Ah, comfort food! It’s the warm hug you need after a long day, isn’t it? I remember my grandmother making her famous casseroles when I was a child. The whole house would fill with delightful smells, and we’d gather around the table, ready to enjoy something truly special. This broccoli cheese rice casserole takes me back to those cozy family dinners. It’s simple yet oh-so-satisfying, and the combination of creamy cheese with tender broccoli and fluffy rice is just perfect. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter where you are. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Trust me, once you make this casserole, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again, just like I do. It’s comfort food at its finest—delicious, hearty, and full of love!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful broccoli cheese rice casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (you can use white or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack!)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (you can swap this for cream of chicken if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind of milk will do, or use a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting dish that you and your loved ones will enjoy!
How to Prepare Your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious broccoli cheese rice casserole. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dish in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden top. So, while you’re mixing everything together, let your oven do its warming up!
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked rice, broccoli florets, and shredded cheddar cheese. Then, pour in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Now, here comes the fun part! Use a large spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want every morsel of rice, cheese, and broccoli to be coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s just the charm of a casserole!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab a greased baking dish—about 9×9 inches works well. Greasing is essential because it prevents the casserole from sticking, making it easier to serve later on. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even a drizzle of olive oil to grease the dish. Just make sure every corner is covered!
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and has that lovely golden color. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even broil it for an extra minute or two at the end for an even crispier top! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is comforting and delicious, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this broccoli cheese rice casserole. While comfort food is all about enjoying those cozy flavors, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s a rough estimate for each serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s all about balance, so enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded meal!
Tips for Success
To ensure your broccoli cheese rice casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it in; this will help it blend nicely with the other ingredients. If you like a creamier casserole, don’t hesitate to add a bit more milk or cheese—who doesn’t love extra cheese? Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; ovens can vary, so check for that bubbly, golden top around the 25-minute mark. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
One of the best things about this broccoli cheese rice casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken or turkey—leftovers work perfectly here! If you’re a fan of different cheeses, experiment with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little kick. You can also toss in some cooked bacon bits or ham for an extra savory touch. And if you want to sneak in more veggies, chopped bell peppers or spinach make wonderful additions. The possibilities are endless, so have fun personalizing this dish to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious broccoli cheese rice casserole and keep it tasting great! If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just scoop out what you need and reheat in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, just heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 15-20 minutes, covering it with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli cheese rice casserole is a true delight that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll absolutely love it:
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with tender broccoli and fluffy rice.
- It’s versatile—great as a main dish or a side, for family dinners or potlucks.
- Leftovers keep well, so you can enjoy it again and again!
- It’s a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen!
For more comforting recipes, check out our comforting casseroles collection!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of broccoli, you can read more here.
Print
Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: 5 Comforting Family Servings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting broccoli cheese rice casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use brown rice for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese rice casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, vegetarian recipe
