Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese in one cozy baking dish, look no further than this Broccoli Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that fits right in on a busy weeknight or a holiday potluck, with a creamy, savory base that’s irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite the moment you dig in for that first cheesy, golden bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Broccoli Rice Casserole is its straightforward ingredient list; every item plays a specific role in creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is important:
- Cooked white rice: The base that provides a soft, hearty texture and holds everything together beautifully.
- Chopped fresh or frozen broccoli (steamed): Adds vibrant color and a satisfying veggie bite; frozen works just as well—just thaw and drain!
- Butter: Not just for richness, but for sautéing the onion and infusing flavor right from the start.
- Finely chopped onion: Brings sweet, aromatic depth to the casserole without overpowering the other flavors.
- Minced garlic: Just a couple cloves wake up the whole dish and add that mouthwatering aroma as it bakes.
- Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup: Delivers the signature creamy backdrop that makes this casserole so comforting.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and luxurious texture for an extra-silky filling.
- Milk: Helps loosen the mixture so it’s perfectly scoopable and never dry.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melty, sharp cheddar runs through and on top for those glorious cheesy pulls.
- Salt: Just enough to perk up every flavor in the casserole without making it salty.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the savory profile.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): A sprinkle on top gives a crave-able crunch for extra dimension.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticky situations and to ensure easy serving later. Getting this step done first keeps the process smooth, with no scrambling once the casserole mixture is ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. This simple step transforms them into a sweet and savory base that infuses the entire Broccoli Rice Casserole with cozy flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice, steamed broccoli, the sautéed onion and garlic, cream soup, sour cream, milk, one cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s well mixed. At this point, the filling should look thick, creamy, and wonderfully colorful—don’t be afraid to sneak a taste!
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every serving will be loaded with every delicious component. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure to nudge those tasty clusters of broccoli across the entire surface.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese all over the top for maximum cheesy coverage. If you’re after a bit of crunch, lightly scatter the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese—this optional step turns the top of your Broccoli Rice Casserole golden crisp.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until everything is piping hot, the cheese is melty, and the top is bubbling and golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps it set up for ideal slicing and serving.
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even a bit of extra black pepper over the baked casserole before serving. That pop of green adds a dash of freshness and brightens up each cheesy spoonful.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Rice Casserole pairs like a dream with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a crisp, citrusy salad for a balanced meal. If you’re keeping things vegetarian, serve it alongside herbed rolls and a bowl of tomato soup for pure comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform individual servings into cute ramekins for personalized mini casseroles, or scoop out the casserole with an ice cream scoop for neat, dome-shaped portions. You can even use leftover casserole to stuff into bell peppers or pile atop baked potatoes for a new twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to four days. Broccoli Rice Casserole holds up beautifully and tastes just as creamy and satisfying, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it as directed but hold off on baking. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your cheese and cracker topping, and bake as usual for a make-ahead win.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or warm single servings in the microwave. If the casserole looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice brings extra fiber and a nutty flavor, while cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute. Just be sure your rice (or cauliflower rice) is fully cooked and well-drained before adding it to the Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Definitely. Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a protein-packed main dish. This is a brilliant way to use up leftovers like roasted chicken or even Thanksgiving turkey.
Do I need to thaw frozen broccoli before using it?
Yes, for best results, thaw frozen broccoli and drain off any extra water before mixing it into the casserole. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy instead of creamy.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
For the classic crunch, go with buttery cracker crumbs (like Ritz) or use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture. Toss the crumbs with a little melted butter first to help them toast up beautifully in the oven.
Can Broccoli Rice Casserole be made ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about gathering around the table with a bubbling, homemade Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh from the oven. Whether you’re introducing it to new friends or bringing back cozy memories for family, this dish is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This broccoli rice casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish that makes a perfect main course or side. Creamy and flavorful, it’s an easy baked casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Broccoli:
- 3 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli (steamed)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if using. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use brown rice for added fiber or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey to make it a complete meal.
- Frozen broccoli should be thawed and drained well before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
