Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$For a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade alternative) - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing) Using fresh broccoli is best. It stays bright and crunchy. Frozen broccoli can work, but it might get mushy. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well. If you want a different flavor, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup. Try using cream of chicken soup or a homemade cheese sauce instead. This keeps the dish creamy and adds a new taste. With these ingredients, you’ll create a warm, cheesy dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil makes it easy to serve later. 2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined. 3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mix. Stir this well too. 4. Next, fold in both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep a small handful of cheese for later. 1. Pour your mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. 2. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Then, add the reserved cheese. 3. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. 4. After baking, let your casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to serve. To get that creamy texture, use fresh ingredients. The cream of mushroom soup adds richness. You can also add more milk if it seems too thick. For even cooking, mix all ingredients well. This helps the cheese melt uniformly. When you bake, place the dish in the center of the oven. This promotes even heat distribution. Want to save time? Cook rice the day before. You can also steam your broccoli ahead of time. This way, you just mix and bake. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness. You can also add tomato slices for a nice touch. Pair your casserole with a light salad. A simple green salad works well. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or fish. These options balance the dish's richness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, ham, or even chickpeas to the casserole mixture. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can switch out the broccoli if you want. Here are some great options: - Cauliflower for a milder taste - Spinach for a pop of color and nutrition - Peas for sweetness and texture - Zucchini for a light and fresh flavor For cheese, try these variations: - Pepper jack for a spicy kick - Gouda for a rich, smoky taste - Cream cheese for extra creaminess - Vegan cheese to keep it plant-based If you want a vegan version, use these swaps: - Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream - Choose rice milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk - Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor You can make this casserole in different ways. Try the Instant Pot for quick prep: 1. Mix all ingredients in the pot. 2. Seal the lid and cook on high for 8 minutes. 3. Quick-release the steam and enjoy! For a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Mix all ingredients in the slow cooker. 2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. 3. Serve warm and enjoy the flavors! After you enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, store the leftovers properly. First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the casserole fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep the cheese creamy and the broccoli tender. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but this may change the texture. Heat in short bursts and check often to avoid overcooking. Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. What type of rice works best for this recipe? You can use either white or brown rice. Both types work well, but brown rice gives a nutty flavor. Just make sure the rice is cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. Can I freeze the casserole for future use? Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for about three months. How long to bake the casserole if it's cold? If your casserole is cold from the fridge, bake it for about 35-40 minutes. Check that the cheese is melted and bubbly. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? Can I skip it? You can skip the breadcrumbs if you don’t have them. The casserole will still be tasty and cheesy without that crunchy topping. If you want some crunch, you can try crushed crackers or nuts instead. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy and tasty dish. We covered its key ingredients, including fresh broccoli and substitutes for cream of mushroom soup. The step-by-step instructions guide you through mixing, baking, and serving your casserole right. For the best results, use fresh ingredients and follow the baking tips. Get creative with variations and enjoy both reheating and storing tips. I hope you feel ready to make a delicious casserole that the whole family will love!$

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole packed with broccoli and rice, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade alternative)
0.5 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the mixture, reserving a small handful of cheeses for topping.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
For an optional crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole.
Top with the reserved cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

Serve the casserole directly from the dish, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added color. You can also add slices of tomato or a side salad to contrast the richness of the casserole. Enjoy!

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice