If you have been searching for a heartwarming, delightfully cheesy, and wholesome comfort food, look no further because this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender broccoli mingling beautifully with fluffy rice, melted cheese, and creamy mushroom soup, all baked to bubbly perfection in one dish. This casserole is not only incredibly flavorful but also straightforward to prepare, making it a standout choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The balance of textures and the burst of cheesy goodness will keep everyone coming back for seconds, trust me.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with the right ingredients. For this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, simplicity is key, and each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors, color, and creamy, cheesy texture.
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked): Provides a hearty, fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds vibrant color and a pleasant bite packed with nutrition.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings velvety richness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a tangy creaminess that balances the cheese and spices.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the mixture moist and smooth for the perfect casserole consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Infuses the dish with sharp, melty cheese that everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish): Prevents sticking and adds a little buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Creates a crispy, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your casserole won’t stick and gets that lovely golden crust all around the edges. This small step makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Cook your rice according to package instructions until it’s tender and fluffy. This foundational step ensures the rice perfectly absorbs the creamy flavors that come next. Set it aside once done so it can cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender yet maintain their bright green color—this keeps that fresh snap in each bite. If frozen, simply thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until smooth and well blended to create that creamy, cheesy base full of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top. This layering ensures a melty, cheesy topping with a wonderful crust beneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling throughout. If you’re a fan of crispy textures, sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs on the casserole about 10 minutes before the baking time ends. This step gives you a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool just slightly before serving. This resting period helps the dish set a bit, making it easier to cut neat servings. You can even add a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, garnish your casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes adds both color and a subtle kick that keeps things exciting.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is rich and filling, lighter side dishes work best. A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley complements the cheesy softness of the casserole perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You could also scoop it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, edible bowl that adds a touch of whimsy to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings covered to retain moisture, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well but may require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid. It adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making your casserole even heartier.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to add extra color and nutrition. Just ensure they are cooked or softened before mixing.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup for a non-vegetarian option or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasoning for a fresher take.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Adding the optional breadcrumbs 10 minutes before baking creates a crisp topping. Mixing breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling helps achieve an even better crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and versatile. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and brings smiles to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, give this recipe a try—you’ll likely make it a beloved staple in your kitchen just like I have!
Print
Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and a creamy blend of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese. Baked to perfection with a golden cheesy crust, it’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for non-vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the white rice according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet vibrant in color. Drain thoroughly and chop into smaller pieces if desired. For frozen broccoli, thaw completely and drain any excess water to avoid sogginess.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all components are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top about 10 minutes before the baking completes to allow them to crisp and brown nicely.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
- Using fresh broccoli provides a better texture, but frozen broccoli works well in a pinch.
- Sour cream adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be used as a lower-fat alternative.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
