Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup milk (can substitute almond or oat milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great casserole. The rice forms the base, and you can use either white or brown rice. The broccoli adds a fresh crunch and nutrients. The cheddar and cream cheese give it that cheesy goodness we love. For the liquid, vegetable broth and milk create a creamy mix. You can even swap the milk for almond or oat milk if you prefer. The seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder add flavor that makes each bite exciting. Lastly, the breadcrumbs on top give a nice crunch. If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide that walks you through each step. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. - Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. - Sauté broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until tender yet bright green. - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, vegetable broth, milk, and spices. - Mix until evenly distributed. - Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. - Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan (if using) and spread evenly over the top. - Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown. - Let cool for a few minutes before serving. You can find the detailed steps in the Full Recipe to ensure you don’t miss anything! To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, keep a few things in mind. First, don't overcook the broccoli. This way, it will stay bright green and full of nutrients. You want it tender but still crisp. If you like a creamier dish, add more cream cheese or cheese. This will give you that rich, gooey texture that makes casseroles so delightful. You can prepare this casserole the night before. Just put it together, cover it, and place it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, take it out and pop it in the oven. This tip saves time on busy nights and lets the flavors blend even more! Serve the casserole warm. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad. The crunch of the salad complements the creamy casserole perfectly. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish! You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through every step. {{image_4}} To make this dish more plant-based, you can use non-dairy cheese. It melts well and tastes great. You can also add extra vegetables. Carrots and bell peppers add color and flavor. Try mixing in some peas or corn for a sweet touch. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free Panko. It gives the same crunchy texture without any gluten. Just sprinkle it on top before baking. This small change makes a big difference for those with dietary needs. Want to boost the protein? Stir in some cooked chicken or bacon. This adds a hearty flavor and makes the dish more filling. You can also use cooked sausage for a different taste. Each protein option brings its own unique flavor to the casserole. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. After enjoying your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, store any leftovers properly. Place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain flavor and moisture. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Portion the casserole into a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it's been in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your casserole again, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and heat until it's warmed through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. If it looks dry, you can add a splash of milk before reheating. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, frozen broccoli can be used directly without thawing. This saves time and still gives great flavor. I often keep a bag of frozen broccoli on hand for quick meals. Just toss it in the dish right from the freezer. The total time is about 50 minutes, including preparation and baking. You can easily fit this into a busy weeknight dinner. The prep is quick, and the baking time allows you to set the table or relax. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it later. You can also refrigerate overnight before baking. This makes it perfect for gatherings or busy days. Just pull it out of the fridge before baking to let it warm a bit. A side salad or roasted vegetables pairs well for a complete meal. The fresh crunch of the salad balances the creamy casserole. You can also add some crusty bread for a hearty touch. This blog post explains how to make a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips. You can enjoy this dish now or prepare it for later. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or protein. With simple tweaks, it suits many diets. I hope you try it soon and share it with family and friends!$

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s perfect for any meal! This delightful dish combines cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese for a soul-warming experience. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious family favorite in no time. Ready to impress your taste buds?

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Ingredients

2 Tassen gekochter Reis (weiß oder braun)

2 Tassen frische Brokkoliröschen (oder gefroren)

1 Tasse Cheddar-Käse, gerieben

½ Tasse Frischkäse, zimmerwarm

1 Tasse Gemüsebrühe

1 Tasse Milch (kann durch Mandel- oder Hafermilch ersetzt werden)

1 Teelöffel Knoblauchpulver

1 Teelöffel Zwiebelpulver

½ Teelöffel schwarzer Pfeffer

1 Esslöffel Olivenöl

1 Tasse Semmelbrösel (Panko für extra Crunch)

Optional: ¼ Tasse Parmesan, gerieben

Instructions

Heizen Sie Ihren Ofen auf 180°C (350°F) vor. Fetten Sie eine 23x33 cm große Auflaufform mit Olivenöl ein.

Erhitzen Sie in einer großen Pfanne das Olivenöl bei mittlerer Hitze. Fügen Sie die Brokkoliröschen hinzu und sautieren Sie sie etwa 3-5 Minuten lang, bis sie leicht zart, aber noch schön grün sind.

In einer großen Rührschüssel kombinieren Sie den gekochten Reis, die sautierten Brokkoliröschen, den geriebenen Cheddar-Käse, den zimmerwarme Frischkäse, Gemüsebrühe, Milch, Knoblauchpulver, Zwiebelpulver und schwarzen Pfeffer. Gut vermengen, bis alles gleichmäßig verteilt ist.

Gießen Sie die Mischung gleichmäßig in die vorbereitete Auflaufform und verteilen Sie sie gleichmäßig.

In einer separaten Schüssel vermischen Sie die Semmelbrösel mit dem geriebenen Parmesan-Käse (falls verwendet) und streuen Sie diese Mischung gleichmäßig über den Auflauf.

Decken Sie die Form mit Aluminiumfolie ab und backen Sie sie 25 Minuten lang. Entfernen Sie dann die Folie und backen Sie weitere 15 Minuten, oder bis die Semmelbrösel goldbraun und knusprig sind.

Lassen Sie den Auflauf einige Minuten abkühlen, bevor Sie ihn servieren.

- Präsentationstipps: Servieren Sie den Auflauf warm und garnieren Sie ihn mit einem Spritzer frischer Petersilie oder Schnittlauch für einen Farbtupfer. Genießen Sie dazu einen Beilagensalat für eine vollständige Mahlzeit!