Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice ~ Creamy, Easy & Kid-Friendly!
Looking for a quick and comforting side dish that hits the spot every time? This Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just the way a good comfort food should be. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a total weeknight winner and makes a delicious pair to almost any main course.
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
You’ll love how easy it is to make this rice dish right in your Instant Pot. If your family enjoys recipes like Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, or this cozy Slow Cooker Beef Tips, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home with every bite.
And let’s be honest, anytime we can sneak in a few veggies (without complaints) and still keep dinner simple? That’s a win. This cheesy broccoli rice is great as a side, or you can stir in cooked chicken or ground beef to turn it into a satisfying one-pot meal.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
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Hands-off cooking: Just a few minutes of prep, then let the Instant Pot do the rest.
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Family-friendly: It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with flavor—even picky eaters go back for seconds.
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One-pot cleanup: No need to dirty a bunch of dishes.
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Versatile: Add extra protein, switch up the cheese, or sneak in more veggies if you like.
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Quick cook time: On the table in under 30 minutes, including pressure time
How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
- Press Saute. Add in butter and onions. Saute onions until they are translucent.
- Add in rice and 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Close the lid. Pressure cook on low pressure for 7 minutes. Then do a quick release.
- Open the lid. Add in broccoli florets and 1/2 Cup chicken broth.
- Close the lid. Pressure cook on low pressure for 5 minutes Then do a quick release.
- Add in heavy cream* and shredded cheese, while keeping your instant pot on warming
- Gently stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
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Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest results. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
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Fresh or frozen broccoli: Both work well! Just stir them in before the second pressure cycle.
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Make it a main dish: Add cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover ham for a one-pot dinner.
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Prefer creamier rice? Stir in a little more cream or broth at the end until it’s just the way you like it.
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Low on broth? You can sub water, but broth adds more flavor.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yep! Just stir it in with the broth in step 4. It will cook beautifully during the pressure cycle.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your Instant Pot isn’t filled beyond the max fill line when using pressure cooking.
Looking For More Instant Pot Rice Recipes
- Packaged Saffron Yellow Rice | Learn how to cook packaged saffron rice right in your Instant Pot. Get that fluffy and light rice every single time.
- Stick of Butter Rice | If you have not tried this rich and savory rice, you will love to try this out. Loads of flavor and the perfect side to your main dish.
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice | A copycat recipe that satisfies each and every time. Whip this up and pair it with your Mexican dish.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice | This recipe is a protein and fiber-packed dish that is total comfort food.
- Instant Pot Cracked Up Chicken and Broccoli Casserole | There is nothing I love more than a good flavorful casserole, and that is what you will find with Instant Pot Cracked Up Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice is the ultimate side dish. Perfectly cooked rice, broccoli, smothered in a cheesy base.
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP Butter
- 1 TBSP Minced Onion
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
- 1 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth, divided
- 2-3 Cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream*
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar
Instructions
- Press Saute. Add in butter and onions. Saute onions until they are translucent.
- Add in rice and 1 cup chicken broth.
- Close the lid. Pressure cook on low pressure for 7 minutes. Then do a quick release.
- Open the lid. Add in broccoli florets and 1/2 Cup chicken broth.
- Close the lid. Pressure cook on low pressure for 5 minute Then do a quick release.
- Add in heavy cream* and shredded cheese, while keeping your instant pot on warming.
- Gently stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*if you do not have heavy cream, you can substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 TBSP of flour to thicken it.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 322Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 444mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!













