This Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite! Whether you need a cozy side dish for a family dinner or a satisfying meatless meal, trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Rice Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a quick weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a hit. Here’s why:
Versatile
Serve it as a side dish or a main course. Add protein like chicken or turkey for a heartier meal!
Budget-Friendly
Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients to create a creamy, delicious dish without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable
Switch up the cheeses, add some spice, or toss in extra veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor—kids and adults alike love this one!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Broccoli Rice Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy dish. Let’s break it down:
Cooked Rice: The base of the casserole. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work great!
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, this green goodness adds texture, flavor, and a nutritional boost.
Cheddar Cheese: The key to that creamy, cheesy goodness. Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor!
Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup: A shortcut ingredient that brings extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
Onion and Garlic: For an extra layer of savory goodness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little kick.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers (Optional): For a crispy, golden topping that adds a satisfying crunch.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Cook the Rice and Broccoli
If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. For the broccoli, steam or blanch it until just tender.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, sautéed onions, soup, milk, and half of the cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
- As a Main Dish: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or ground beef to make it a complete meal.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances out the richness of the casserole.
- With a Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli—if using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- For extra cheesiness, mix in a little Parmesan or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Make it ahead—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Want a lighter version? Use low-fat cheese, skim milk, or swap the cream soup for Greek yogurt.
- For a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use instant rice?
Yes! Just follow the package directions and adjust the liquid accordingly.
2. Can I freeze Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
3. How do I make this without canned soup?
You can substitute with a homemade roux-based sauce using butter, flour, milk, and broth.
4. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes! Cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef work great.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers.
6. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well too!
7. How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Drain any excess moisture from the broccoli and avoid overcooking the rice.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and a dairy-free butter alternative.
9. How long will leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
10. Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots make great additions.
Conclusion
Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect as a side or main meal. Made with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and milk. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crispy texture.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh; just thaw and drain well before using.
– Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
– Add cooked shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg