Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. This classic dish combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese in a creamy, savory blanket that’s irresistible for both kids and grown-ups. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or a main dish for meatless Monday, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole brings crave-worthy flavor and satisfaction in every bite. It’s fuss-free, deeply comforting, and perfect for gatherings or family dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole lies in its simple, approachable ingredients—each one plays a special role in building texture, flavor, and that signature golden color. Here’s what you need, plus a tip for each!
- Butter: Use real butter for rich flavor and a luscious base for sautéing the onions.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Garlic: Just two cloves turn up the savory notes—don’t skip it!
- Cooked Rice: Both white and brown rice work; just make sure it’s fluffy and not mushy for best results.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli both work—just steam until just tender to keep those lovely green pops of color.
- Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: This shortcut brings instant creaminess and savory complexity.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy, creamy body—Greek yogurt is a great light substitute.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show; use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and sprinkle extra on top for that melty, golden finish.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and boosts color—smoked paprika is lovely if you have it.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential finishing touches; season to taste at the end for a perfectly balanced bite.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
The first step is as easy as it gets: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole won’t stick, and makes serving a breeze!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until it turns soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for half a minute—just until it releases that wonderful aroma. This process builds a solid flavor foundation for the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re starting with fresh broccoli, steam or boil the florets for about 4–5 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender—still vibrant green, not mushy! Using frozen? Thaw and drain it well so your casserole stays creamy and never watery.
Step 4: Mix Up the Casserole
Grab a big bowl and stir together the cooked rice, prepared broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream soup of your choice, sour cream, shredded cheddar, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is creamy and coated—it should look luscious and inviting.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Cheese
Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Feeling extra cheesy? Sprinkle another handful (or two) of cheddar over the top, making sure you cover every corner for that gorgeous, bubbling cheese crust.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop the dish in your hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted into golden perfection. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven—this helps everything set and makes it easier to spoon out beautiful portions.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Dress up your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with a flurry of fresh herbs—chopped parsley or chives add a fresh pop of color and brightness. Want a little crunch? Scatter some lightly toasted breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser next to roasted chicken, holiday turkey, or grilled steak. For a meatless feast, pair with a big garden salad or simple roasted vegetables for a balanced, nourishing spread. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish—just add a handful of leafy greens!
Creative Ways to Present
Portion Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for charming single servings at dinner parties, or scoop it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for a fun, handheld presentation. You can even top it with a fried or poached egg for a delicious brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days—making it a fantastic option for lively weekday lunches or easy suppers.
Freezing
This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Cool it completely, then wrap tightly (or store in a freezer-safe container). Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions in the microwave, covered, until steamy and hot. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you like. Stir midway if necessary to ensure even heat.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it, and store in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake as instructed, adding a few minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What’s the best rice to use?
Both white and brown rice taste great here. Just make sure the rice is cooked and not too sticky—leftover rice works beautifully and actually holds its texture especially well!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, and double-check your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This transformation keeps all the classic Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole flavors you love.
How can I add protein to this dish?
For an all-in-one meal, toss in cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna before baking. Crumbled cooked bacon or sliced veggie sausage are great add-ins too—get creative with what you have on hand.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Definitely! Cauliflower florets, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of spinach make fantastic additions or substitutions in your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked and drained to keep things creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s pure comfort yet easy enough for any night of the week, give Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole a try. It’s warm, welcoming, and a guaranteed family favorite from the very first bite!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender broccoli, flavorful rice, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or boil fresh broccoli until tender, or thaw and drain frozen broccoli.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix rice, broccoli, onion mixture, soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Spread mixture in baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add cooked shredded chicken for a complete meal.
- Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
