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- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt - 1/2 cup crispy breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter To create this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, gather your main ingredients first. You need two cups of cooked rice; either white or brown works well. Next, grab two cups of fresh broccoli florets. Chop them into bite-sized pieces so they mix easily. Finally, you'll want one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that rich, cheesy flavor. Next are the additional ingredients. You'll need one cup of cream of mushroom soup. This adds creaminess and depth. Use one-half cup of milk to make the mixture smooth. For flavor, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. These spices will make your dish pop. If you want to add a crunchy layer, consider the optional ingredients. You can use one-half cup of crispy breadcrumbs on top. This gives a nice texture. Also, you can grease your dish with two tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Coat it with olive oil or melted butter to stop the casserole from sticking to the dish. This step is key for easy serving later. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything well. Make sure every bite has a taste of cheese and broccoli. This blend creates a yummy base for your casserole. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything again to spread the flavors evenly. This seasoning adds depth to the dish. It makes each bite pop with flavor. The right seasonings make a good dish great. You can find the complete directions in the Full Recipe. To make your cheesy broccoli rice casserole just right, bake it until it turns golden brown. This means the cheese has melted and the top is crispy. You'll know it's done when it's hot all the way through. After baking, let it cool for about five minutes. This helps when you serve it, keeping everything in place. A great way to make your dish pop is to add a garnish. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Extra shredded cheddar cheese also works well. These small touches make the meal look inviting and colorful. Feel free to mix things up with your cheese. Try using different varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack. This adds new flavors to the dish. You can also add proteins like diced chicken or mushrooms. These options make the casserole heartier and more filling. {{image_4}} You can easily tweak this dish for vegetarians. First, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version. You can blend mushrooms, broth, and cream for a fresh taste. Next, add more veggies. Bell peppers and carrots work great. They bring color and crunch, making your casserole even better. If you want a vegan take, it's simple! Substitute the cheese with dairy-free options. There are many good brands that melt well. Also, use plant-based milk and cream. Almond milk or coconut cream can work nicely. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. Want to kick up the flavor? You can add spices! Paprika gives a nice warmth, while cayenne adds heat. If you prefer fresh tastes, mix in herbs too. Thyme and basil are great choices. They add a lovely aroma and taste that makes every bite special. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This will help avoid steam buildup. You can enjoy it as a quick meal later. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. This way, it lasts up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, you have two good options. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. For the microwave, cut it into smaller pieces. Heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid overheating. Both methods will bring back the creamy goodness of your cheesy broccoli rice casserole. For the full recipe, check the details above. Baking this casserole takes about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s hot throughout. The top should have a nice golden brown color. This browning adds flavor and texture. Let it cool for five minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Mix the rice, broccoli, cheese, and soup. Store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This casserole goes well with many sides. Try serving it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch and color. You can also pair it with grilled chicken for extra protein. For a heartier meal, serve it with roasted vegetables. Each side complements the creamy, cheesy flavors of the casserole. This blog post shared a simple recipe for cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered the main and optional ingredients, plus step-by-step instructions for baking. I offered tips for perfecting your dish and ideas for variations, like vegetarian and vegan options. In my view, this casserole is a fun meal for everyone. It’s easy to make and can fit different tastes. Enjoy creating your tasty version, and don’t forget to share your favorite tips and tweaks!

- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Delight your family with this easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Combining tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Explore tips for variations like vegetarian and vegan options, and find out how to perfect this family favorite. Click through for the full recipe and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup milk (whole or low-fat)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup crispy breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9x13 inch casserole dish and coat it evenly with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.

    Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix everything until well combined.

      Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt over the rice and broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ingredients.

        Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the combined mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.

          Add Breadcrumbs: If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will add texture and contrast to the creamy filling.

            Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when it’s hot all the way through and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.

              Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This will make serving easier and help it hold its shape better.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 40 min | 6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: When serving the casserole hot, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra shreds of cheddar cheese on top for a pop of color and added flavor. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes it look inviting!