![- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version) - 1/2 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients bring the casserole to life. You need cooked rice for a hearty base. Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. Cheddar cheese gives that rich, gooey texture we love. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and flavor. Use milk to keep it moist and smooth. Onions and garlic give a savory kick. Thyme and paprika add warmth, while salt and pepper balance the dish. Finally, breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping. - Variations for different cheeses - Using vegetables other than broccoli - Substitutes for cream of mushroom soup You can switch up the cheese for a different taste. Try mozzarella or gouda for new flavors! Feel free to use other vegetables like carrots or peas for variety. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or a homemade version. - 9x13-inch baking dish - Large mixing bowl - Skillet - Measuring cups and spoons Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A 9x13-inch baking dish helps hold all the yummy layers. A large mixing bowl is key for combining ingredients. A skillet allows you to sauté vegetables perfectly. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy in your recipe. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole section. Enjoy cooking this delightful family meal! First, you need to cook the rice. You can use white or brown rice. Follow the package instructions for cooking. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes. While the rice cooks, chop your vegetables. You will need fresh broccoli florets and a small onion. Make sure to cut the broccoli into small, even pieces. This helps them cook well. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about 3-5 minutes. They should soften and smell nice. After that, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté them for another 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green. This keeps their crunch. Now, mix all your ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooked rice, sautéed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Don’t forget the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. Then, fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the rest for later. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top. This creates a delicious crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The dish should be golden and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can find the full recipe [here]. To keep your broccoli bright and tasty, cook it lightly. Start by adding it to the pan for just a few minutes. This way, it stays green and crisp. If you overcook it, it can turn dull and mushy. For perfect rice texture, make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing. If you use leftover rice, it should be fluffy, not sticky. This will help your casserole blend well without clumps. When serving, scoop out portions onto plates. This helps show off the layers. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look even better. You can also place a slice of the casserole on a colorful plate to add a pop of color. For a charming display, consider using a clear dish. This way, guests can see the layers of cheese and broccoli. It makes the dish feel special. For added depth, try spices like garlic powder or onion powder. These can boost the flavor without being too strong. A pinch of cayenne can also bring a little heat if you like spice. Cheese variations can change the whole dish. You can mix in mozzarella for a milder taste. Or try pepper jack for a kick. This way, you can customize it to fit your family’s taste. For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better. Try using brown rice instead of white. Brown rice gives you more fiber. This small change boosts health benefits without losing taste. You can also swap in low-fat cheese. This keeps the creamy goodness while cutting calories. Get creative with your veggies! Cauliflower or spinach can work well here. They add new flavors and nutrients. If you want a protein boost, add cooked chicken or bacon. These options make the casserole heartier and more filling. Change things up with the seasons. In fall, add butternut squash for a sweet touch. For summer, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. These simple tweaks keep your meals exciting and fresh. Check out the Full Recipe to explore all the options! To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out or picking up other fridge smells. Before placing it in the fridge, let it cool for about 30 minutes. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, move the casserole to the fridge for 24 hours before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that it's heated all the way through before serving. In the fridge, your casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember that the longer it sits, the more it may lose its texture and flavor. To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole vegan, you can swap out the dairy and meat. Use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. You can also use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. For the cream of mushroom soup, find a vegan version or make your own with blended mushrooms and cashews. This way, you keep the creamy texture without any dairy. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this dish. However, it may affect the texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli often cooks down more, making it softer. If you choose frozen, try to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mix. This helps keep the casserole from becoming too watery. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a simple green salad to add freshness. Roasted chicken or grilled fish also make great choices for protein. If you want something lighter, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a fruit salad. To reheat leftovers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out. This blog post covered how to make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed the main ingredients, cooking tips, and variations. You learned how to prep and cook easily while enhancing flavor and presentation. Remember, this dish is versatile; you can swap ingredients based on your taste. Don't be afraid to try new things or make healthier choices. Enjoy crafting your own delicious casserole that can please anyone. Happy cooking!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4911f1bd-b267-4ae6-9b3e-febb826fcd28-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Indulge in comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Made with tender broccoli, creamy soup, and plenty of melted cheddar, this easy recipe is perfect for family dinners and potlucks. Discover how simple ingredients come together for a meal that's both hearty and satisfying.