This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and savory dish that combines tender broccoli, hearty rice, and creamy cheese. Perfect for any occasion, it brings together simple ingredients to create a deliciously creamy and cheesy meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or a pinch of cayenne
Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or more cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or a similar size).
Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.
Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed or blanched broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne). Stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble & bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese, or add a topping of crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or more cheese if desired.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let rest: After baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. The total preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 25–30 minutes. The entire process will take roughly 40–45 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Add protein: Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or cooked sausage to make it a more filling meal.
Make it from scratch: Instead of using canned soup, you can create a homemade roux with butter, flour, milk, and stock for a richer and fresher flavor.
Make ahead: If you want to prep in advance, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it for an additional 5–10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but the oven helps retain the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can swap it out for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorites.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños to the casserole mix.
Can I freeze the casserole for later?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as usual.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and versatility, I know it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Recipe:
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and savory casserole that combines tender broccoli, hearty rice, and creamy cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or a pinch of cayenne
Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or more cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or a similar size).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed or blanched broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne). Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese, or add a topping of crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or more cheese if desired.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- After baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set.
Notes
For added protein, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or cooked sausage.
If you prefer to make it from scratch, use a homemade roux with butter, flour, milk, and stock instead of canned soup.
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
