Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Simple Comfort Food

- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - Combine rice and broccoli in a mixing bowl - Add soup, milk, spices, and cheese; mix thoroughly - Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and cheese - Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes - Remove foil; bake for an additional 15-20 minutes Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple and fun. You start with the main ingredients, mixing cooked rice with steamed broccoli. This gives you a great base. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy taste. The cream of mushroom soup and milk make the mix smooth. Next, we add some seasoning. Garlic powder and onion powder give the dish a nice flavor. Salt and pepper allow you to adjust the taste just how you like it. For a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil work great. Once you have everything mixed, pour it into a greased baking dish. This keeps it from sticking. Spread it out evenly. Then comes the fun part—topping it with more cheese and breadcrumbs! Now, cover the dish with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it cooks. Bake it for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe] for more detailed steps if needed. Enjoy this tasty, warm casserole. It’s perfect for dinner or as a side dish! To boost the taste of your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I recommend using homemade cream of mushroom soup. It adds freshness and depth that store-bought versions can't match. You can easily make it by sautéing mushrooms with butter and mixing in some cream. Another fun tip is to experiment with different cheeses. Try gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making each bite exciting. To make your casserole look beautiful, garnish it with fresh parsley or chives. The green color brightens the dish and gives it a fresh taste. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with cheesy goodness. Make sure your broccoli is steamed evenly. This ensures every piece is tender and not overcooked. If some pieces are hard, they won't blend well with the rice. After baking, let the casserole rest for about five minutes. This simple step helps it set and makes slicing easier. You will have perfect portions for serving! You can easily switch the main veggies in this dish. Swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach. Both options taste great and add different flavors. You can also try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. This makes the meal healthier and adds more fiber. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the crispy topping but makes it safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For a vegan version, substitute cheese and milk with plant-based choices. Almond milk and vegan cheese work well here. Want to add more taste? Cooked chicken or turkey is a great protein boost. This makes the meal heartier. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat. These little changes make a big difference in flavor. {{image_4}} After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool down before sealing. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. You can freeze the casserole before baking it. This method lets you enjoy it later without losing taste. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Adjust the baking time since it will be cold. To reheat, the oven is your best bet. It helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Just cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. It’s great for busy days when you want a tasty meal fast. Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. This makes it easy to have a warm meal ready when you need it. Just remember to let it thaw before baking if frozen. You can use homemade cream soup or a different canned soup option, like cream of chicken or celery. This gives you flexibility based on what you have at home. To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute whole milk with low-fat or unsweetened almond milk. These changes still keep the dish creamy and tasty. Absolutely! It stores well and can be portioned for easy meal prepping. Just make sure to use airtight containers for freshness. Enjoy it throughout the week! - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Mix the cooked rice and steamed broccoli in a large bowl. 3. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well. 4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread evenly. 5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole. 6. Add the remaining cheese on top of the breadcrumbs. 7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, shiny side down. Bake for 25 minutes. 8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and golden breadcrumbs. 9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. - Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole - Calories: Approximately 320 - Total Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 42g - Protein: 12g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 2g This blog showed you how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered all the main ingredients, from rice and cheese to spices. You learned step-by-step how to mix and bake it perfectly. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and fun variations. Finally, you got key storage info and answers to common questions. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple, delicious, and adaptable for everyone.

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Craving a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table? Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer! This simple recipe combines creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice for a meal that’s pure bliss. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. Let’s dive into the ingredients, steps, and tips that make this dish a go-to favorite in your home!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

– 1 cup milk

Seasoning and Toppings

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

– Combine rice and broccoli in a mixing bowl

Mixing and Baking

– Add soup, milk, spices, and cheese; mix thoroughly

– Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and cheese

Baking Process

– Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes

– Remove foil; bake for an additional 15-20 minutes

Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple and fun. You start with the main ingredients, mixing cooked rice with steamed broccoli. This gives you a great base. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy taste. The cream of mushroom soup and milk make the mix smooth.

Next, we add some seasoning. Garlic powder and onion powder give the dish a nice flavor. Salt and pepper allow you to adjust the taste just how you like it. For a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil work great.

Once you have everything mixed, pour it into a greased baking dish. This keeps it from sticking. Spread it out evenly. Then comes the fun part—topping it with more cheese and breadcrumbs!

Now, cover the dish with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it cooks. Bake it for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe] for more detailed steps if needed.

Enjoy this tasty, warm casserole. It’s perfect for dinner or as a side dish!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the taste of your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I recommend using homemade cream of mushroom soup. It adds freshness and depth that store-bought versions can’t match. You can easily make it by sautéing mushrooms with butter and mixing in some cream. Another fun tip is to experiment with different cheeses. Try gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making each bite exciting.

Presentation Ideas

To make your casserole look beautiful, garnish it with fresh parsley or chives. The green color brightens the dish and gives it a fresh taste. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with cheesy goodness.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure your broccoli is steamed evenly. This ensures every piece is tender and not overcooked. If some pieces are hard, they won’t blend well with the rice. After baking, let the casserole rest for about five minutes. This simple step helps it set and makes slicing easier. You will have perfect portions for serving!

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily switch the main veggies in this dish. Swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach. Both options taste great and add different flavors. You can also try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. This makes the meal healthier and adds more fiber.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the crispy topping but makes it safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For a vegan version, substitute cheese and milk with plant-based choices. Almond milk and vegan cheese work well here.

