Go Back
To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you need a few key items. The main ingredients create a tasty and filling dish. Here is what you will need: - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can also customize your casserole. Here are some optional ingredients: - Swap the brown rice for white rice or quinoa. - Use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors. - Add cooked chicken or beans for extra protein. - Mix in other veggies, like carrots or bell peppers, for added nutrition. These choices let you make the recipe your own. The Full Recipe will help guide you through each step! 1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a large casserole dish with a bit of olive oil. This helps the casserole not stick. 3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 more minutes until it smells great. 4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked brown rice, the sautéed onion and garlic, 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything well. 5. Add Cheese: Fold in 3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Save the last 1/4 cup for later. 1. Transfer Mixture: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. 2. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the saved 1/4 cup of cheese with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Mix them together well. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. 3. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it hot, bubbly, and with a golden brown top. - Garnish: For a nice touch, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley. It adds color and flavor! - Meal Pairings: Enjoy this casserole as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted chicken. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy every bite! To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, follow these tips: - Cooking the Rice: Use brown rice for a nutty flavor. Always cook it until tender. This will give your casserole a great base. - Cooking the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli just until bright green. This keeps it crisp. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses its taste. - Adjusting Creaminess: If you want a creamier texture, add more cheese or a splash of cream. You can also use sour cream for a tangy kick. - Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for more flavor. This can really elevate your dish. - Common Mistakes: Don’t skip the sautéing step for the onions and garlic. This adds depth to your casserole. Also, be careful not to overbake. You want it hot and bubbly, not dry. - Using Pre-Cooked Ingredients: Save time by using pre-cooked brown rice. You can find it in stores. Frozen broccoli florets are also great. They are quick and easy. - Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day before. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven for a quick meal. This is perfect for busy weeknights. These tips can help you create a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that your family will love! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! {{image_2}} You can change things up by swapping the cheese. Try using mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack. Each cheese brings a different flavor. If you want more nutrition, mix in other veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach work well. They add color and taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. For dairy-free, choose plant-based cheese and milk. You can also make it heartier. Add cooked chicken or beans for extra protein. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, store it right. Wait until it cools down. Then place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great choice. Use a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your casserole again, reheat it safely. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it's warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the texture better. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! You can serve many things with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. A fresh side salad adds color and crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra flavor. If you want something light, garlic bread complements it nicely. The casserole is filling on its own, but these sides make a complete meal. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want a bit more flavor. For the cream of mushroom soup, you can buy a canned version or make it homemade. Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This way, you keep all the tasty goodness while making it suitable for vegetarian diets. Making homemade cream of mushroom soup is simple. Start with: - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1/4 cup onion, chopped - 1/4 cup butter - 1/4 cup flour - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste 1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. 2. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until soft. 3. Sprinkle in flour and stir for one minute. 4. Slowly add milk and broth, whisking to avoid lumps. 5. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper. This homemade soup works great in the casserole and adds a fresh touch. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! In this post, we covered how to make a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We talked about key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking techniques. I shared tips to perfect your dish and save time in the kitchen. You can even make it your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting for dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. With these clear steps and tricks, you can enjoy a warm, delicious casserole any night. Embrace the joy of cooking this simple, nutritious dish!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Made with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for any meal. In just 45 minutes, you can create a delicious, bubbly casserole that's sure to please the whole family.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with a bit of olive oil.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, sautéed onion and garlic, fresh broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

          Fold in 3/4 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.

            Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

              In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

                  Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole straight from the dish and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color! Enjoy it as a hearty side or a main dish paired with a side salad.