If there’s one recipe that delivers big on comfort and effortless flavor, it’s Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Generously loaded with broccoli, tender rice, loads of gooey cheddar, and a crispy golden topping, this casserole brings nostalgia to your table with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a star side or a soul-warming main dish, this crowd-pleaser packs the perfect balance of creamy texture, vibrant color, and irresistible cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create magic with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Each addition to this dish has its own role—whether it’s lending creaminess, cheesiness, or that craveable crunch on top!
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base, soaking up all the creamy flavors.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets: Gently steamed broccoli brings freshness and vibrant green color.
- Olive oil or butter: Adds rich flavor and helps to soften the aromatics.
- Onion: Diced onion brings a sweet, savory backbone to every bite.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves adds aromatic depth and warmth.
- Cream of mushroom or chicken soup: Delivers the familiar, creamy base that we all crave in a casserole.
- Sour cream: Boosts tanginess and gives an extra layer of creaminess.
- Milk: Loosens the mixture for the perfect scoopable texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The essential ingredient for that ooey-gooey, melty topping and filling.
- Paprika: A little pop of color and a subtle warmth in the background.
- Salt and pepper: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch to the golden top for extra texture.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by warming up your kitchen! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This guarantees nothing sticks and each scoop lifts out perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and gently sauté until it’s softened and fragrant, usually 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more, savoring the homey aroma wafting from the pan.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli florets, sautéed onion and garlic, your choice of soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold gently until everything is beautifully mingled—the mixture should be creamy, colorful, and bursting with anticipation!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an invitingly rustic surface. Sprinkle on the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and if you love a crispy top, add those crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs right before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbling at the edges and golden on the top. The smell alone is enough to gather everyone to the kitchen!
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This little rest sets the cheesy layers for perfect, cozy servings of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. For extra flair, try sliced green onions or a light dusting of paprika across the top for a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This casserole absolutely shines alongside a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a simple fruit salad. If you’re turning it into a main dish, serve with rotisserie chicken, glazed carrots, or even a bowl of tomato soup for that ultimate dinner table spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings—perfect for dinner parties. Or scoop it onto baked potatoes for a seriously decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole keeps well for up to 4 days, making lunch or quick dinner a snap throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend. Assemble fully (hold the cracker topping if possible), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding 10–15 extra minutes to the cook time for bubbly, cheesy perfection.
Reheating
For single portions, reheat in the microwave until heated through. For larger amounts, warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until piping hot. If you want to crisp up the topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Both brown rice and quinoa make delicious, nutritious substitutes in Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole and add a subtle nutty flavor.
Can I add protein to make a complete meal?
For a heartier main dish, simply stir in cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or even diced ham before baking. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from another meal!
What cheese is best for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar is classic for that rich, melty texture, but feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère all melt beautifully and bring unique flavors to your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just choose the cream of mushroom soup and double-check that your soup is truly vegetarian. This keeps all the flavor without any meat products.
How do I avoid a soggy casserole?
Be sure to steam your broccoli just until crisp-tender, and if you’re using frozen, thaw and drain it well first. This keeps excess moisture out and your casserole nice and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving creamy, cheesy, utterly satisfying comfort food, you simply can’t go wrong with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! This recipe is made for sharing and destined to become a staple in your kitchen, so grab your casserole dish and get ready to fall in love with every forkful.
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. A creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until just tender)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if using. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for a whole grain version.
- Add cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
