Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole: Simple Comfort Food

Watch It Made

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese into a delightful medley that makes everyone feel right at home. I can’t tell you how many times this casserole has saved my weeknight dinners or made family gatherings a whole lot more delicious.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavor is out of this world. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of broccoli, while the rice adds a lovely texture that makes every bite comforting. It’s like a classic dish that takes you back to family dinners, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your household too.

This casserole also shines in its versatility. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. Love some extra crunch?

Toss in some breadcrumbs on top before baking. Want to amp up the flavor? Add in some cooked chicken or your favorite spices.

The possibilities are endless, making it an easy go-to for whatever you’re craving.

To kick things off, here’s what you’ll need to gather: a 12 oz. bag of frozen broccoli, 3 cups of cooked rice, a 10.5 oz. can of cream of mushroom, a small onion, some milk, sour cream, a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and of course, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. I go heavy on the cheese here because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that rich, gooey goodness?

You’ll also want a 9×13 greased casserole dish to bring all these flavors together. A good mixing bowl will help combine everything easily, and a knife for chopping the onion is essential. With just these simple tools, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal.

How To Make It

Let’s dive into the magic of making this casserole. It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen whiz. The best part is, everything comes together in one bowl before hitting the oven, making cleanup a breeze.

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While that’s heating up, prepare the broccoli according to the package instructions. This usually means just steaming it for a few minutes until it’s tender but still vibrant green.

Once it’s ready, chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, milk, sour cream, 1 and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and your seasonings-salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good stir until everything’s nicely blended. Now, add in the chopped broccoli and mix that in too.

You want all those flavors to mingle together before it heads into the oven.

Cooking

Now it’s time to transfer that beautiful mixture into your greased casserole dish. Pour it in evenly and spread it out a bit for even cooking. Take the remaining half cup of cheese and sprinkle it over the top.

This is where the magic happens, folks-when that cheese melts and gets all bubbly and golden.

Bake the casserole for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is nicely browned and bubbly. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be enough to make your mouth water.

When you pull it out, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes for a perfect slice. You’ll have a casserole that’s cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Serving & Variations

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole makes for a fantastic main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cooked chicken or even some crispy bacon bits for a heartier meal.

A common consensus among home cooks is that adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper can elevate the flavor even more, giving it a nice kick. Plus, if you have leftovers, this casserole keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats like a champ. Just pop it back in the oven until warmed through, and you’re ready to go again!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it-a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole that’s sure to impress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for when you just want something warm and cheesy to dig into.

Recipe created by CookinWithBabe for Trust Me Try It.

Watch It Made

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole: Simple Comfort Food

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz. bag frozen broccoli
• 3 cups rice, cooked
• 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. paprika
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare broccoli according to package instructions.
• In a large bowl, add rice, cream of mushroom, onion, milk, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheese, and seasonings.
• Chop broccoli in bite size pieces and mix with the rice mixture.
• In a 9×13 greased casserole dish pour in the rice mixture.
• Take the remaining cheese and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake for 30 – 40 minutes.