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
Scale
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.
