Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dish? This Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect side or main dish for any meal! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli and rice, it’s a great way to get those veggies in while enjoying a delicious, hearty dish. This casserole is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough for holiday gatherings.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Uses simple ingredients and comes together in just about 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Cheesy goodness that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variation)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Casserole dish (9×13): For baking the casserole.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the ingredients.
- Large skillet: To sauté the onion and garlic.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side: This casserole pairs perfectly with roast chicken, turkey, or beef.
- As a Main Dish: Add cooked, shredded chicken, turkey, or ham for a more filling, one-dish meal.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Both work great, but if using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole.
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or even ground beef.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
- To Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Freeze before baking or after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can add in peas, carrots, or cauliflower for more variety.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if chilled.
Q3: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor, or make your own creamy sauce using a roux (butter, flour, and milk).
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best!
This Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it a full meal by adding protein, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Give it a try, and it just might become a regular on your dinner table!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole and share it with family and friends!
