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To make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, gather these simple items: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some quick swaps: - Use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or gouda. - Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade mix. - Swap fresh broccoli with cauliflower or spinach for variety. - For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. Understanding the nutrition of this dish is key. Each serving provides: - Calories: Approximately 300 - Protein: 12 grams - Carbohydrates: 40 grams - Fat: 12 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This casserole is a great way to pack in veggies while enjoying a cheesy delight! To start, gather your ingredients. You will need cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, soup, milk, onion, garlic, and a few spices. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. Sauté until it turns soft, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for just one more minute, stirring to keep it from burning. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little tang, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Mix until everything is well combined. Next, take a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread the rice and broccoli mixture evenly in the dish. Now, top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the top from burning. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top. This means your casserole is ready! Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier. You can garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve this cheesy broccoli rice casserole hot. It pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or some fresh bread. Enjoy every bite of this easy and tasty meal! To cook broccoli well, start with fresh florets. They should be bright green and firm. You can steam them for about five minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This keeps their vibrant color and nutrients. If you use frozen broccoli, thaw it first and drain excess water. This helps avoid soggy casserole. For a creamy casserole, use full-fat cream of mushroom soup. This adds richness. Mixing in milk also helps. If you want extra creaminess, add more cheese. Sharp cheddar melts well and gives a nice flavor. Stir the mixture gently to keep it fluffy, not dense. One common mistake is overcooking the broccoli. This makes it mushy. Ensure you mix all ingredients well but don’t stir too hard. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. A little salt and pepper can enhance the dish's flavor. Lastly, remember to cover the casserole with foil while baking to prevent burning. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based version. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For cheese, try vegan cheese shreds. This keeps the dish creamy and cheesy without animal products. Want to add protein? Chicken or sausage works great. Simply cook the protein first and mix it in with the other ingredients. Diced rotisserie chicken saves time. For sausage, try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. These additions make the casserole more filling and hearty. Love some heat? Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, include smoked paprika. For a more savory taste, try adding some thyme or rosemary. Adjust spices to make the dish your own. This flexibility allows you to cater to your family’s taste buds. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a glass container with a lid. This keeps the flavors in while keeping air out. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just heat it on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you plan to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in foil. Label it with the date to keep track. This casserole can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal with ease. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasty. If you want to eat it later, make sure to cool it completely before covering. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just follow the steps to mix all the ingredients. Then, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. You can bake it right before serving. This makes meal prep easy and quick! This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Garlic Bread: This adds a nice touch of flavor. - Grilled Chicken: Add protein to make the meal more filling. - Steamed Veggies: More vegetables keep it healthy and colorful. Feel free to mix and match sides based on your taste! You learned about the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered essential substitutions and shared nutritional info. You now know how to store leftovers and reheat them. Remember, you can adjust flavors and add proteins to fit your taste. This dish is versatile and easy to make. With the right tips, it’s hard to go wrong. Enjoy creating your own version of this tasty casserole!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with this simple recipe that's perfect for any meal! Packed with tender broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with gooey cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is a comfort food favorite. Whip it up in just 50 minutes and impress your family with its mouthwatering flavors.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or substituted with homemade version)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

      Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

          Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.

            Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top.

              Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning the top) and bake for 25 minutes.

                Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Enjoy it alongside a crisp salad for a balanced meal!