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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate one portion of shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture, stirring until ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
- Gently fold the prepared broccoli into the cheesy rice base, ensuring an even and delicate incorporation of vegetables.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
- Elegantly crown the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious golden-brown topping.
- 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