Flavor Boosts

Want to add more taste? Cooked chicken or turkey is a great protein boost. This makes the meal heartier. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat. These little changes make a big difference in flavor.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool down before sealing. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking it. This method lets you enjoy it later without losing taste. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Adjust the baking time since it will be cold.

Reheating

To reheat, the oven is your best bet. It helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Just cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. It’s great for busy days when you want a tasty meal fast.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. This makes it easy to have a warm meal ready when you need it. Just remember to let it thaw before baking if frozen.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use homemade cream soup or a different canned soup option, like cream of chicken or celery. This gives you flexibility based on what you have at home.

How do I make a lighter version of this casserole?

To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute whole milk with low-fat or unsweetened almond milk. These changes still keep the dish creamy and tasty.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and can be portioned for easy meal prepping. Just make sure to use airtight containers for freshness. Enjoy it throughout the week!

Full Recipe

Complete Ingredient List

– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 cup milk

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Complete Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the cooked rice and steamed broccoli in a large bowl.

3. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.

4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole.

6. Add the remaining cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.

7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, shiny side down. Bake for 25 minutes.

8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and golden breadcrumbs.

9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

– Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole

– Calories: Approximately 320

– Total Fat: 12g

– Saturated Fat: 5g

– Carbohydrates: 42g

– Protein: 12g

– Fiber: 3g

– Sugars: 2g

This blog showed you how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered all the main ingredients, from rice and cheese to spices. You learned step-by-step how to mix and bake it perfectly. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and fun variations. Finally, you got key storage info and answers to common questions. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple, delicious, and adaptable for everyone.

- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - Combine rice and broccoli in a mixing bowl - Add soup, milk, spices, and cheese; mix thoroughly - Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and cheese - Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes - Remove foil; bake for an additional 15-20 minutes Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple and fun. You start with the main ingredients, mixing cooked rice with steamed broccoli. This gives you a great base. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy taste. The cream of mushroom soup and milk make the mix smooth. Next, we add some seasoning. Garlic powder and onion powder give the dish a nice flavor. Salt and pepper allow you to adjust the taste just how you like it. For a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil work great. Once you have everything mixed, pour it into a greased baking dish. This keeps it from sticking. Spread it out evenly. Then comes the fun part—topping it with more cheese and breadcrumbs! Now, cover the dish with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it cooks. Bake it for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe] for more detailed steps if needed. Enjoy this tasty, warm casserole. It’s perfect for dinner or as a side dish! To boost the taste of your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I recommend using homemade cream of mushroom soup. It adds freshness and depth that store-bought versions can't match. You can easily make it by sautéing mushrooms with butter and mixing in some cream. Another fun tip is to experiment with different cheeses. Try gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making each bite exciting. To make your casserole look beautiful, garnish it with fresh parsley or chives. The green color brightens the dish and gives it a fresh taste. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with cheesy goodness. Make sure your broccoli is steamed evenly. This ensures every piece is tender and not overcooked. If some pieces are hard, they won't blend well with the rice. After baking, let the casserole rest for about five minutes. This simple step helps it set and makes slicing easier. You will have perfect portions for serving! You can easily switch the main veggies in this dish. Swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach. Both options taste great and add different flavors. You can also try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. This makes the meal healthier and adds more fiber. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the crispy topping but makes it safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For a vegan version, substitute cheese and milk with plant-based choices. Almond milk and vegan cheese work well here. Want to add more taste? Cooked chicken or turkey is a great protein boost. This makes the meal heartier. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat. These little changes make a big difference in flavor. {{image_4}} After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool down before sealing. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. You can freeze the casserole before baking it. This method lets you enjoy it later without losing taste. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Adjust the baking time since it will be cold. To reheat, the oven is your best bet. It helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Just cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. It’s great for busy days when you want a tasty meal fast. Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. This makes it easy to have a warm meal ready when you need it. Just remember to let it thaw before baking if frozen. You can use homemade cream soup or a different canned soup option, like cream of chicken or celery. This gives you flexibility based on what you have at home. To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute whole milk with low-fat or unsweetened almond milk. These changes still keep the dish creamy and tasty. Absolutely! It stores well and can be portioned for easy meal prepping. Just make sure to use airtight containers for freshness. Enjoy it throughout the week! - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Mix the cooked rice and steamed broccoli in a large bowl. 3. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well. 4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread evenly. 5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole. 6. Add the remaining cheese on top of the breadcrumbs. 7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, shiny side down. Bake for 25 minutes. 8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and golden breadcrumbs. 9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. - Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole - Calories: Approximately 320 - Total Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 42g - Protein: 12g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 2g This blog showed you how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered all the main ingredients, from rice and cheese to spices. You learned step-by-step how to mix and bake it perfectly. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and fun variations. Finally, you got key storage info and answers to common questions. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple, delicious, and adaptable for everyone.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with tender broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and savory cheddar cheese, this recipe is perfect for family meals or a cozy gathering. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be serving a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore this cheesy delight and bring warmth to your table tonight!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and steamed broccoli florets, breaking up any large pieces of broccoli for even distribution.

      To the rice and broccoli mixture, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy.

        Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray, then carefully transfer the rice and vegetable mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to create a level surface.

          In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy topping.

            Evenly distribute the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs, ensuring every bite will have a cheesy goodness.

              Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, shiny side facing down, to retain moisture during baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

                After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs have turned a lovely golden brown.

                  Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to set, making it easier to serve.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color. For an extra flavor enhancement, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top right before serving to elevate the dish even further.

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