![To make this dish, you need: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - ½ cup milk - ½ cup diced onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil This list gives you everything you need for a creamy and cheesy delight. Using fresh ingredients often gives the best flavor and texture. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch. However, frozen broccoli can work well too. It’s quick and easy. If you go for frozen, just make sure to thaw it first. This helps avoid extra water in the casserole. Fresh rice is key for a great base. Cook it the day before for the best results. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese and milk. You can replace cream of mushroom soup with a vegan cream soup. If you want a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the soup label. These swaps help everyone enjoy this tasty casserole without worry. To start, you need to gather your ingredients. Here's what you need: - 2 cups cooked rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - ½ cup diced onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is key for even cooking. Now, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them bright and fresh. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic for just one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a nice aroma. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion, and garlic. Then, mix in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything blends well. Finally, fold in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Now it’s time to bake! Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, then add the breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes. Look for it to be bubbly and golden brown on top. For a great texture, don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still crisp. Mixing in the cheese evenly helps with the creaminess. Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving helps it hold its shape. For more details on the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Cooking rice can be simple if you follow a few steps. I suggest using a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Rinse the rice first to remove extra starch. This helps the rice stay fluffy. Bring the water to a boil, add the rice, and then reduce to low heat. Cover it and let it simmer for about 18 minutes. Check it after cooking; it should be tender but not mushy. Perfect rice makes your casserole shine. Spices can elevate your casserole's taste. I love adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth. It gives a subtle tang that pairs well with cheese. Black pepper adds warmth, while paprika gives a mild smokiness. You can also use garlic powder if you want an extra kick. Experimenting with spices will help you find your favorite flavor mix. Don't be afraid to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. You can prepare this dish ahead of time, which makes weeknight meals easier. Make the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you enjoy a warm, cheesy meal without the hassle. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your cheesy broccoli rice casserole. Chicken is a great choice. Just cook it first, then shred it. Mix the chicken into your rice and broccoli blend. Tuna also works well. Use canned tuna, and add it right before you bake the casserole. Both options will make the dish more filling and add amazing flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can swap the cheese. Try using vegan cheese or a mix of nutritional yeast and almond milk for a cheesy taste. You can also add more veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can give more color and nutrients. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Seasonal veggies can really boost your casserole. In spring, add asparagus or peas for freshness. In fall, consider butternut squash or pumpkin for warmth. Just make sure to cook the veggies a bit before mixing them in. This will help them blend well with the other flavors. Adding these seasonal items makes your casserole unique and fun. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Place it in the fridge. It can last for about 3-4 days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it's warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the top crispy. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Cut it into single servings for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label each package with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. Both options add creaminess. If you want to skip the soup, try a mix of yogurt and broth. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. This saves time on busy nights and lets the flavors blend well. Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your soup label. Many brands offer gluten-free options. You can also make your own soup using cornstarch and broth. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this blog post, we covered everything about Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed the ingredients needed, including fresh and frozen options. You learned how to prepare, bake, and achieve the best texture. I shared tips for cooking rice and ways to enhance flavor. We explored variations like adding proteins and vegetarian options. Finally, we talked about storing leftovers and reheating for the best taste. This dish is versatile and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/684620de-a4c0-4830-a086-4951ce0b381c-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Packed with nutritious broccoli, creamy cheddar, and hearty rice, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It's easy to make and ready in just 45 minutes. Follow our simple steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your dining table!