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- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen broccoli) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup milk - Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste - Optional Topping: 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter To make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, you need a few key ingredients. The rice is the base, giving the dish its hearty texture. I recommend using either white or brown rice. Both options work well. Next, fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, thawed frozen broccoli will work too. It's a great time-saver! Cheddar cheese is the star of this dish. You’ll use some in the mix and save some for the top. This gives a nice cheesy crust when baked. You’ll also need cream of mushroom soup and milk. These ingredients make the casserole creamy and flavorful. Lastly, add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These give your dish extra flavor. If you want a crunchy topping, consider using bread crumbs mixed with melted butter. This adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy base. For the full recipe and instructions, check out the recipe section. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter. This step helps the casserole not stick. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook them for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. After cooking, drain the broccoli and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen broccoli) - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything well. Make sure the rice and broccoli are evenly coated with cheese and soup. This ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious. Now, pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will make a crunchy topping. Sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs on top of the casserole. Then, add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check to see if the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. When it looks good, it’s ready to enjoy! For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, start with freshly cooked rice. It gives your dish the perfect texture. Using leftover rice can make the casserole gummy and less appealing. Next, let's talk about the broccoli. You can blanch or steam it to keep its bright green color. This step is key to making your dish look as good as it tastes. Cook the broccoli for just a few minutes. It should be tender but still firm. This way, it will hold up well in the casserole. When you serve your casserole, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and a nice fresh taste. You can also top it with extra cheese for more flavor. Pair the casserole with a protein, like grilled chicken or baked fish. This adds balance to your meal. It turns your casserole into a full dinner that everyone will enjoy. {{image_4}} You can make this dish fit many diets. If you need a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of bread crumbs. This keeps the dish light while still giving it a nice crunch. For those who avoid dairy, you can swap in plant-based cheese and milk. Both options keep the cheesy flavor while making it suitable for various diets. Want to add some protein? You can toss in cooked chicken or turkey. This makes the casserole heartier and adds great taste. You can also mix in other veggies. Bell peppers and carrots add color and extra nutrition. These simple changes can make your casserole even more delicious and fun to eat. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool down. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents drying out. The casserole can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze the casserole, first let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. This helps to keep the flavor and texture intact. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot. This method helps maintain the cheesy goodness and the crunch from the bread crumbs. Enjoy your meal even after it has been frozen! For the full recipe, check the section above. You can easily prepare Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. First, cook the rice and broccoli as per the recipe. Then, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Instead of baking it right away, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. This saves time and makes meal prep easy! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! It works just as well. Just thaw it before adding it to the casserole. You do not need to cook it first. Thawing helps it blend nicely with the other ingredients. Use about 3 cups of thawed frozen broccoli. It keeps the dish quick and simple while still being tasty. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with a light salad or some grilled chicken. You can also add a slice of crusty bread for a heartier meal. For drinks, a cool lemonade or iced tea complements the dish nicely. These additions balance the flavors and create a full meal experience. In this post, we covered how to make a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to enhance your dish. Remember to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. This recipe is perfect for sharing and can be easily stored for later. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your favorite sides or as a standalone meal. Cooking should be fun and easy, and this casserole nails both!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with wholesome broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar, this dish is perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare, it combines cooked rice and a crispy topping for extra crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a delicious way to get your veggies in. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or use thawed frozen broccoli)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

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

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for bread crumbs)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter for ease of serving.

    Prepare the Broccoli: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they become vibrant green and slightly tender. After cooking, promptly drain the broccoli and set it aside.

      Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, as well as salt and pepper. Using a spoon or spatula, stir the mixture until all ingredients are uniformly blended.

        Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the broccoli and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.

          Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter until all crumbs are well-coated. Evenly sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture for an added crunch.

            Add Final Cheese Layer: Finish by scattering the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a delightful cheesy crust as it bakes.

              Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving, enhancing the flavors and making it easier to cut portions.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm in individual portions. For a tasteful finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese on top, adding both color and flavor to your dish.