Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole Recipe That Kids Love

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this creamy broccoli-rice casserole recipe that blends wholesome ingredients into a satisfying dish.

Tender broccoli florets weave through fluffy rice, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.

Melted cheese adds a rich, golden layer that makes every bite irresistible.

Sharp cheddar provides a tangy kick that complements the mild vegetables perfectly.

Simple to assemble and quick to bake, this casserole works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner or potluck contribution.

You’ll love how easily it comes together with minimal prep work.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing side that promises warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for a Hearty Broccoli-Rice Casserole

• Broccoli: Provides vibrant green color and essential nutrients, choose fresh or frozen florets with deep green hue and firm texture.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness, select firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates rich, velvety texture and enhances overall flavor profile, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Milk: Softens casserole and helps blend ingredients smoothly, whole milk offers best creaminess.
• Rice: Serves as hearty base and absorbs surrounding flavors, use long-grain white rice for ideal consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides warm, rounded savory notes without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color, choose sweet paprika for mild warmth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and golden-brown melty topping, select sharp variety for more intense taste.

Essential Tools for Broccoli-Rice Casserole Success

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole, ensuring even cooking and perfect portion size.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining rice, vegetables, and seasonings with a smooth, even mix.
• Microwave: Quick tool for thawing and warming broccoli efficiently.
• Cutting board: Helps chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces safely.
• Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of broccoli.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and folding broccoli into the mixture.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.

How to Prepare Broccoli-Rice Casserole Step-by-Step

• Vegetable Preparation

Gently defrost broccoli using microwave, ensuring thorough drainage. Chop larger florets into comfortable bite sizes for easy eating.

• Mixing Base

Combine warm rice with creamy ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend seasonings and cheese until smooth and well-incorporated. Tenderly fold broccoli throughout the mixture.

• Baking Setup

Transfer casserole mixture into a lightly greased rectangular baking pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, creating a delicious golden blanket.

• Oven Magic

Place casserole in preheated oven at medium-high temperature. Allow dish to bake until edges bubble and cheese transforms into beautiful golden-brown patches, typically 35-40 minutes.

• Serving

Remove casserole from oven and let cool briefly. Serve warm as a comforting side dish that brings family together around the dinner table.

Tips to Boost Your Broccoli-Rice Casserole

• Mix up your broccoli-rice experience with these creative twists.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for milder flavor.
• Incorporate diced cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
• Sneak in additional vegetables like diced carrots, cauliflower, or spinach for enhanced nutrition and color.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking to create a delightful crunchy texture.

Serving Broccoli-Rice Casserole the Tasty Way

• Family Dinner Star: Serve this casserole as a hearty main dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork chops for a complete, satisfying meal that'll make everyone happy.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or family reunions where it'll disappear quickly from the buffet table, guaranteed to earn you compliments.
• Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack leftover portions in individual containers for a nutritious midday meal at work or school, providing a delicious blend of vegetables and protein that keeps you full and energized.
• Easy Weeknight Comfort: Transform this casserole into a quick one-dish wonder by preparing it ahead of time and reheating, perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Meal Prep & Storage for Broccoli-Rice Casserole

• Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole maintains its delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Smart Portioning: Divide casserole into individual serving sizes for quick grab-and-go lunches or convenient weeknight meals. Small containers make meal prep super easy.
• Gentle Reheating Technique: Warm in oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes to restore original creamy texture. Microwave works too, but might slightly change consistency of cheese and rice.

Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli-rice casserole brings nostalgic Southern flavors to dinner tables with creamy cheese and tender vegetables. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a warm embrace that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (16 oz / 454 g) frozen broccoli florets
• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked rice
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10 ¾ oz / 305 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Defrost broccoli in microwave, draining excess moisture completely. Chop florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the dish.
2. Rice Mixture: Combine warm cooked rice with onions, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Enhance flavor profile with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika, creating a rich, creamy base.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into rice mixture, stirring until ingredients meld seamlessly, developing a velvety consistency.
4. Vegetable Incorporation: Gently blend broccoli into cheesy rice, ensuring even distribution and maintaining vegetable integrity.
5. Baking Preparation: Grease 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Spread mixture evenly, creating a smooth, uniform surface for optimal cooking.
6. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over casserole, creating an appetizing golden-brown layer that promises crispy, melted perfection.
7. Baking Process: Position dish in oven preheated to 350℉. Bake 35-40 minutes until surface becomes bubbly and cheese transforms into a golden, crisp crust.

Notes

• Defrost with Care: Microwave broccoli for exactly 5 minutes and drain completely to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Shred cheese freshly for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties.
• Season Strategically: Adjust seasonings gradually and taste the rice mixture before combining with broccoli to ensure balanced flavor profile.
• Baking Perfection: Check casserole at 30 minutes to prevent over-browning and ensure a creamy, not dry, final texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg