There is something so wonderfully comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole straight from the oven. This Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and a huge hit with the whole family.
You don’t need any fancy skills to pull this off. It’s one of those amazing broccoli recipes casserole dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it’s incredibly easy to assemble. We’re talking minimal prep for maximum flavor. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss.
It’s also a fantastic way to get some greens into your meal. The broccoli is smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a favorite even for picky eaters. What’s not to love about that?
Plus, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is super versatile. It works great as a main course or as a side dish for a holiday meal. It’s a real crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious broccoli bake. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 3 cups cooked rice (from about 1 cup uncooked rice)
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Broccoli
First, thaw your frozen broccoli. You can warm it in the microwave for about five minutes. Make sure to drain it very well so your casserole doesn’t get watery. Nobody wants that!
If some of the florets are a bit large, just chop them into smaller, bite sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mix everything together. Combine your warm cooked rice, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Give it a good stir.
Now, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir again. Finally, add in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it’s all wonderfully combined.
Gently fold in your prepared broccoli florets. Try not to mash them up too much.
Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Spoon the broccoli and rice mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. It already looks so good, right?
Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This is what creates that beautiful, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese on top has lovely golden brown spots.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Let the casserole cool down completely first.
Then, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
To reheat, just pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Tips
Want to switch things up? You can use frozen chopped broccoli instead of florets if that’s what you have on hand. It works just as well.
This is a great make ahead dish. You can prepare the entire casserole, top it with cheese, and then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Just remember to increase the baking time to about 60 to 75 minutes since it will be cold. If the cheese starts to get too brown, loosely cover it with foil for the last part of baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A warm, delicious, and oh so cheesy meal that everyone will love. This Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Enjoy every bite of this amazing broccoli bake!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh broccoli, just chop it into florets and steam or blanch it until it’s tender crisp. Drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is great on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with baked chicken, pork chops, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Can I Add A Protein?
Yes, this is a great recipe for adding protein. Cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham are fantastic additions. Just stir it in with the broccoli and rice mixture before baking.
Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food. A warm, bubbly casserole straight from the oven, it’s simple, satisfying, and a huge hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thaw the frozen broccoli and drain it very well to avoid a watery casserole. Chop any large florets into smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir well. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the drained broccoli. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to use fresh broccoli. Just steam or blanch it until tender-crisp and drain well before using.
This is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
For added protein, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham with the broccoli mixture before baking.
Nutrition
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