Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe That Kids Love

Broccoli rice and cheese casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients combine in this simple yet satisfying dish.

cheese melts perfectly between fluffy rice and tender broccoli florets.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated steps.

Weeknight meals demand something quick and delicious, and this casserole delivers exactly that.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a memorable side dish.

Scoop up a helping and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Basics

• Sneak healthy broccoli into a delicious cheesy dish that children will devour without realizing they're eating vegetables.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or side dishes that complement main courses with its rich, satisfying flavor profile.
• Uses affordable ingredients like rice, broccoli, and cheese to create a filling and economical dish that feeds the whole family.

Ingredients Needed for Broccoli Casserole

• Rice: White long-grain rice serves as the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Broccoli: Fresh green broccoli adds nutritious vegetable texture and flavor to the dish.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides creamy richness and melty goodness to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a smooth, creamy sauce that holds the casserole together.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Cheese: Additional cheese for a golden, melted topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy topping that adds a delightful crunch to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Fluffy cooked rice
• Tender steamed broccoli florets
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Aromatic onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Stir everything together until beautifully blended and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter.

Pour your creamy mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese over the top.

If you want some crunch, scatter breadcrumbs across the surface for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Cheesy and Tender Casserole

• Choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for more intense flavor and better melting quality.
• Pat steamed broccoli dry to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy and ensuring a creamy texture.
• Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or diced ham to transform this side dish into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Experiment with mixed vegetables like cauliflower or carrots alongside broccoli for added nutrition and color variety.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Pack the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its delicious taste and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot throughout.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy cheese topping.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Brighten the creamy casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the rich cheese and complementing the broccoli's earthy notes.
• Serve with Roasted Chicken: Add a simple herb-roasted chicken breast alongside the casserole for a complete protein-packed meal that balances the creamy rice and provides textural contrast.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Toss a light green salad with vinaigrette to introduce a tangy, fresh element that refreshes the palate between bites of the cheesy, comforting casserole.
• Complement with Buttery Chardonnay: Select an unoaked Chardonnay to mirror the dish's creamy texture while adding a subtle fruity undertone that elevates the overall dining experience.

Variations on Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade cream sauce with cornstarch.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Replace rice with quinoa for added protein.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice. Use full-fat cream cheese instead of milk. Choose a low-carb cream soup or make a custom sauce with heavy cream and herbs.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or canned tuna to the mixture. Include diced ham or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and protein boost.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the recipe to prevent a watery casserole.

• Is there a way to make this dish more protein-rich?

Add cooked diced chicken, ground turkey, or canned tuna to boost protein content. These options blend seamlessly with the cheesy rice and broccoli mixture.

• What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is classic and provides great flavor, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for more complexity. Sharp cheddar will give a more intense cheese taste.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version, skip breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free friendly.

Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli rice and cheese casserole delivers pure homestyle magic straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy, creamy goodness promises to satisfy your hunger with hearty warmth and delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for a bubbling, golden casserole.
2. Blend cooked rice and tender steamed broccoli in a spacious mixing vessel, integrating cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
3. Incorporate one portion of cheese into the blended ingredients, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring the casserole won’t stick during cooking.
5. Smoothly transfer the rice and broccoli amalgamation into the prepared dish, creating an even layer.
6. Crown the surface with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs, providing a tantalizing crisp topping.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, effervescent cheese layer that signals perfect doneness.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with monterey jack for deeper flavor complexity.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium and more control over ingredients.
• Transform this into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking soup ingredients carefully.
• Add protein boost with diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to make the casserole more substantial and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg