Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Quick Family Meal

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

• Pinterest

Are you looking for a simple, tasty meal your whole family will love? My Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer! With just a few main ingredients like rice, fresh broccoli, and cheese, you’ll have a creamy comfort dish on the table in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights and can be customized to fit everyone’s tastes. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that turns dinnertime into family time!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comforting Flavor: This casserole combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender broccoli, making it a hearty dish perfect for any occasion.
2. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
3. Versatile Dish: It can be served as a main course or a side, and you can easily customize it with additional veggies or proteins.
4. Leftover Friendly: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 cup long-grain white rice

– 2 cups vegetable broth

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauces and Creams

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

– 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Toppings

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Gathering quality ingredients makes a big difference. I love using fresh broccoli florets for this casserole. They add bright color and a nice crunch. Long-grain white rice is perfect as it cooks evenly. The broth gives a warm flavor that pairs well with the cheese.

I often choose cream of mushroom soup to add creaminess and depth. Sour cream gives a nice tang, which helps balance the flavors. For seasoning, garlic and onion powder boost the taste. A dash of salt and pepper rounds it all out.

Adding breadcrumbs on top makes the dish crunchy and fun. Drizzling olive oil on the breadcrumbs helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. If you want even more cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. It adds a tasty, extra layer of flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a cozy and delicious meal. Each bite is packed with cheesy goodness and bright broccoli. This is a dish my family loves, and I’m sure yours will too!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Rice Cooking

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.

– Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice.

– Cover the pot and lower the heat.

– Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Broccoli Preparation

– While the rice cooks, take 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets.

– Place them in a pot with a small amount of water.

– Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.

– The broccoli should be bright green and tender.

– Drain any extra water and set the broccoli aside.

Mixing and Assembling

– In a large bowl, mix the rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese.

– Add 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of sour cream.

– Season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder.

– Add salt and pepper to taste.

– Stir until everything is well combined.

– Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

– Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Baking

– In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

– Sprinkle this breadcrumb mix over your casserole.

– If you like, top it with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

– Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

– Look for a golden brown and bubbly top.

– Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Cooking Times

To get the best rice and broccoli, monitor them closely. Cook the rice until it’s tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Make sure all the broth is absorbed. For the broccoli, steam it just until it turns bright green and is tender. This should take around 3-4 minutes. If you overcook it, it will lose its color and crunch.

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly. This will give you a nice crispy layer on top. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken soup. You can also make a simple white sauce with milk and flour. For those who want a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. They work well in this dish.

For cheese, if you need a dairy-free option, try using cashew cheese or almond cheese. They melt nicely and add flavor. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the flavor, add herbs and spices. Thyme, basil, or even a pinch of cayenne can bring new life to the dish. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a fresh taste.

For serving, think about pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad. A simple side of fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up your plate. It adds color and flavor, making your meal look and taste better.

Variations

Add Protein

You can easily add protein to your casserole. Cooked chicken or turkey works great. Just chop them into small pieces and mix them in. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas. They add a nice texture and boost the protein.

Alternative Vegetables

Feel free to swap out the broccoli. Spinach is a tasty choice that wilts well. You can also use cauliflower for a different flavor. Mixed veggies add color and nutrients. Think about seasonal vegetables too, like asparagus in spring or squash in fall. They can really change the dish.

Different Cheese Options

Cheese makes this casserole super creamy. You can explore different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack. They melt well and add unique flavors. For extra cheesiness, layer some cheese in between the rice and broccoli. This makes every bite special and gooey.

Storage Info

Leftovers Storage

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. To freeze, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later!

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, you have two main options: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and creamy. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in short bursts of two minutes, stirring in between. This helps the casserole heat evenly without drying out.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the casserole stays good for about three days. In the freezer, it lasts up to three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date you stored them. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been in there!

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. This saves you time on busy days. To prep the night before, follow these steps:

– Cook the rice and steam the broccoli.

– Mix all ingredients as per the recipe.

– Store the mixture in the fridge overnight.

– When ready, pour it into a baking dish and bake as usual.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free with a few easy swaps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also check your cream of mushroom soup for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This makes it simple for gluten-sensitive eaters to enjoy.

What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great ideas:

– A crisp green salad for freshness.

– Roasted chicken or turkey for protein.

– Garlic bread for a comforting touch.

– Steamed veggies for extra nutrients.

These sides enhance your meal and add variety to your plate.

In this blog post, we explored a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make it perfect. You now know how to add protein or swap veggies for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly for best results. This dish is simple, comforting, and great for sharing. I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself or with loved ones. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious casserol

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli and rice, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 2 sour cream
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• to taste salt and pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Stir in the long-grain white rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
• Steam the fresh broccoli florets in a pot with a small amount of water for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender. Drain and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
• Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until well-coated. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
• Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the breadcrumb layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

• Pinterest