What goes in broccoli rice casserole?

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is made with simple, tasty ingredients. First, you need cooked rice, which gives the dish its filling texture. Next, steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition. The real star is cheese—it melts into creamy goodness. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works best! Then, a little milk or cream makes it extra rich. In addition, seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt bring out the flavor. Some people also add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein. Finally, a sprinkle of cheese on top gives it that golden, bubbly finish. It’s pure comfort in every bite!

Why is my broccoli casserole watery?

If your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole turns out watery, don’t worry—it’s easy to fix! First, make sure to drain your cooked broccoli well. Extra moisture can make the dish soggy. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat it dry before mixing it in. Next, don’t add too much liquid. A little milk or cream is enough. In addition, avoid overcooking the casserole, as this can release excess water. Baking it uncovered helps any extra moisture evaporate. Also, using fresh, grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese improves texture. Follow these tips, and your casserole will be perfectly creamy!

What do I need for broccoli casserole?

To make a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you only need a few ingredients. First, grab some cooked rice—it makes the dish hearty and filling. Next, fresh or frozen broccoli adds a healthy crunch. Then, you’ll need cheese! Cheddar is a must, but adding mozzarella makes it extra creamy. In addition, a little milk or cream helps create that smooth, cheesy texture. Don’t forget seasonings like garlic powder and salt for extra flavor! If you want to add protein, diced chicken or ham works great. Finally, bake everything until it’s warm, bubbly, and golden on top.

Is broccoli rice good for you?

Yes! Broccoli and rice together make a nutritious and delicious combo. First, broccoli is packed with vitamins like C and K. It’s also high in fiber, which helps digestion. Next, rice gives you energy and keeps you full. If you want more fiber, brown rice is a great choice. In addition, cheese adds calcium, which is good for bones. You can even make it healthier by using less cheese or swapping in cauliflower rice for fewer carbs. The best part? It doesn’t feel like a “healthy” meal, but you’re still getting plenty of nutrients in every bite!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! It’s an easy, one-dish recipe perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners. The combination of fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and gooey melted cheese makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—you can keep it vegetarian or add protein for a hearty meal. Whether served as a side or main dish, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
3 cups broccoli (fresh, steamed, or thawed frozen)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
1 tablespoon butter (melted, if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Rice – Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli – If using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, milk, sour cream (if using), and seasonings. Stir until well blended.
Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add Toppings – Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool & Serve – Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or ham for extra protein.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers.
Make it low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: ~320 kcal
Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Protein: ~14g