Oven-baked cheesy broccoli and rice casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well mixed.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For a healthier twist, you can use brown rice instead of white rice or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce the fat content. To add more depth of flavor, consider including a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper. If you want to make it a complete one-dish meal, add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for extra protein. For a gluten-free version, ensure that all the ingredients, particularly the sour cream and cheeses, are certified gluten-free.