Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cozy and comforting Broccoli Rice Casserole combining tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and melty cheese in a creamy bake that’s perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, this casserole is a delicious, hearty meal everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)
Vegetables and Base
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked rice (long-grain or jasmine recommended)
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Prepare the broccoli and rice: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant green. Cook your rice ahead of time or use leftover rice, ensuring it is fluffy and slightly cooled to avoid mushiness.
- Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the cheese blend. Stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy, which will help coat the rice and broccoli evenly.
- Combine everything together: Gently fold the cooked broccoli and rice into the creamy mixture, ensuring every grain and floret is fully coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Transfer and top: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then add the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to create a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the topping is lightly browned. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Use long-grain or jasmine rice for fluffier texture that doesn’t clump.
- Do not overcook broccoli to maintain its texture and color after baking.
- Spread toppings evenly to ensure every bite has a crispy crust.
- Customize cheese blends with Monterey Jack or extra mozzarella for different flavors and textures.
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake fresh to save time on busy nights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: broccoli rice casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, baked rice dish