Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

This Broccoli Rice Casserole is my go-to recipe for a comforting and satisfying side dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender rice, broccoli florets, and a rich sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book.

I love how versatile this casserole is. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a simple weeknight dinner. I often make a big batch and then enjoy it for leftovers throughout the week. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, especially for picky eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Creamy and Cheesy: This casserole has the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy flavors, thanks to the combination of cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have a delicious casserole baking in the oven in no time!
• Versatile: You can customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s what I use to make this delicious casserole:

• Unsalted Butter: This is used to grease the baking dish and prevent the casserole from sticking.
• Cooked Long Grain White Rice: I like to use Jasmine rice for its fragrant flavor, but any long-grain white rice will work.
• Broccoli Florets: I use frozen broccoli florets for convenience, but you can also use fresh broccoli.
• Yellow Onion: A small diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a creamy texture and a savory flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Adds a cheesy flavor and helps create a rich sauce.
• Whole Milk: Thins out the sauce and adds creaminess.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds a blend of herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of garlic flavor.
• Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a bit of warmth and spice.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, gooey topping.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn.
• Meat Lover’s Twist: Add some cooked ground beef, sausage, or ham to the casserole.
• Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.

How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Broccoli

I cook the rice according to the package directions and steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, I combine the diced onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, milk, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. I stir everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

I add the cooked rice and steamed broccoli to a large bowl and pour the sauce over the top. I gently fold everything together until the rice and broccoli are well coated with the sauce. Then, I spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

I top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese and bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

I let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Rice Choice: I like to use Jasmine rice for its fragrant flavor, but any long-grain white rice will work.
• Broccoli Texture: Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Even Baking: Make sure the casserole is spread evenly in the baking dish so it cooks evenly.

How to Serve

I love serving this Broccoli Rice Casserole with:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing!
• Ham or Meatloaf: The casserole complements the savory flavors of ham or meatloaf.
• Fish: It’s also a great side dish for baked or grilled fish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (unbaked) for up to 2 months.
• Storing: Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just chop it into florets and steam or blanch it until tender-crisp.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.

3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the meat if you’re making a vegetarian version.

4. How can I reheat the casserole?
You can reheat the casserole in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Broccoli Rice Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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