![- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping) When I create Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. The base starts with cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice; both work well. Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. I use fresh florets for the best taste. Next, I add cheese. Cheddar gives that sharp flavor, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Cream of mushroom soup keeps everything creamy and rich. Milk adds the right amount of moisture. Seasoning is key! Garlic and onion powder bring out the flavors. I like to sprinkle in salt and black pepper for a little kick. If you want a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a great finish. This dish is easy to make with these simple ingredients. You can find the Full Recipe with all the steps you need to create this tasty meal. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. - Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. - Now, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. - If you like, prepare a breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it on top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. This recipe is simple and fun. You will love how it fills your home with tasty smells! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this dish with your family! To keep your broccoli bright green, blanch it first. Boil water and add the broccoli for two minutes. Then, transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking. This step locks in color and flavor. If your casserole is too thick, add more milk. Start with a little, mix, and check. For a creamier texture, keep adjusting until it feels just right. Pair your casserole with a green salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the dish. Avoid overcooking the casserole. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You want the top to be golden brown, not burnt. Choose the right cheese for melting. Cheddar and mozzarella work best. Avoid cheeses that do not melt well, like feta or goat cheese. For the best results, stick to the recipe's cheese options. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. Just chop the meat into small pieces and mix it in with the rice and cheese. You can also incorporate cooked bacon or sausage. The smoky flavor from bacon adds a nice twist. Sausage gives a savory kick, making it even more filling. If you want a vegetarian option, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version. This way, you can control the flavors and ingredients. You can also use alternative vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. Cauliflower gives a great texture, while spinach adds nice color and nutrients. To make the casserole gluten-free, stick with rice and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. If you're looking for dairy-free options, try using dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great melting cheese that works well in casseroles. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and odors out. Store it in the fridge. The casserole will last about three to four days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. If you want to freeze the casserole, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. The casserole will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat frozen casserole, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. This will help it heat evenly without drying out. When reheating the casserole, I recommend using the oven. This gives the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot in the center. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. This method can dry it out, so be careful. Choose the method that works best for you. Enjoy your cheesy goodness! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. If it’s cold from the fridge, it might need a bit more time. This method keeps your casserole fresh and ready to serve. Absolutely! You can use different cheeses based on your taste. If you are lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese. For a stronger flavor, use sharp cheddar or gouda. You can also mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just remember, any cheese you choose should melt well to keep that gooey texture. Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing it into the casserole. This step helps avoid extra water in your dish. You may need to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it's hot and bubbling. Using frozen broccoli is a great way to save time and still enjoy a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog outlined a creamy cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered the key ingredients, tips, and variations. You learned how to bake it perfectly and store leftovers. Make this dish your own by adding proteins or altering ingredients for dietary needs. Enjoy each bite, knowing it’s easy to make and delicious. Can't wait for you to try it!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/df311f90-dfdc-44de-9891-0208c7ef314d-768x768.webp)
Looking for a delicious meal that brings the whole family together? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is packed with flavor and comfort. With simple ingredients like rice, cheese, and fresh broccoli, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Join me as we explore step-by-step instructions and tips to create this delightful dish. Let’s dive in and make a meal everyone will rave about!
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– ½ cup milk
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
When I create Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. The base starts with cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice; both work well. Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. I use fresh florets for the best taste.
Next, I add cheese. Cheddar gives that sharp flavor, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Cream of mushroom soup keeps everything creamy and rich. Milk adds the right amount of moisture.
Seasoning is key! Garlic and onion powder bring out the flavors. I like to sprinkle in salt and black pepper for a little kick. If you want a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a great finish.
This dish is easy to make with these simple ingredients. You can find the Full Recipe with all the steps you need to create this tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
Mixing and Seasoning
– Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
– Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Baking the Casserole
– Now, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
– If you like, prepare a breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it on top.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
This recipe is simple and fun. You will love how it fills your home with tasty smells! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this dish with your family!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To keep your broccoli bright green, blanch it first. Boil water and add the broccoli for two minutes. Then, transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking. This step locks in color and flavor.
If your casserole is too thick, add more milk. Start with a little, mix, and check. For a creamier texture, keep adjusting until it feels just right.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your casserole with a green salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal.
For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the casserole. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You want the top to be golden brown, not burnt.
Choose the right cheese for melting. Cheddar and mozzarella work best. Avoid cheeses that do not melt well, like feta or goat cheese. For the best results, stick to the recipe’s cheese options.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Protein-Packed Additions
You can add cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. Just chop the meat into small pieces and mix it in with the rice and cheese. You can also incorporate cooked bacon or sausage. The smoky flavor from bacon adds a nice twist. Sausage gives a savory kick, making it even more filling.
