Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, it's a delicious way to enjoy veggies. Perfect for family dinners, this easy casserole comes together in just 45 minutes. Ready to indulge in cheesy goodness?
2 cups cooked rice (either white or brown)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen ones)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for added crunch
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
![- 2 cups cooked rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, fresh parsley When making Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole, I focus on simple ingredients that pack big flavor. The cooked rice serves as a hearty base, giving the dish a comforting feel. I like using fresh broccoli florets for that bright green color and crisp texture. Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to for that rich, cheesy flavor. I always add cream of mushroom soup for creaminess and depth. Milk helps to loosen the mixture, making it smooth. Chopping onion and garlic finely ensures they blend well, adding a sweet and savory note. I recommend paprika for a hint of warmth. You can also top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness when serving. This combination makes a dish that is not just tasty but also easy to prepare. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Sauté 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic in olive oil. Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! - Incorporate 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté briefly. - Mix 2 cups cooked rice, the sautéed vegetables, 1 cup cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, and spices. Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. We want them tender but still bright green. After this, take a big bowl. Combine the cooked rice, sautéed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper. Mix it all up until well combined. - Transfer mixture to a baking dish. - Top with reserved cheddar cheese and optional breadcrumbs. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Now, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you like some crunch, add breadcrumbs. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for that golden brown color on top. Your Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole will be warm and cheesy, ready to enjoy! To cook rice just right, I suggest using the absorption method. This method gives you fluffy rice without clumps. Use two cups of water for every cup of rice. Bring water to a boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer on low. This helps the rice absorb water evenly. For broccoli, keep it vibrant by sautéing it briefly. Cook it for just 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green. This way, it stays crisp and colorful in the casserole. To boost flavor, try adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar is great, but consider mixing it up. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add a creamy touch. For a strong flavor, try blue cheese. Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best taste. If you want to impress, scoop it onto colorful plates. A drizzle of cream or an extra sprinkle of parsley makes it look lovely. Pair your casserole with a side salad for a fresh crunch. Garlic bread or steamed veggies also work well. These sides balance the cheesy goodness of the casserole. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free brand. This way, you keep the same creamy taste without the gluten. If you want a vegan dish, use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. You can also make a homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup. This keeps the flavor rich and warm without dairy. Feel free to change up the veggies. You can add carrots, peas, or bell peppers for more color and taste. If you want to switch the cheese, try mozzarella or gouda. Each cheese gives the dish a unique flavor. Just remember, sharper cheeses often add a stronger taste. Using seasonal produce can really elevate this dish. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas. In the fall, consider using roasted squash for a sweet touch. To make a festive version for the holidays, add cranberries or nuts on top. This not only adds flavor but also creates a colorful presentation. For more detailed cooking tips, check [Full Recipe]. Let your casserole cool down before storing. This helps keep it fresh. To cool properly, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes. Once it’s cool, cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat your casserole, use either an oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors intact. If you want to save leftovers, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for best results. Now you can enjoy Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole whenever you want! To keep your casserole moist, use enough liquid. You can add more milk or soup. Cover the dish with foil while baking to trap steam. This helps cook it evenly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to brown the top. Check your casserole a few minutes early. If it looks dry, add a splash of milk. Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Just thaw it before use. Drain any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole. Cook it briefly in a pan to keep its bright color. This method helps the broccoli stay tender and flavorful. You can save time and still enjoy great taste. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. For protein, serve grilled chicken or baked fish. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables make a colorful side. You can also try garlic bread for a cozy feel. Each option complements the creamy, cheesy flavor of the casserole. If you need a substitute, try cream of chicken soup or a homemade version. You can blend cooked mushrooms with cream for a fresh taste. Another option is to mix sour cream with chicken broth. This gives you a creamy texture without the mushrooms. Choose what fits your taste best for the perfect dish. In summary, we’ve explored a delicious Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe. I walked you through the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure perfect results. You learned about variations, storage tips, and frequent questions. This dish is versatile and fits many diets. I encourage you to try it with different ingredients. Happy cooking and enjoy sharing this tasty meal with your loved ones!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ceeadefc-652e-4660-a799-b39ed7d774c3-250x250.webp)