add your lid, making sure that the valve is in the sealing position. Set the manual high pressure for 1 minute. Do a quick release, open your Instant Pot once the all of the pressure has been relased.

Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice served in a bowl, featuring vibrant green broccoli and creamy cheese sauce.

Recipe Variations

Adding Protein: For added protein, you can include cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey to the Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice, making it a heartier meal. Alternatively, stir in cooked beans, such as chickpeas or black beans, for a delicious vegetarian protein boost that complements the creamy cheese and broccoli perfectly.

Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Recipe Tips

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese.
  • Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since the Instant Pot cooks quickly, be careful not to overcook the rice.
  • Add Cheese Gradually: To achieve a creamy consistency, add the cheese gradually after cooking.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding cooked protein like chicken or beans, or extra vegetables like bell peppers or peas, to make it a complete meal.
"Bowl of Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice garnished with fresh parsley."

Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pot at the same time as the rice for convenient cooking.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish vegan? Absolutely! Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan.

What type of cheese works best? Cheddar cheese is popular, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend for added flavor.

What should I do if my rice is undercooked? If the rice is undercooked, you can add a little more broth and cook it on the sauté setting for a few additional minutes.

Can I double this recipe? Yes, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.

More Instant Pot Recipes

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Instant Pot Broccoli and Rice

Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

4.80 from 5 votes
Author: Fork To Spoon
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
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Description

This is a really easy side dish with healthy broccoli. It is a great way to get a perfect side dish on the table in under 20 minutes. (Most of it hands off)

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onions, diced
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup medium grain white rice, (brown will take longer, but can be used)
  • 2 cups broccoli, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Start by adding olive oil to the Instant Pot Bowl. Then press the saute button, after about 30 seconds, add your diced onions, saute until they are soft. (Remember to mix them, as they saute, otherwise, they will burn)
  • Then press the off button. Add the 2 cups of vegetable broth, and rice. Mix well. Add your lid, making sure it’s in the sealed position, then press manual high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes.
  • Once the timer is done, do a quick release. Once it’s safe to open your Instant Pot, open it up, stir the rice add another 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth, broccoli, salt and pepper and stir.
  • Then add your lid, making sure that the valve is in the sealing position. Set the manual high pressure for 1 minute.
  • Do a quick release, open your Instant Pot once the pin has dropped.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Notes

Keywords: healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole instant pot instant pot chinese chicken and broccoli instant pot frozen chicken and broccoli instant pot cheesy rice recipe instant pot chicken and broccoli stir fry cheesy chicken instant pot instant pot chicken divan recipes instant pot broccoli and cheese

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 593mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg

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