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To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup crispy breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing Each ingredient plays a key role. The rice serves as the base, giving the dish its hearty feel. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Cheddar cheese brings that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cream of mushroom soup adds richness and flavor. Milk keeps the mixture moist. Onions and garlic powder enhance the taste, while black pepper and salt round it out. Finally, crispy breadcrumbs offer a nice crunch on top. You can swap the rice for brown rice for a healthier option. Also, feel free to use different cheeses to suit your taste. Using homemade cream of mushroom soup can elevate the dish even more. Let your creativity shine when choosing ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Sautéing Onions and Broccoli In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, add 1 large head of chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the broccoli starts to soften. This adds great flavor. - Preparing the Casserole Mixture In a big bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, the sautéed onion and broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Then, mix in 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until everything is mixed together. - Transferring to Baking Dish Take your mixture and pour it into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. If you like, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crispy breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. - Covering and Baking Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. - Final Baking Step After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden brown top to know it's ready. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - Choosing the Right Rice Use cooked white or brown rice for this dish. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture. Both work well, so pick what you like best. - Ensuring Even Cooking Make sure to chop your broccoli into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly with the rice. Stir the mixture well before baking. This way, all flavors blend together nicely. - Adding Extra Flavor Variations Want to spice it up? Try adding cooked chicken or mushrooms to the mix. A dash of hot sauce adds heat. You can also mix in herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh touch. - Pairing with Main Dishes This casserole pairs well with grilled chicken or baked fish. It also works great as a side for meatloaf or pork chops. The creaminess of the casserole complements savory meats well. - Best Sides for the Casserole Serve it with a simple salad or some roasted veggies. A fresh green salad adds crunch and lightness. You could also serve garlic bread on the side for a fun twist. - Presentation Tips Serve your casserole in a nice dish to impress. Top it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese. This makes the dish look appealing and adds a touch of color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess water to avoid a watery casserole. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique taste. Make it Vegetarian: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version made from vegetable broth and cream for a completely vegetarian dish. Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. {{image_2}} Alternatives to Cheddar Cheese If you want to swap cheddar cheese, try these options: - Monterey Jack gives a creamy taste. - Gouda adds a smoky flavor. - Vegan cheese works well for dairy-free needs. Different Vegetables to Add You can customize your casserole with other veggies. Consider these: - Cauliflower for added crunch. - Spinach for a pop of green. - Carrots for sweet bites. Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe Making your own soup is easy. Here’s a quick recipe: - Sauté 1 cup of chopped mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until soft. - Add 1/4 cup of flour and stir well. - Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and cook until thick. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gluten-Free Option To make this dish gluten-free, use these substitutes: - Replace regular soup with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. - Ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or skip them. Vegan Variations For a vegan twist, follow these tips: - Use brown rice and vegetable broth. - Replace cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. - Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a vegan version. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftovers in an airtight container. It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid sogginess. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating your casserole can keep it tasty and warm. Here are the best methods: - Best Methods for Reheating: Use an oven or microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps it moist. - Time and Temperature Recommendations: Heat in the oven for about 20 minutes. For the microwave, heat on high for 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch? To make this casserole, start with cooked rice. You can use white or brown. Sauté chopped onions and broccoli in olive oil until soft. Mix the rice, vegetables, shredded cheddar, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Spread the mix in a greased baking dish. If you want, top it with crispy breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes covered. Then, uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. This helps avoid extra water in your casserole. Frozen broccoli will still taste great and save prep time. How Long Does the Casserole Last in the Fridge? Your casserole can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh and tasty for later meals. What Other Cheeses Work Well in This Casserole? You can try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Each cheese adds its own flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a rich and creamy texture. Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble it and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This blog post explained the key ingredients and steps for making a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. You learned how to prepare and bake it, plus helpful tips for great flavor and texture. I also shared variations to fit different diets and preferences. Remember, this casserole is not just delicious; it’s flexible and easy to make. With simple ingredients, you can create a dish that your family will love. Now, it's time to get cooking and enjoy!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli and rice, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 large head broccoli, chopped into small florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup crispy breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Optional crispy breadcrumbs can be added for extra texture.
Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice