Let me tell you, nothing says comfort like a warm, bubbling dish of broccoli cheese rice casserole! This delightful creation combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one mouthwatering meal that the whole family will adore. I love whipping this up for cozy weeknight dinners or even as a side dish for holiday feasts. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on this delicious blend of flavors and textures. It’s pure comfort food magic!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice, fluffy and cooled
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until bright green
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup, preferably homemade
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs for topping

How to Prepare Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is key! This step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray or a quick rub with butter. Trust me, you don’t want the deliciousness sticking to the bottom!

Combine Ingredients

Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine your fluffy cooked rice, those vibrant steamed broccoli florets, and the sharp cheddar cheese. Then, add in the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Here’s the fun part: use a big spoon to mix everything together until every bit of rice and broccoli is coated in that creamy goodness. You want it all to blend well, so don’t be shy—get in there and mix it up!

Transfer and Top

Once everything is nicely combined, it’s time to transfer that glorious mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners. This helps it cook uniformly. Then, take your seasoned breadcrumbs and sprinkle them generously over the top. This is going to give you that delightful crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Yum!

Bake

Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for the top to turn a lovely golden brown and for the casserole to be heated through. A quick check with a fork in the center can tell you if it’s hot enough. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. You’ll want to enjoy that cheesy, comforting goodness straight from the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting flavors: The rich combination of cheese and broccoli wrapped in fluffy rice is pure comfort food bliss.
• Versatile dish: This casserole is great as a main dish or as a side, and you can easily customize it with different veggies or proteins.
• Suitable for various dietary needs: It’s vegetarian-friendly and can be made gluten-free with the right breadcrumbs.
• Perfect for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or easy lunches!

Tips for Success

• Steam the Broccoli Perfectly: To ensure your broccoli florets are tender yet still vibrant and crunchy, steam them for about 3–5 minutes until they’re bright green. This will help them retain their nutrients and flavor in the casserole.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, opt for freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. The latter often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your sauce.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try using different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can even combine a few to find your perfect flavor blend!
• Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: The seasoned breadcrumbs on top are crucial for that delightful crunch. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor!
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cup) of broccoli cheese rice casserole. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg

This casserole packs a satisfying punch of flavors and nutrients, making it not just delicious but also a comforting meal option. Enjoy every cheesy, broccoli-filled bite!

FAQ Section

What are the best cheese substitutes for this casserole?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor or Gouda for a smoky twist. Pepper jack adds a nice kick if you enjoy a bit of spice! Just be sure to stick with cheeses that melt well for that creamy texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the breadcrumbs right before baking to keep them crispy. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I add protein or different vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! This casserole is super versatile. You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage for a heartier dish. If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers, peas, or even corn. Just be mindful of the moisture content; you don’t want it to get too soggy!

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! To make this broccoli cheese rice casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. You can also check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, or make your own at home using gluten-free flour. Enjoy all the comfort with none of the gluten worries!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of this delicious broccoli cheese rice casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. I love having this on hand for quick meals throughout the week!

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that creamy texture and delightful flavor. You can pop it in the microwave for a quick fix—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splatters and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through.

If you have a little more time, I recommend reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through. This method helps bring back that lovely golden top too. Enjoy every cheesy bite all over again!

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is meat-free.
• Experiment with different cheeses for variation.
• Top with fresh herbs for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: broccoli cheese rice casserole, casserole, broccoli, cheese, rice