Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Are you craving comfort food that’s both hearty and comforting? Then, you’ve got to try Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! This dish is a complete crowd-pleaser, with tender broccoli, savory rice, and a cheesy sauce that brings everything together. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, the gooey cheese and the buttery rice will make you want to come back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s why Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole will quickly become a go-to dish:

Comforting & Hearty: There’s something so comforting about this casserole—it’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s satisfying from the first bite to the last.

Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this casserole ready in no time. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip this up with ease!

Customizable: Want to make it a little more indulgent? Add a sprinkle of bacon or top it with crispy fried onions. You can also use a different type of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your taste.

Vegetable-Packed: With plenty of broccoli mixed in, this casserole is a sneaky way to get your veggies in without feeling like you’re eating your greens! It’s the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and nutrition.

Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy, comforting dishes, and this one is no exception. The broccoli is mild, the rice is soft, and the cheese brings it all together in a way that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, cut into small florets. It’s the perfect veggie for adding color and texture to the casserole.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy and tender, it makes the base of the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: The cheese that makes this dish so melty and irresistible.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to make the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Butter: For richness and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For a bit of savory depth.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to bring everything together.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get started? Here’s how you can make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Cook the Rice:

Start by cooking the rice according to package directions. You can use either white or brown rice—whatever you prefer. Make sure it’s fully cooked and fluffy before moving on.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it until it’s tender but still a little crisp (about 5-7 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, just heat it according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined and the sauce is smooth and heated through.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir in cheddar cheese until everything is well coated and the cheese starts to melt into the sauce.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

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

6. Bake to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, so dig in and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 40mg
  Sodium: 650mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
  Protein: 10g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 90%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 6%
  Potassium: 300mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and can be the star of your meal or serve as a side dish. Here are some ideas:

• Roast Chicken: The richness of roasted chicken complements the creamy casserole perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up that cheesy goodness.
• Simple Salad: Serve with a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Grilled Steak: For a heartier meal, pair this casserole with a perfectly grilled steak or other grilled meats.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready.
• Add Protein: For a complete meal, add shredded chicken or ground beef to the casserole mixture.
• Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a fun twist.
• Extra Crunch: If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or fried onions on top before baking for a crispy topping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the casserole.

Q2: Can I use a different type of rice?
A2: Absolutely! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even a cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q4: Can I add meat to the casserole?
A4: Definitely! Shredded chicken or even bacon bits would be a great addition for some extra protein and flavor.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just be sure to check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a gluten-free substitute.

Q6: How can I make this casserole lighter?
A6: You can use light cream cheese, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat.

Q7: How long will leftovers last?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q8: Can I freeze this casserole?
A8: Yes, this casserole freezes really well! Freeze it before baking and bake it directly from the freezer. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q9: Can I use a different type of soup?
A9: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy in every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and so delicious that it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, it’s the kind of casserole that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Print