If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings creamy, cheesy goodness together with vibrant broccoli and fluffy rice, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, this casserole delivers satisfying texture, a rich cheesy flavor, and just the right touch of freshness from the broccoli. Trust me, once you try this version, it might just become your go-to comfort food classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting texture. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the tender bite of broccoli brightening the casserole or the sharp cheddar melting into a luscious sauce, every ingredient makes this dish shine.
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice): Provides a soft, hearty base that soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic, infusing the casserole with depth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Offers sweetness and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the savory profile with a gentle punch.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy, flavorful binder that keeps everything moist.
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tang and creaminess for richness.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the texture, blending all ingredients smoothly.
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided): Key to that irresistible cheesy flavor and gooey topping.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle warmth and balance.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smoky note and beautiful color.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Finishes the dish with a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray—this ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet set to medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter and toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness. Add minced garlic for just 30 seconds to awaken the flavor without burning. Once fragrant, remove this mixture from the heat to keep the garlic fresh-tasting.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender—then drain. Frozen broccoli should be thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. This step ensures your broccoli stays vibrant and doesn’t turn mushy in the casserole.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and bring together the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything gently until well combined and evenly coated with that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top for a golden, melty crust. Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese on top is beautifully browned to perfection.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, give the casserole a 5-minute rest to set up and make serving easier. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and it’s ready to serve warm and inviting.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple but elegant way to brighten the dish. If you want a little extra flair, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or even some crispy fried onions on top for crunch and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light salads like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to balance out its creamy richness. It also complements protein dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a simple baked fish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style meal, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish on the table. You could also spoon it into individual ramekins for personalized portions that look lovely and feel extra special. Another idea is to use it as a comforting stuffing inside bell peppers or tomatoes, making it a fun and festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy leftover meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again to revive that fresh-baked flavor and texture. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works fine; cover it to retain moisture and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, making the casserole even heartier. Just be sure your brown rice is fully cooked before mixing.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce for a different flavor twist. Keep in mind it may slightly alter the overall taste but will still be delightfully creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk, and replace sour cream with vegan sour cream or cashew cream. The texture changes slightly but stays delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cook them lightly beforehand to avoid excess moisture and ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free if you choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Double-check the labels to make sure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest — easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Sharing it feels like sharing a little moment of happiness around the table, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it. Give it a go, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to soften, then drain. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, prepared broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and the optional paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier, whole grain option.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Blanching broccoli helps keep it tender yet crisp—avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or mushrooms to enhance nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
