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- 2 cups cooked white rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent) - 1/2 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons butter, melted Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Each item plays an important role in flavor and texture. Cooked white rice serves as the base. It gives the dish a hearty feel. Fresh broccoli florets bring color and nutrients. You can use frozen broccoli if you need a quick option. Shredded cheddar cheese is the star here, adding that rich, cheesy goodness we all love. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and flavor depth. Milk helps to blend everything smoothly. The finely chopped onion gives a nice bite, while garlic powder, black pepper, and salt round out the taste. For the topping, use breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. This adds a crunchy layer that contrasts nicely with the soft casserole. This dish serves six, making it perfect for family meals. The prep is quick, taking just 15 minutes. After cooking for 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Combine 2 cups of cooked white rice and 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets in a mixing bowl. This step sets the stage for a warm, cheesy meal. The rice should be fluffy, and the broccoli can be fresh or thawed if frozen. I love the crunch of fresh broccoli, but both work well. - Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Stir until well mixed. Mixing these ingredients creates a creamy base. The cheese adds richness, while the onion gives a nice flavor. Make sure to stir thoroughly, so every bite is tasty. - Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. - Prepare 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole. Add the reserved cheddar cheese on top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. This step makes the dish golden and crispy on top. The breadcrumbs and cheese create a delicious crust. Keep an eye on it; you want it bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy broccoli rice casserole! You can find the full recipe above. Mix your ingredients well to ensure every bite is full of flavor. This helps the cheese and broccoli blend perfectly. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the baking time. Check it a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Want to spice things up? Add cooked chicken for extra protein. You can also toss in other veggies like peas or carrots for more color and taste. Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavors. Each cheese brings its own twist to the casserole. To serve, I like to use the baking dish. It gives a cozy vibe. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can also add more cheese before serving to make it extra tasty. Your guests will love the look and smell! {{image_2}} For a gluten-free twist, swap the cream of mushroom soup. You can use a homemade version made with gluten-free flour and broth. This keeps the creamy texture without the gluten. Also, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to top your casserole. They will give you the same crunch as regular breadcrumbs. You can boost the veggie power in this dish. Consider adding sliced carrots, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and flavor. For a dairy-free option, replace the cheddar with plant-based cheese. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. If you're watching calories, cut back on the cheese. Reducing it by half still gives flavor. You can also replace the white rice with cauliflower rice. This adds a nice texture and cuts down on carbs. Both options help make this dish lighter without losing its comfort. For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Label the container with the date you made it. This helps you track how long it has been in the fridge. The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps maintain texture and flavor. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before heating. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake as directed in the recipe. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 45 minutes to be tender. This will change the texture of the dish. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor that some people love. Use the same amount as white rice in the recipe. Just be sure to check that it is fully cooked before mixing it in. You can prep this dish early for convenience. First, cook the rice and let it cool. Chop the broccoli and onion, then store them in the fridge. Mix everything else, but don’t bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. Garlic bread makes a great addition too. You could also add some grilled chicken for protein. If you like, serve it with roasted vegetables for extra flavor. Absolutely! Kids usually enjoy cheesy dishes. To make it more appealing, you can let them help in the kitchen. Let them sprinkle cheese on top or mix ingredients. You can also cut the broccoli into smaller pieces. This makes it easier for them to eat. If they like crunchy textures, consider adding crispy bacon bits on top. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple to prepare and delicious. You mix cooked rice, fresh broccoli, cheese, and a few other ingredients, then bake it. Remember, you can adjust it with meat, different cheeses, or veggies. As you try this recipe, make it your own. Experiment and have fun. You'll create a meal that suits your taste and delights your family. Enjoy making this comforting dish!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a creamy, cheesy dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Discover how easy it is to blend cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese into a delightful casserole that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty treat to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)

1/2 cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice and broccoli florets together.

      Add the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a handful for topping), chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.

        Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

          In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole mixture.

            Top with the reserved cheddar cheese.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or scoop portions onto individual plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.