Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy Comfort Dish

Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white); 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup cream of mushroom soup; 0.5 cup milk; 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

December 3, 2025June 26, 2025 by Emma Smith

If you’re craving a warm and cheesy dish that’s simple to make, you’ve found it! My Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. With just a few key ingredients, this creamy, cheesy delight combines cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. You can customize it with your favorite spices and toppings. Let’s dive into the steps for creating this delicious meal that everyone will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures with cheesy goodness that warms the soul.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with broccoli and whole grains, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Versatile Dish: This recipe can be customized with different vegetables or proteins, making it a flexible option for any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)

– 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

Seasonings and Toppings

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

In this recipe, the main ingredients form a hearty base. The rice offers a great texture, while broccoli adds a fresh crunch. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a creamy richness that ties everything together. The cream of mushroom soup boosts the flavor and moisture.

Next, the additional ingredients like milk and onions add depth. The milk makes the casserole creamy, and the onions bring sweetness.

Seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, and salt enhance the dish. They provide balance and highlight the flavors.

Finally, breadcrumbs and olive oil create a crispy topping. This adds a delightful contrast to the soft casserole. If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

This combination of ingredients makes for a delicious and comforting dish. Each bite is a warm hug from the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Mixing Ingredients

– Add 3 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.

– In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, the sautéed broccoli and onions, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is combined.

Assembling the Casserole

– Fold in 3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

– In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Baking Instructions

– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

– Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

– Add spices for extra flavor, like red pepper flakes for heat.

– Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh taste.

Using these tips makes your casserole pop with flavor. Red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish and add a lovely aroma.

Cooking Tips

– Ensure broccoli is not overcooked before mixing.

– Mix ingredients gently to avoid breaking the rice.

Keep your broccoli crisp and bright. This way, the casserole stays colorful and tasty. Gently mixing helps keep the rice whole. You want each bite to be fluffy and nice.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve warm with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

– Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Serving the casserole warm makes it comforting. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and flavor. Lemon slices on the side bring a zing that cuts through the creaminess. Pairing it with a salad adds crunch and freshness, making it a full meal.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure it is heated through before adding to the mix.
Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Breadcrumb Options: For added flavor, consider mixing herbs or spices into the breadcrumbs before topping the casserole.

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

If you want a healthier twist, try these tips. You can substitute brown rice for white rice. Brown rice brings more fiber to your meal. This small change makes your dish even better for you. Another option is to use low-fat cheese and milk. This swap cuts some calories while keeping the cheesy taste you love.

Dietary Preferences

For those with gluten issues, it’s easy to adjust the recipe. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This keeps the dish safe for everyone. If you’re vegan, you can still enjoy this casserole. Simply swap the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. There are great options like cashew or almond cheese available.

Flavorful Additions

Want to make your casserole more filling? Consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or tofu can boost the nutrition and flavor. It makes the dish heartier and satisfying. You can also add nuts for a nice crunch. Almonds or walnuts work great and add a new texture to every bite. These additions can change your casserole into a complete meal.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Enjoy your casserole within 3-4 days for the best taste.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze your casserole in portions. This makes reheating easy. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator before using the oven or microwave.

Reheating Tips

For the best texture, reheat your casserole in the oven. This keeps it nice and crispy. If you use the microwave, heat it in short intervals. Stir in between to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared in advance and baked later. Just follow the steps up to assembling the casserole. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just remove the foil and pop it in the oven. This makes dinner planning much easier.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use a homemade version or a different cream soup. If you prefer, try cream of chicken or even a creamy cheese soup. Making your own soup is simple. Just blend mushrooms, broth, and cream. This adds a fresh taste to your casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cheese should melt nicely and form a crust. If you are unsure, you can use a knife to check. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out hot, your casserole is ready.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely, just ensure it is heated through during preparation. If you use frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it to the skillet and cook until it’s hot. This saves time and keeps the dish quick and easy.

