Broccoli Rice Casserole

Craving comfort food with a little twist of veggies? Broccoli Rice Casserole has got you covered. Picture this: tender, fluffy rice paired with bright green broccoli and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that will have you reaching for seconds before you even realize it. Whether you’re serving it as a side at dinner or enjoying it as a main course, this casserole is all about cozy, cheesy goodness with a veggie-packed touch. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that’ll make even the pickiest eaters fall in love with broccoli!

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Perfect for Family Dinners: This casserole is a great way to sneak in those greens while still serving up something everyone will love. It’s cheesy, creamy, and just plain comforting.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need to go overboard with fancy ingredients here—just the basics like broccoli, rice, and cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Less time spent cooking means more time spent enjoying the meal!
• Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with almost anything. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even enjoy it on its own for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy, creamy, and comforting—this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy casserole:

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, broccoli is the veggie hero of this dish, adding a little crunch and a lot of flavor.
• Long-Grain White Rice: The base of the casserole. It cooks up tender and fluffy, soaking up all the creamy goodness.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth to the casserole. It’s like a secret ingredient that pulls everything together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese adds that melty, gooey goodness we all love.
• Onion: A little bit of onion for flavor, giving the casserole a savory depth.
• Milk: Helps to create the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Butter: For sautéing the onions and adding richness to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: A simple seasoning that adds a lovely background flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of cooked rice for this casserole. Once cooked, set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets and steam or blanch it until it’s bright green and tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just heat it in the microwave according to the package instructions. Set the broccoli aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the skillet, stirring until smooth and combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the creamy soup mixture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a little for topping the casserole later. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will be gooey, the rice fluffy, and the broccoli perfectly tender—a perfect combination of comforting flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 90%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole

• As a Side: This casserole is the perfect side dish to serve with almost anything. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a juicy steak.
• As a Main Course: If you’re looking for a meatless meal, serve this casserole with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to make it a full meal.
• With Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for even more melty goodness!

Additional Tips

• Make it Cheesy: Want even more cheese? Mix some grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the casserole before baking for an extra cheesy bite.
• Add Protein: You can easily add some cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage to make this casserole a heartier dish.
• Use Other Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, peas, or cauliflower for a veggie-packed twist on this dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Of course! Feel free to swap out cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses. It’ll still be delicious!

Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A3: Absolutely! Brown rice will work just fine, though it will need a longer cooking time.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole?
A4: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A5: Yes! Frozen broccoli is a great option for this dish. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

Q6: Is this dish vegetarian?
A6: Yes! This casserole is vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless meals.

Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Q8: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A8: You can make it dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free cheese.

Q9: How do I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I make this dish with instant rice?
A10: Yes! Just follow the instructions on the instant rice package, and then mix it with the rest of the casserole ingredients.

Conclusion

Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, Broccoli Rice Casserole is a dish that will never disappoint. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggie goodness—exactly the kind of comfort food we all crave. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead, make this casserole, and let the cheesy, broccoli goodness work its magic!

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