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- 2 cups cooked rice - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - Fresh parsley for garnish This casserole is rich in flavor and comfort. Each serving has about 300 calories. It contains around 12 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein. You can enjoy this dish without guilt. The cheese gives it a rich taste, while broccoli adds fiber. Using cream of mushroom soup keeps it moist and creamy. You can find the Full Recipe above to make it yourself! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Grab a large baking dish and grease it lightly. This helps prevent sticking. 3. Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 4. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. 5. Once the onion softens, add the minced garlic. Cook it for an extra minute until it smells great. 6. Now, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. Remove from heat. 1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, the broccoli mix, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and paprika. 2. Stir everything until well combined. This is the base of your casserole. 3. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Save the rest for later. 4. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. It adds flavor to your dish. 1. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure even cooking. 2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish. 3. If you like, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. 4. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden top to know it's done. You can find the full recipe above to ensure you have all the details right! To make perfect rice, rinse it first. This removes extra starch. Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water. Bring water to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done. For broccoli, steam it for 3-4 minutes. You want it bright green and tender but still crisp. This keeps its flavor and nutrients intact. Avoid overcooking, as it can turn mushy. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or vegetable soup. You can even make a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and cream. It adds a fresh taste. For cheese, try using mozzarella or gouda instead of cheddar. Each type gives a unique flavor. Blend different cheeses for a richer taste. Just keep the total amount the same. Pair your casserole with a fresh salad or steamed green beans. This balances the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For presentation, use a vibrant plate. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Serve it hot and bubbly, so everyone enjoys the creamy goodness. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe above. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole. Chicken or sausage works great. Just cook them before adding to the mix. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For sausage, slice it into rounds. Both will add a tasty twist. If you prefer a meat-free option, consider using chickpeas or lentils. These will give you a good protein boost without meat. To change the flavor, you can add herbs or spices. Try thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. These will wake up the dish and make it special. You can also switch the cheese. Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor to the casserole. Using seasonal vegetables can make this dish shine. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a fresh touch. In fall, try sweet potatoes or butternut squash. These veggies will not only taste great but also add color. You can also adjust the recipe for holidays. For example, add cranberry sauce for a festive flair. This makes your casserole perfect for gatherings. To store your Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cover it well. It will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to freeze the casserole, I suggest cutting it into portions. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the casserole fresh for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes. For busy weekdays, make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake it and then portion it out. Store single servings in containers for easy meals. This makes it super simple to grab and go any day of the week. You could find the full recipe to help you plan your next meal! You can make this casserole gluten-free by using specific ingredients. Here’s what to do: - Use gluten-free rice, like brown or white rice. - Substitute regular cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or homemade soup. - Ensure the cheese you choose is labeled gluten-free. These swaps will help you enjoy the same great taste without gluten. Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Here are some benefits and tips: - Frozen broccoli is easy to prep and saves time. - It’s often picked and frozen at peak freshness, keeping nutrients intact. - Before adding to the casserole, thaw and drain any excess water. This step helps prevent a watery dish. Look for these signs to know your casserole is ready: - The top should be golden brown and bubbly. - You can insert a fork or knife in the center; it should come out clean. - The edges might start to pull away from the sides of the dish. These clues will guide you to perfect doneness every time. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. You now have a simple yet delicious recipe for Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered key ingredients, easy steps, and creative variations. Plus, I shared tips for storage and meal prep. This dish is perfect for any meal and can suit different diets. Try making it your own with extra flavors or proteins. Whether you serve it fresh or as leftovers, it will always please. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy making this tasty casserole!

Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole, a perfect dish for any meal! This creamy and cheesy casserole combines tender broccoli, savory onions, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this delicious recipe in just 45 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli-onion-garlic mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and paprika. Mix well.

            Fold in half of the cheddar cheese, reserving the other half for topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish, spreading it evenly.

                Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top, and if using, add breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

                    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6