This article covered a cheesy broccoli rice casserole that’s simple to make. You learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to enhance flavor. Variations offer healthier and dietary-friendly options. Proper storage is key for leftovers, keeping them fresh longer.

In conclusion, this dish is flexible and enjoyable. It fits many tastes and diets. You can easily adjust it to your needs. Be creative and enjoy every bit

$- 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white) - 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes In this recipe, the main ingredients form a hearty base. The rice offers a great texture, while broccoli adds a fresh crunch. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a creamy richness that ties everything together. The cream of mushroom soup boosts the flavor and moisture. Next, the additional ingredients like milk and onions add depth. The milk makes the casserole creamy, and the onions bring sweetness. Seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, and salt enhance the dish. They provide balance and highlight the flavors. Finally, breadcrumbs and olive oil create a crispy topping. This adds a delightful contrast to the soft casserole. If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This combination of ingredients makes for a delicious and comforting dish. Each bite is a warm hug from the oven. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. - Add 3 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, the sautéed broccoli and onions, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is combined. - Fold in 3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. - Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. - Add spices for extra flavor, like red pepper flakes for heat. - Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh taste. Using these tips makes your casserole pop with flavor. Red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish and add a lovely aroma. - Ensure broccoli is not overcooked before mixing. - Mix ingredients gently to avoid breaking the rice. Keep your broccoli crisp and bright. This way, the casserole stays colorful and tasty. Gently mixing helps keep the rice whole. You want each bite to be fluffy and nice. - Serve warm with fresh parsley and lemon slices. - Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal. Serving the casserole warm makes it comforting. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and flavor. Lemon slices on the side bring a zing that cuts through the creaminess. Pairing it with a salad adds crunch and freshness, making it a full meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure it is heated through before adding to the mix. Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Breadcrumb Options: For added flavor, consider mixing herbs or spices into the breadcrumbs before topping the casserole. {{image_2}} If you want a healthier twist, try these tips. You can substitute brown rice for white rice. Brown rice brings more fiber to your meal. This small change makes your dish even better for you. Another option is to use low-fat cheese and milk. This swap cuts some calories while keeping the cheesy taste you love. For those with gluten issues, it’s easy to adjust the recipe. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This keeps the dish safe for everyone. If you're vegan, you can still enjoy this casserole. Simply swap the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. There are great options like cashew or almond cheese available. Want to make your casserole more filling? Consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or tofu can boost the nutrition and flavor. It makes the dish heartier and satisfying. You can also add nuts for a nice crunch. Almonds or walnuts work great and add a new texture to every bite. These additions can change your casserole into a complete meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Enjoy your casserole within 3-4 days for the best taste. You can freeze your casserole in portions. This makes reheating easy. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator before using the oven or microwave. For the best texture, reheat your casserole in the oven. This keeps it nice and crispy. If you use the microwave, heat it in short intervals. Stir in between to ensure even warmth. Yes, it can be prepared in advance and baked later. Just follow the steps up to assembling the casserole. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just remove the foil and pop it in the oven. This makes dinner planning much easier. You can use a homemade version or a different cream soup. If you prefer, try cream of chicken or even a creamy cheese soup. Making your own soup is simple. Just blend mushrooms, broth, and cream. This adds a fresh taste to your casserole. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cheese should melt nicely and form a crust. If you are unsure, you can use a knife to check. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out hot, your casserole is ready. Absolutely, just ensure it is heated through during preparation. If you use frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it to the skillet and cook until it’s hot. This saves time and keeps the dish quick and easy. This article covered a cheesy broccoli rice casserole that's simple to make. You learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to enhance flavor. Variations offer healthier and dietary-friendly options. Proper storage is key for leftovers, keeping them fresh longer. In conclusion, this dish is flexible and enjoyable. It fits many tastes and diets. You can easily adjust it to your needs. Be creative and enjoy every bite!$