Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Broccoli-rice casserole brings comfort and nutrition to your dinner table with its creamy, satisfying essence.

Warm, hearty dishes like this often spark memories of family gatherings and shared meals.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Combining tender vegetables and fluffy grains creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul.

Rich, cheesy undertones elevate this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp green florets nestled among soft rice promise a delectable experience that converts ordinary ingredients into something special.

Broccoli-Rice Casserole Brings Comfort in Every Bite

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This casserole delivers a velvety, rich texture that hugs your taste buds with each comforting spoonful, blending cheesy goodness and tender vegetables in one satisfying dish.
• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Pack Nutritional Power: Broccoli and rice combine to offer a balanced meal loaded with vitamins, protein, and hearty flavors that feel indulgent while still providing essential nutrients for the whole family.

Broccoli-Rice Casserole Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen vegetable that provides texture and nutritional value, choose tender florets with vibrant green color.
• Rice: White or long-grain rice that serves as a hearty base, ensure rice is fully cooked and fluffy before mixing.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich flavor and melty texture, select aged cheddar for more intense taste.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and provides depth of flavor, opt for low-sodium version if preferred.
• Milk: Helps create smooth consistency and enhances creaminess, whole milk works best for richness.

• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole, fresh white or yellow onion recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides gentle garlic undertone without raw garlic texture.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and slight color to the dish, sweet paprika works well.

How to Prepare Broccoli-Rice Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Thaw frozen broccoli and microwave for 5 minutes. Drain completely. Chop larger florets into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create Creamy Rice Mixture

• Warm cooked rice
• Diced onion
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir ingredients until thoroughly blended. Gently fold in prepared broccoli.

Step 3: Assemble Casserole

Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole for 35-40 minutes until sauce is bubbling and cheese develops golden brown spots.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot as a comforting side dish or light main course. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips to Elevate Broccoli-Rice Casserole

• Drain Broccoli Thoroughly: Pat thawed broccoli completely dry to prevent watery casserole and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Mix Cheese Evenly: Blend shredded cheddar into the rice mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp broccoli and high-quality cheddar cheese to elevate the overall taste and richness.
• Customize Seasoning: Adjust garlic powder and paprika to match your personal flavor preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch casserole carefully in final minutes to achieve golden cheese without burning, keeping edges crispy and center creamy.

Keeping Leftovers of Broccoli-Rice Casserole Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for consistent temperature.

What to Pair with Broccoli-Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness of the casserole, refreshing your palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Tender, seasoned roasted chicken complements the cheesy broccoli-rice dish, adding protein and creating a complete, satisfying meal.
• Add Tangy Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the warm, creamy casserole, balancing the dish's richness and adding a crunchy texture.
• Match with Light Beer: A crisp lager or pilsner works perfectly with the cheesy, comforting casserole, cutting through the richness and providing a clean, refreshing accompaniment.

Broccoli-Rice Casserole Variations to Try

• Southwestern Broccoli-Rice Fiesta: Swap cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add diced green chiles, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken before baking to create a protein-packed one-dish meal that's hearty and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Herb Broccoli Casserole: Replace regular cheddar with feta cheese, sprinkle dried oregano and basil, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Veggie Loaded Rice Casserole: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms to boost vegetable content and create a more nutritious side dish with extra texture and flavor.

Broccoli-Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty broccoli-rice casserole brings comfort and warmth from Southern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice combine in a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked rice
• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package frozen broccoli florets
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ¾ ounces / 305 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly defrost broccoli in the microwave for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring complete drainage. Carefully chop any oversized florets into uniform, bite-sized segments for even distribution.
2. Create a creamy mixture by combining warm cooked rice with finely diced onions, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season the blend with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of paprika.
3. Incorporate one portion of shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture, stirring until ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
4. Gently fold the prepared broccoli into the cheesy rice base, ensuring an even and delicate incorporation of vegetables.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Elegantly crown the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious golden-brown topping.
7. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350℉, allowing it to bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface becomes beautifully bubbly and the cheese develops delicate golden highlights.

Notes

• Prep broccoli carefully by draining thoroughly to prevent watery casserole texture.
• Use warm rice for better mixing and even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
• Customize cheese flavor by experimenting with different cheddar varieties or cheese blends.
• Ensure even cooking by spreading mixture uniformly in the baking dish.
• Check casserole midway through baking to prevent cheese from over-browning.
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for a convenient meal prep option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg