![- 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice - 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets, chopped - 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup of creamy mushroom soup - 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons of melted butter - 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon of salt To start, gather all your ingredients. The main ingredients are simple but essential. I prefer using fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture. You can use white or brown rice, depending on what you like. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a nice kick, while creamy mushroom soup adds smoothness. Optional ingredients can enhance your dish. Grated Parmesan cheese brings even more flavor. Seasoned breadcrumbs add a crunchy topping. Melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely. Don’t forget the seasonings! Garlic powder and onion powder give depth. Black pepper adds a little heat, and salt brings all the flavors together. For the full recipe, check the details above. Happy cooking! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice and 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets. - Mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of creamy mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. - Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Stir well until the rice and broccoli are coated in the mixture. - Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. - Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated. If you want, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix over the casserole for a crunchy topping. - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. - Watch for a golden top and bubbling edges. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For a full recipe, check out the complete details to make this easy dish. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! To make your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole perfect, keep these tips in mind: - Even Cooking: Mix the rice and broccoli well. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. This helps all parts cook the same way. - Golden Topping: For a golden topping, make sure the breadcrumb mix is well-coated with melted butter. This will help it crisp up nicely. You can also broil it for a minute at the end to get that lovely color. For a great presentation, try these tips: - Garnish Options: Add more shredded cheese on top right before serving. Fresh parsley also adds a nice touch of color. - Best Side Dishes: Serve with a side salad or some roasted chicken. These pair perfectly and balance the meal nicely. Here are some common problems and how to fix them: - Dry Casserole: If your casserole turns out dry, add more milk next time. You can also cover it while baking to keep moisture in. - Too Moist Casserole: If it’s too wet, bake it a bit longer without the foil. This will help evaporate excess moisture. - Oven Variations: Every oven is different. If your casserole isn’t done in the suggested time, check it often. Adjust the time based on how your oven heats. For full details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily change the cheese in this dish. Try mozzarella for a milder taste, or gouda for a smoky flavor. You could even mix different cheeses for a unique twist. If you want to add protein, consider diced chicken or ham. Both options add flavor and make the casserole more filling. To make this casserole gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use gluten-free soup. For vegan options, replace cheese with plant-based cheese. Use a creamy vegan soup, like cashew or coconut soup, instead of mushroom soup. These swaps still give you a rich flavor without dairy. Spice things up with a Mexican twist. Add cumin, chili powder, or diced jalapeños. This creates a zesty flavor that pairs well with the cheese. If you prefer an Asian-inspired dish, try adding soy sauce or sesame oil. These ingredients give the casserole a nice depth and a unique taste. Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in an airtight container. It can last up to five days in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm throughout. To freeze this casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost overnight in the fridge. After that, reheat it in the oven as mentioned earlier. Understanding the freshness of ingredients helps maintain quality. Cooked rice lasts about four to six days in the fridge. Broccoli is fresh for about three to five days. Cheese can last a week or more, but check for mold. By keeping track of these dates, you can ensure your casserole stays tasty and safe to eat. To make your casserole creamier, add more creamy ingredients. You can mix in an extra cup of cheese. Cream cheese is another great idea for extra richness. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can also boost creaminess. These options will help create a velvety texture that everyone will love. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just make the mixture and place it in the dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake as the [Full Recipe] suggests. This makes it easy for busy days! Absolutely, you can use a slow cooker. First, layer the rice, broccoli, cheese, soup, and milk in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Set it on low for about 4-6 hours. Or, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours. This method gives you a great, warm meal without needing to watch the oven. If you want to swap out mushroom soup, there are options. Cream of chicken soup works well for a different flavor. You can also use cream of celery soup for a lighter taste. If you prefer a vegan option, try using a homemade cashew cream or a can of coconut milk. These alternatives will keep the dish creamy and delicious. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips to perfect your dish. You can also explore variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Remember, cooking is fun! Don't hesitate to try new ideas and make it your own. Enjoy sharing this easy recipe with family and friends!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f9861f18-b882-4ceb-b632-9514e8ae1915-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Packed with creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli, this dish is a delicious way to bring the family together. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's easy to prepare and bake. Ready in under an hour, this cheesy delight will be your new go-to recipe. Click to explore the full recipe and make mealtime memorable!