If you’re looking for a cozy, filling meal that’s easy to make, you’ve found it! My Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. With simple ingredients like rice, broccoli, and cheese, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive in and learn how to create this cheesy comfort food that will keep you coming back for more!
Ingredients
Required Ingredients
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Suggested Measurements for Servings
To adjust servings, you can easily scale the recipe. If you want to serve more, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut the amounts in half. This way, you can always make the right amount for your needs. Remember, the cooking times may change slightly when you adjust the quantities. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, ensuring it turns golden brown and bubbly.
For the full recipe, check the details above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
2. Cook Rice: In a medium pot, boil 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice. Lower the heat and cover. Cook for about 45 minutes until the rice is soft and all the broth is absorbed.
Mixing the Ingredients
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until everything is well coated.
Final Assembly
1. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
2. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure every breadcrumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the casserole.
3. Add Parmesan: For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.
4. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it bubbly and the breadcrumbs to be golden brown.
5. Cool and Garnish: After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole
– Cooking time adjustments for firmness of rice: For softer rice, extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. If you prefer firmer rice, check it at 40 minutes. This small change can make a big difference in texture.
– Tips for achieving a golden breadcrumb topping: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Spread them evenly across the top of the casserole. For extra crunch, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just watch it closely to avoid burning.
How to Enhance Flavor
– Suggested spices and herbs to add: Consider adding thyme or paprika for depth. A dash of cayenne can bring a nice kick. For a fresh touch, mix in some chopped chives or parsley.
– Ways to incorporate protein: To make this dish heartier, add cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans. These proteins complement the cheesy broccoli well. Just mix them in with the rice and broccoli for a complete meal.
Explore the [Full Recipe] to see how these tips can elevate your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole!
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily change up the rice in this dish. Swap brown rice for white rice if you prefer a softer texture. Quinoa is another great choice. It cooks fast and adds a nice nutty flavor.
If you want to make this dish vegan, there are many plant-based options. Use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan version. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without using any animal products.
Casserole Add-Ins
Feel free to add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Peas, carrots, or corn can work well. You can mix in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
For added texture, consider mixing in some nuts, like chopped almonds or walnuts. They add a nice crunch. You can also try spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Exploring these variations can make your cheesy broccoli rice casserole even more exciting. Check the Full Recipe for all the details!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a covered dish to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.
If you need a quicker option, the microwave works too. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between, until it’s warm.
To restore texture and flavor, add a splash of vegetable broth before reheating. This keeps the casserole creamy and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
FAQs
Common Questions About Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
How can I make the casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day before. Just follow the recipe steps and stop before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great! It’s easy to use and saves time. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water to prevent a soggy casserole. This keeps the dish tasty and fresh.
Is it possible to use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite cheeses. Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same for the best results.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. It’s a great way to balance flavors and add variety to your plate.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.
In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. I emphasized how to adjust ingredients and variations to fit your needs. You can easily store and reheat leftovers for later. This dish is crowd-pleasing and easy to make, whether for family meals or gatherings. With these guidelines, you’re ready to create a delicious casserole your loved ones will enjoy. Happy cooking!
![- 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish To adjust servings, you can easily scale the recipe. If you want to serve more, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut the amounts in half. This way, you can always make the right amount for your needs. Remember, the cooking times may change slightly when you adjust the quantities. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, ensuring it turns golden brown and bubbly. For the full recipe, check the details above. 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Cook Rice: In a medium pot, boil 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice. Lower the heat and cover. Cook for about 45 minutes until the rice is soft and all the broth is absorbed. 1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup. 2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until everything is well coated. 1. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. 2. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure every breadcrumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the casserole. 3. Add Parmesan: For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs. 4. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it bubbly and the breadcrumbs to be golden brown. 5. Cool and Garnish: After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Cooking time adjustments for firmness of rice: For softer rice, extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. If you prefer firmer rice, check it at 40 minutes. This small change can make a big difference in texture. - Tips for achieving a golden breadcrumb topping: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Spread them evenly across the top of the casserole. For extra crunch, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. - Suggested spices and herbs to add: Consider adding thyme or paprika for depth. A dash of cayenne can bring a nice kick. For a fresh touch, mix in some chopped chives or parsley. - Ways to incorporate protein: To make this dish heartier, add cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans. These proteins complement the cheesy broccoli well. Just mix them in with the rice and broccoli for a complete meal. Explore the [Full Recipe] to see how these tips can elevate your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! {{image_4}} You can easily change up the rice in this dish. Swap brown rice for white rice if you prefer a softer texture. Quinoa is another great choice. It cooks fast and adds a nice nutty flavor. If you want to make this dish vegan, there are many plant-based options. Use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan version. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without using any animal products. Feel free to add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Peas, carrots, or corn can work well. You can mix in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. For added texture, consider mixing in some nuts, like chopped almonds or walnuts. They add a nice crunch. You can also try spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Exploring these variations can make your cheesy broccoli rice casserole even more exciting. Check the Full Recipe for all the details! To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a covered dish to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. If you need a quicker option, the microwave works too. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between, until it's warm. To restore texture and flavor, add a splash of vegetable broth before reheating. This keeps the casserole creamy and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish! How can I make the casserole ahead of time? You can prepare the casserole a day before. Just follow the recipe steps and stop before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli works great! It’s easy to use and saves time. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water to prevent a soggy casserole. This keeps the dish tasty and fresh. Is it possible to use different types of cheese? Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite cheeses. Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same for the best results. What can I serve alongside this dish? This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. It’s a great way to balance flavors and add variety to your plate. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. I emphasized how to adjust ingredients and variations to fit your needs. You can easily store and reheat leftovers for later. This dish is crowd-pleasing and easy to make, whether for family meals or gatherings. With these guidelines, you’re ready to create a delicious casserole your loved ones will enjoy. Happy cooking!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ef68a54b-56a6-4042-9eb6-20eea6716866-250x250.webp)