![- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Selecting the best rice type: White vs. Brown White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture. Brown rice has more fiber and a nutty flavor. Choose what fits your taste and diet. Fresh broccoli vs. frozen: Which is better? Fresh broccoli tastes crisp and bright. Frozen broccoli is just as nutritious and is often more convenient. Both work well in this dish. Cheese options for a creamier casserole Cheddar is classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack or Gruyère. Mixing cheeses can add depth and creaminess to the casserole. You can find the complete recipe in the Full Recipe section. Enjoy making this comfort food delight! To make a great Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you follow a few simple steps. Let me guide you through the process. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix these well until smooth. - Blanch the broccoli florets by boiling them for about 2-3 minutes. This makes them bright green and a bit tender. After boiling, drain them and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process. - Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the rice mixture. Stir until all the spices are mixed in. Then, fold in the blanched broccoli gently until everything is combined. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. - In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese. Coat the breadcrumbs well. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This gives the top a nice golden and crispy look. - Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe details, check the [Full Recipe]. To ensure even cooking of the rice, start with fully cooked rice. If you're using leftover rice, make sure it is moist. Dry rice can lead to uneven texture. Stir the rice gently into the mixture. This keeps it fluffy and light. Blanching broccoli correctly is key for great color and texture. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them crisp. This casserole pairs well with grilled chicken or a simple side salad. The fresh crunch of a salad complements the creamy texture of the casserole. For garnishing, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also top it with a few extra cheese shreds before serving. If your casserole turns out dry, add a splash of milk before baking. This can help restore moisture. You can also cover it with foil to trap steam while baking. For different oven types, adjust the cooking time. If your oven runs hot, check it a few minutes early. Always keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. This helps achieve that perfect golden top. Find the full recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in the earlier section to guide you through the steps! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your casserole. Try adding proteins like chicken, sausage, or ham. This addition makes the dish heartier and more filling. For a fun twist, mix in different vegetables. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work great. They add color and flavor. Want a lighter dish? Use low-fat cheese or sour cream substitutes. They still give you that creamy texture without all the fat. If you're gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. You can still get a crunchy topping without worrying about gluten. Looking for something unique? Try a Southwest-style Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Add some spicy peppers and corn for a kick. Or go for an Italian-inspired version. Use herbs like basil and oregano, and add some diced tomatoes. These twists keep your meals exciting. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. This way, it won't trap heat and cause moisture. The casserole will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. This method keeps it fresh for up to three months. Label each package with the date for easy tracking. When it's time to enjoy your casserole again, reheating it properly is key. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot throughout. If you prefer the microwave, cut a piece and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1 to 2 minutes. Check the temperature often to avoid overcooking. This method helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Enjoy your delightful casserole again! To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, follow these key steps. First, gather your ingredients. You need cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, soup, milk, and spices. Mix the rice, cheese, soup, and milk in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about two minutes. Drain and cool it, then fold it into the rice mixture. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes until golden. This dish is warm and cheesy, perfect comfort food. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use leftover rice for this recipe. It helps save time and reduces waste. Leftover rice works well as it is already cooked. Make sure your rice is not too dry. If it is dry, add a splash of water or broth to moisten it slightly. This will help it mix better. Stir the rice into your cheese and broccoli mix. It will soak up the flavors and keep the dish creamy. This is a great way to make a quick meal. If you need to substitute for cream of mushroom soup, I have a few options. You can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. Both will add a nice flavor. If you want a homemade version, mix 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 cup of milk in a pot. Stir until thickened, then add spices for flavor. You can also use vegetable broth with a bit of cream for a lighter option. These substitutes will keep your casserole delicious and creamy. In this blog post, we explored the tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to choose the best rice and broccoli, plus ways to customize the recipe. The tips on storage and reheating help ensure great leftovers. This dish is easy and fun to make. It brings comfort and flavor to your table. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this delicious meal!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/04ab8ba4-fc9b-4a3a-8891-5db645169858-150x150.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Savor the flavors of comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar, and a crispy topping, it's a perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks. With easy steps and wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this delightful recipe in just about 50 minutes.