Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 40 minutes, it combines tender rice, vibrant steamed broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (freshly cooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (homemade for freshness)
• 1 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup milk (any type of milk)
• 1 medium chopped yellow onion (optional, sautéed)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for the mixture)
• 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (can be omitted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the white rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Steam the broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes until tender and vibrant green.
4. Step 4: Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Step 6: Fold 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture until evenly blended.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and sautéed onion to the cheese mixture; stir until well combined.
8. Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or diced ham to the casserole before baking.
• Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different taste.
• If you prefer fresh garlic, use 2 cloves minced instead of garlic powder.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier and healthier option.
• Add a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling on top before baking without foil in the last 10 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole uncovered until solid, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well, though it may need a slightly longer cooking time and will give the dish a nuttier flavor.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This delicious Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and lots of melted cheddar cheese, it is a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily in under 40 minutes. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a satisfying main or side dish for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (freshly cooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (homemade for freshness)
• 1 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup milk (any type of milk)
• 1 medium chopped yellow onion (optional, sautéed)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for the mixture)
• 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Seasonings & Others

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (can be omitted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Rice: Prepare white rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool. Freshly cooked rice is important for the best texture.
3. Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant green, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
4. Sauté Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, adding depth of flavor to the casserole.
5. Mix Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder (optional), salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth and well blended.
6. Add Cheese to Mixture: Fold 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture evenly to ensure cheesy flavor is distributed throughout.
7. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and sautéed onion to the cheese and soup mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
8. Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
9. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes out of the oven before serving to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to cut calories and add protein.
• The cream of mushroom soup can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make your own.
• Adding sautéed onion is optional but adds a nice flavor depth.
• Feel free to add cooked chicken or bacon bits to make it a heartier main dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, rice casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, baked casserole, family dinner recipe, easy casserole