Warm & Cozy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this creamy broccoli cheese rice casserole that promises to delight every palate.

Cheesy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish brings warmth to your dinner table.

The golden-brown top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Tender broccoli florets nestle perfectly among fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Melted cheese weaves through each bite, adding richness and depth to this classic comfort meal.

You’ll love how simple yet satisfying this recipe becomes with just a few easy steps.

This casserole stands ready to become your new go-to side dish that everyone will request again and again.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: Cheesy Classic

• This broccoli cheese rice casserole delivers pure, homey satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Easily swap ingredients to match dietary needs or pantry availability, making it a flexible meal solution for families.
• Packed with vegetables and protein, this dish sneaks healthy ingredients into a crowd-pleasing recipe that kids and adults will love.
• Combines simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, perfect for busy households craving a delicious, wholesome meal without complicated cooking techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients For Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Broccoli: A nutrient-rich green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the casserole.
• Rice: A classic staple grain that provides a hearty base for the casserole and absorbs flavors well.
• Cheese: A creamy and flavorful ingredient that melts beautifully and adds richness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish that allows even cooking and presentation of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: An additional layer of cheese sprinkled on top for extra melty and golden-brown goodness.

Tools For Easy Cheesy Casserole Assembly

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling broccoli and cooking rice.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from broccoli.
• Measuring Cup: Ensures accurate water measurement for rice.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal for mixing and baking the entire recipe.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.

Steps To Cheesy, Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Prep Broccoli

Wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets.

Steam or boil the broccoli until tender-crisp, then drain completely and set aside.

You want the broccoli to be slightly undercooked so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.

Step 2: Cook Rice

In a medium saucepan, prepare rice using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking and let it cool slightly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.

The mixture should have a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Casserole Components

Fold the cooked broccoli and rice into the creamy mixture.

Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Add some breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Tips For Silky, Flavorful Casserole Layers

• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant green color, avoiding overcooking that leads to soggy vegetables.
• Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking rice to add depth and richness to the casserole's overall taste.
• Let shredded cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to ensure even melting and a smooth, creamy top layer.
• Mix in additional vegetables like diced carrots or cauliflower to increase the dish's vitamin content and add extra texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

Casserole Swaps & Fun Variations

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk. Swap rice with quinoa for added protein and use roasted cauliflower instead of broccoli.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a base. Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts. Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for nutrition.
• Protein Power Casserole: Mix in cooked chicken or ground turkey for added protein. Use Greek yogurt to create a creamy texture. Include diced bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Use full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar for richness. Add diced ham or bacon for extra flavor and protein boost.

Serving Broccoli Cheese Casserole With Style

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair this creamy casserole with crispy grilled chicken breasts for a protein-packed meal that satisfies.
• Family Dinner Delight: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Side Dish Champion: Perfect accompaniment to Sunday roast or holiday ham, adding a colorful vegetable-packed element to your plate.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat portions for a quick lunch or transform into a cold rice salad by mixing with extra chopped fresh vegetables.

Keeping Broccoli Casserole Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra flavor. Sharp cheddar will give a more intense cheese taste.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty broccoli cheese rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy textures and rich flavors. Cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients invite you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12.6 ounces (357 grams) frozen broccoli
• 1.5 cups minute rice
• 3/4 pound (340 grams) Velveeta
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 10.5 ounces (296 milliliters) milk
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) water chestnuts

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Instructions

1. Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, ensuring they retain a vibrant green color and are not overcooked. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare rice in a separate pot, following package instructions for precise water ratio and cooking time. Fluff with a fork once cooked to separate grains.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked broccoli, prepared rice, and remaining ingredients, stirring gently to distribute components evenly without mashing the rice.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a complete coverage that will melt and form a golden, crispy layer during baking.
6. Place casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a lightly browned cheese crust that indicates the dish is thoroughly heated.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the casserole to set and flavors to meld before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance broccoli’s texture by slightly undercooking it before adding to the casserole, ensuring a crisp-tender bite in the final dish.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile to the casserole.
• Use low-fat cheese or a blend of cheeses for a lighter version without compromising the creamy, comforting taste of the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, verify that all ingredients, especially any cream-based components, are certified gluten-free before preparing.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg