Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Cooking a hearty broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to any meal.

Cheesy goodness melts perfectly into every delectable bite.

Nutritious green florets add vibrant color and incredible flavor to this classic dish.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp vegetable notes throughout the casserole.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this satisfying recipe that everyone will devour.

Broccoli Rice Casserole That’s Creamy and Cheesy

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this broccoli rice casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without endless cooking time.
• Vegetable Sneaking Champion: Easily incorporate nutritious broccoli into a cheesy, creamy dish that even picky eaters will devour without realizing they're eating healthy vegetables.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Create a satisfying meal using affordable ingredients like rice, frozen broccoli, and pantry staples that stretch your grocery budget without compromising flavor.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple casserole that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single baking dish, making dinner preparation and post-meal washing a breeze.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredient Summary

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the casserole. Look for bright green, firm florets with no yellow spots.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor. Choose yellow or white onions for the best taste.

• Rice, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base ingredients that create a hearty and comforting dish. Use long-grain white rice or brown rice for best results. Select sharp or mild cheddar depending on preference.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the casserole. Full-fat variety works best for creamy texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy binding sauce for the casserole. Use condensed soup from a can.
• Butter: Helps sauté onions and adds richness. Unsalted butter allows better control of salt levels.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor. Adjust to personal taste preference.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Assembly in Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Steam Green Goodness

Pop the broccoli into a steamer and cook until it’s tender but still sporting a vibrant green color.

Once done, set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Flavor Builders

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and transparent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Comfort

• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Sautéed onions
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling and the cheese turns golden and melty.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before diving in.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Tips for Cheesy Comfort Perfection

• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green hue and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and dull.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, rich taste that elevates the entire casserole's flavor profile.
• Mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup thoroughly to ensure a smooth, consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Top the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 10 minutes of baking for added textural contrast.

Store Broccoli Rice Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole stays good for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Alternatively, microwave from frozen in 2-3 minute intervals until heated thoroughly.

Sides for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, cheesy casserole's richness and cut through its dense texture.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Grill a lemon-herb seasoned chicken breast as a protein-packed main dish that balances the casserole's creamy vegetable profile and adds lean protein to the meal.
• Add Tangy Side Salad: Create a fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the casserole's rich and comforting flavors, helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide a crunchy textural element to the soft casserole.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Add-On Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free rice. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup and swap sour cream with cashew cream.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice. Use a low-carb cream soup substitute and reduce cheese quantity for fewer calories.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked chicken or turkey to increase protein content. Mix diced meat into the casserole before baking for extra nutrition.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan. It contains dairy products like butter, sour cream, and cheese.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots, or swap white rice for brown rice to increase fiber and nutrients. You can also use low-fat dairy options to reduce calories.

• What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Avoid sticky short-grain rice, as it might make the casserole too dense and mushy.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Melted cheddar, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice combine in a hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking lubricant.
2. Transform broccoli florets into tender, vibrant green morsels through gentle steaming, then reserve to the side.
3. Melt dairy fat in a skillet over medium thermal intensity, introducing diced onion fragments and coaxing them toward translucent softness through careful sautéing.
4. Create a harmonious culinary blend by merging cooked grain kernels, verdant broccoli clusters, caramelized onion essence, creamy mushroom reduction, tangy dairy suspension, aromatic garlic powder, seasoning elements, and a generous portion of shredded cheddar particles.
5. Transfer the integrated mixture into the prepared ceramic landscape, ensuring uniform distribution across the baking terrain.
6. Crown the casserole with remaining cheese fragments, allowing them to create a golden, melted architectural layer.
7. Position the assembled creation within the heated chamber, allowing approximately 25-30 minutes for transformation into a bubbling, molten masterpiece.
8. Allow the casserole a brief moment of calm after emerging from thermal intensity, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is steamed precisely to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture without becoming mushy.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier, preservative-free alternative.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use cauliflower rice and verify all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Add protein variety by incorporating cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 346
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg