![- 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.](https://joymealplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/63660ef9-884f-40e9-9c69-6c7b156d354b-300x300.webp)
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!