Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the epitome of cheesy, creamy comfort food. It combines three essential ingredients – rice, broccoli, and cheese – and transforms them into a dish that everyone will love. With extra flavor from garlic powder and a generous amount of cheddar cheese, it’s more than just a vegetable side dish. It’s hearty, savory, and a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, the changes made to boost flavor, such as increasing the broccoli ratio and adding more seasonings, ensure that it won’t fall flat like some other versions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Thaw the broccoli and warm it in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain well and cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine warm cooked rice, onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Stir in the broccoli and mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 10-12 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, and total cook time is approximately 40 minutes, bringing the entire dish together in about 1 hour.
Variations
- Use a different type of cheese like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more intense flavor.
- Add some cooked chicken or bacon to make it a more filling main dish.
- Substitute the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor base.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just make sure to steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
3. Can I freeze this broccoli-rice casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
4. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, using cream of mushroom soup and omitting any meat would make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
6. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but make sure to cook it beforehand as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
7. Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese on top or stir in additional cheese to the mixture for extra cheesiness.
8. Is this casserole spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
9. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese, milk, and soup for a lighter version of the dish.
10. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn can be added to the casserole for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Broccoli-Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish will surely become a favorite at your table!
Broccoli-Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli-Rice Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish, made with rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with the savory flavors of garlic powder and paprika creates a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. This casserole is sure to please any crowd, offering a comforting balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Thaw the broccoli: Microwave frozen broccoli for about 5 minutes, then drain well and cut large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the warm cooked rice, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broccoli: Mix in the broccoli until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a cheesier casserole, feel free to add more cheese to the top or mix in extra cheese.
- You can make the casserole ahead of time by assembling it the day before and refrigerating until ready to bake.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, use low-fat cheese, milk, and soup.
