If you’re looking for a comforting and cheesy dish that’s easy to make, this Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish makes a fantastic side or a satisfying meatless meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Made with basic ingredients and ready in 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, creamy dish!
- Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for making ahead and reheating later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- White or brown rice (2 cups, cooked)
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, chopped)
- Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Milk (½ cup)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (½ tsp, optional)
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (½ cup, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Broccoli – Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Mix the Casserole Base – In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, sautéed onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
- Add the Topping – Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the casserole for a crispy finish.
- Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy! – Let it cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve with Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Baked fish or shrimp
- A fresh garden salad
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli – If using frozen, thaw and drain before adding.
- Try different cheeses – Mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make it heartier – Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Use a homemade roux by combining 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, and 1 cup of milk.
Can I use a different vegetable?
Absolutely! Try adding cauliflower, peas, or carrots.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and skip the breadcrumb topping.
Conclusion
This Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 450mg
Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a comforting and cheesy dish that’s easy to make, this Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish makes a fantastic side or a satisfying meatless meal.
Ingredients
- White or brown rice (2 cups, cooked)
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, chopped)
- Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Milk (½ cup)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (½ tsp, optional)
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (½ cup, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Broccoli – Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Mix the Casserole Base – In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, sautéed onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
- Add the Topping – Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the casserole for a crispy finish.
- Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy! – Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli – If using frozen, thaw and drain before adding.
- Try different cheeses – Mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make it heartier – Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
