If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dish that brings together vibrant green broccoli and fluffy rice in perfect harmony, this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a delightfully simple casserole that balances cheesy goodness, tender broccoli, and luscious creaminess, making it a family favorite any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a crowd, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward and unfussy ingredients. Each one plays a key role in boosting flavor and texture, from the creamy soup base to the sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully over the top.
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked): The hearty base that absorbs all the creamy flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds vibrant color and a nutritious crunch to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together; cream of chicken works well too if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess for extra depth and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the casserole just enough for a silky consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The star cheesy ingredient, providing sharpness and melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a subtle nutty finish that enhances the cheese layers.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow, comforting aroma and flavor kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a savory sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to tie all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For greasing the baking dish, ensuring your casserole doesn’t stick and browns nicely.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): Creates a crunchy, golden crust if you love that added texture.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your casserole mixture is prepared. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with unsalted butter—this small touch helps the flavors bake beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the oven is warming, cook the white rice following the package directions until tender. This allows the rice to soak up moisture without turning mushy, which is key for the casserole’s perfect texture. Set the cooked rice aside for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it just until tender but still vibrant green—usually 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy. Frozen broccoli works great too; just thaw completely and drain.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mixing these well ensures every scoop bursts with creamy, cheesy flavor balanced by the freshness of broccoli.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread this mixture evenly into your buttered baking dish, smoothing out the top. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan over the surface—this layering is what creates that irresistible cheesy crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake until Bubbly and Golden
Place the dish in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbles around the edges. If you’re adding breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top about 10 minutes before baking finishes to develop a crunchy golden topping that’s pure joy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes—this helps it set just enough to serve without falling apart. For a final touch, sprinkle extra grated cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Now, dig in and savor that comforting goodness!
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A garnish can elevate this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe beautifully. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh flavor, while an extra sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan after baking can make it irresistibly cheesy.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans. If you want something heartier, roasted chicken or grilled sausage add great protein that complements the casserole’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or bake it inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers. Drizzling a little hot sauce or a swirl of pesto on top just before serving can also provide unexpected, delightful flavor contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making the next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled casserole into a freezer-safe dish or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This helps maintain the creamy texture without drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just be sure to cook it fully before adding it to the casserole since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, swap the sour cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream soup or make a homemade sauce with plant-based milk and flour. The casserole will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I add protein to the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon bits can be stirred in for extra heartiness. Just fold them in with the other ingredients before baking.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk seasoned with garlic and onion powders. It’ll keep the casserole creamy and flavorful.
How do I get a crispy topping without breadcrumbs?
If you prefer to skip breadcrumbs, try sprinkling additional cheese on top or broiling the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. This helps achieve a golden, bubbly crust.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting classic that deserves a spot on your dinner table. Its creamy, cheesy, and vibrant qualities make it a crowd-pleaser whether for weeknights or special occasions. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—happy cooking!
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Rice Casserole combines cooked rice, tender broccoli florets, and a cheesy mushroom soup base baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that can serve as a hearty side or a light main course, ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for non-vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the rice following the package instructions until tender, then set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green; drain well and chop if desired. For frozen broccoli, thaw completely and drain any excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the casserole about 10 minutes before the end of baking to allow them to brown and crisp up.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
- Steaming broccoli instead of boiling helps retain its bright color and nutrients.
- Using fresh broccoli provides better texture but frozen is a convenient option.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch to the casserole.
- For a richer taste, substitute milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
