A Warm Family Tradition
Growing up, no holiday dinner or Sunday potluck was complete without a bubbling dish of cheesy broccoli rice casserole at the center of the table. It’s one of those timeless recipes that feels like a cozy hug — hearty, satisfying, and loved by everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to throw together, yet it delivers such rich, creamy, cheesy goodness that it tastes like you spent all day cooking.
Whether you’re preparing for a special gathering or just need a comforting meal for a chilly night, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Table of Contents
Why This Casserole is Always a Hit
- Super Easy Prep: Mix, bake, enjoy.
- Cheesy Comfort: Loads of cheddar, rich creaminess.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and picky eaters alike love it.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
How to Make the Best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
1. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly coated and creamy.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Add the Topping
If you’re using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. This gives a perfect golden crust once baked.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately while the cheese is deliciously melty and gooey!
Serving Ideas
- Pair it with roasted chicken or baked salmon.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
- Add grilled sausages for a heartier twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Cauliflower, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy, hearty, and endlessly satisfying, this Broccoli Rice Casserole is proof that the simplest meals are often the best. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just craving something cozy, it’s always a good time to bake up a dish full of love and cheese.
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – The classic Recipe
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice. It’s the perfect easy side dish for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Cook aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).Prepare the mixture:
In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.Assemble the casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese (and optional crushed crackers) on top.Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or cream of cheddar if you prefer.
You can use frozen broccoli (thawed) instead of fresh.
For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
Add shredded cooked chicken to turn it into a full meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop (~1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