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you want a vegetarian option, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version. This way, you can control the flavors and ingredients. You can also use alternative vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. Cauliflower gives a great texture, while spinach adds nice color and nutrients.
Gluten-Free Options
To make the casserole gluten-free, stick with rice and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great melting cheese that works well in casseroles.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and odors out. Store it in the fridge. The casserole will last about three to four days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the casserole, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. The casserole will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat frozen casserole, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. This will help it heat evenly without drying out.
Reheating Tips
When reheating the casserole, I recommend using the oven. This gives the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot in the center.
You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. This method can dry it out, so be careful. Choose the method that works best for you. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. If it’s cold from the fridge, it might need a bit more time. This method keeps your casserole fresh and ready to serve.
Can I substitute the cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use different cheeses based on your taste. If you are lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese. For a stronger flavor, use sharp cheddar or gouda. You can also mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just remember, any cheese you choose should melt well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it possible to use frozen broccoli for this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing it into the casserole. This step helps avoid extra water in your dish. You may need to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s hot and bubbling. Using frozen broccoli is a great way to save time and still enjoy a tasty meal.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
This blog outlined a creamy cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered the key ingredients, tips, and variations. You learned how to bake it perfectly and store leftovers.
Make this dish your own by adding proteins or altering ingredients for dietary needs. Enjoy each bite, knowing it’s easy to make and delicious. Can’t wait for you to try it!
![- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping) When I create Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. The base starts with cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice; both work well. Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. I use fresh florets for the best taste. Next, I add cheese. Cheddar gives that sharp flavor, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Cream of mushroom soup keeps everything creamy and rich. Milk adds the right amount of moisture. Seasoning is key! Garlic and onion powder bring out the flavors. I like to sprinkle in salt and black pepper for a little kick. If you want a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a great finish. This dish is easy to make with these simple ingredients. You can find the Full Recipe with all the steps you need to create this tasty meal. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. - Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. - Now, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. - If you like, prepare a breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it on top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. This recipe is simple and fun. You will love how it fills your home with tasty smells! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this dish with your family! To keep your broccoli bright green, blanch it first. Boil water and add the broccoli for two minutes. Then, transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking. This step locks in color and flavor. If your casserole is too thick, add more milk. Start with a little, mix, and check. For a creamier texture, keep adjusting until it feels just right. Pair your casserole with a green salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the dish. Avoid overcooking the casserole. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You want the top to be golden brown, not burnt. Choose the right cheese for melting. Cheddar and mozzarella work best. Avoid cheeses that do not melt well, like feta or goat cheese. For the best results, stick to the recipe's cheese options. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. Just chop the meat into small pieces and mix it in with the rice and cheese. You can also incorporate cooked bacon or sausage. The smoky flavor from bacon adds a nice twist. Sausage gives a savory kick, making it even more filling. If you want a vegetarian option, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version. This way, you can control the flavors and ingredients. You can also use alternative vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. Cauliflower gives a great texture, while spinach adds nice color and nutrients. To make the casserole gluten-free, stick with rice and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. If you're looking for dairy-free options, try using dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great melting cheese that works well in casseroles. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and odors out. Store it in the fridge. The casserole will last about three to four days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. If you want to freeze the casserole, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. The casserole will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat frozen casserole, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. This will help it heat evenly without drying out. When reheating the casserole, I recommend using the oven. This gives the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot in the center. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. This method can dry it out, so be careful. Choose the method that works best for you. Enjoy your cheesy goodness! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. If it’s cold from the fridge, it might need a bit more time. This method keeps your casserole fresh and ready to serve. Absolutely! You can use different cheeses based on your taste. If you are lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese. For a stronger flavor, use sharp cheddar or gouda. You can also mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just remember, any cheese you choose should melt well to keep that gooey texture. Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing it into the casserole. This step helps avoid extra water in your dish. You may need to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it's hot and bubbling. Using frozen broccoli is a great way to save time and still enjoy a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog outlined a creamy cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered the key ingredients, tips, and variations. You learned how to bake it perfectly and store leftovers. Make this dish your own by adding proteins or altering ingredients for dietary needs. Enjoy each bite, knowing it’s easy to make and delicious. Can't wait for you to try it!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/df311f90-dfdc-44de-9891-0208c7ef314d-250x250.webp)
