![To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items: - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup milk These ingredients blend well to create a creamy and cheesy mix that makes your taste buds dance. You can add some extra flavors if you want: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing) These options let you customize your casserole and make it even more delicious. Don’t forget to season your dish! Here are some ideas: - Salt and pepper to taste - Other spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick Good seasoning can really enhance the flavors in your casserole. You can always adjust based on your taste. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To start, you need to blanch the fresh broccoli florets. This means you will quickly cook them in boiling water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender. Remove them from the pot and drain well. Set the broccoli aside. Next, it’s time to mix everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice and the blanched broccoli. Then, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are nicely combined. Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the broccoli rice mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mixture. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You want it bubbly and the top should be lightly golden. Once done, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy and delicious dish! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To avoid a dry casserole, use enough creamy elements. The cream of mushroom soup and sour cream add moisture. If your casserole seems dry after baking, add a splash of milk before serving. Stir it in gently to keep the texture smooth. For even cooking, mix all ingredients well. Ensure the rice and broccoli are evenly distributed. This helps everything cook at the same rate. Spread the mixture flat in the baking dish. A 9x13 inch dish works great for even heat. For ideal garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and a hint of flavor. You can also add more cheese for extra cheesiness. Serve it warm in the baking dish. This keeps it cozy and inviting. Pair your casserole with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette balances the richness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. The crunch fits nicely with the creamy casserole. To adjust the recipe for more servings, double the ingredients. Use a larger baking dish, like a 12x18 inch pan. This keeps the cooking time similar. If you make more, check for doneness with a toothpick. For reheating leftovers, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a covered dish. This keeps moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make some smart swaps for a healthier dish. - Using cauliflower rice: This swap cuts carbs and boosts veggies. Just pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it's rice-sized. Blanch it like you do with broccoli. - Dairy-free options: Use plant-based cheese and cream. Almond or cashew milk works well here. This keeps the flavor but makes it lighter. Want to spice things up? Add some new flavors! - Adding cooked meats: Cooked chicken or crispy bacon gives a nice twist. Just stir them in with the rice and veggies. - Introducing different cheese types: Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack. Each cheese adds its own taste and texture to the casserole. Seasonal veggies can make your casserole shine. - Incorporating other vegetables: Spinach or carrots are great choices. Just chop them and mix them in. They add color and nutrition too. - Making it festive with holiday-themed ingredients: Add roasted butternut squash in the fall or peas during spring. This keeps your dish fresh and fun all year round! For the complete dish, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover casserole, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the casserole cools down before sealing. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, you want to keep it moist. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, checking often. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid dry spots. To freeze, you can do it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, bake it straight from the fridge instead of the freezer. This keeps it creamy and delicious. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use white rice. White rice cooks faster than brown rice. It has a softer texture. This makes it a good choice for a creamy casserole. However, brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It adds a nice chewy texture. If you choose white rice, adjust the cooking time. Cook the rice just until tender. To make this casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can find this in stores or make it at home. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping if desired. Always check labels for hidden gluten in products. You can also replace sour cream with a dairy-free version. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and put them in a dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then bake as directed in the Full Recipe. This saves time on busy days. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for a cheesy broccoli rice casserole, from brown rice to sharp cheddar cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and making variations to suit your taste. Effective storage and reheating methods ensure you enjoy your casserole later. Remember, cooking is fun and creative! Use this guide to make the perfect casserole for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0ebb1ec1-601f-4abe-a4e9-b880e7459b7e-250x250.webp)
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Satisfy your cravings with this creamy and delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish features fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and wholesome brown rice for a comforting meal. Explore simple steps and tasty variations to make it your own. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleaser—click through to discover the full recipe and start whipping up your new favorite casserole today!