If you’re looking for a comforting, homey dish that combines vibrant veggies with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a fantastic way to get a wholesome meal on the table with simple ingredients, delivering that perfect balance of tender rice, fresh broccoli, and rich flavors that everyone loves. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this casserole will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe couldn’t be easier, thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the buttery onions that lay the flavor foundation to the sharp cheddar cheese that brings the dish to life, every component adds its own wonderful texture, taste, or color.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick): Creates a rich base and helps sauté the onions perfectly.
- 1 onion (diced): Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant and savory boost without overpowering the dish.
- 1¼ cups long-grain white rice: The hearty filler that soaks in all the flavors beautifully.
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses a subtle savory taste.
- 16 ounces chopped broccoli florets (fresh or thawed and drained if frozen): Adds vibrant green color and a lovely vegetable crunch.
- ⅓ cup milk: Makes the dish creamy without being too heavy.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can): Acts as a flavorful binder to bring everything together.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Provides melty, cheesy goodness on top and inside the casserole.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your baking dish a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step ensures that your casserole will come out clean and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook it gently until it turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes, allowing those natural sugars to bloom. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its wonderful aroma—no longer than a minute to keep it from burning.
Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Rice
Next, stir in the rice so every grain is coated in that buttery, oniony goodness. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This step is where the rice begins absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking Rice
Remove the lid and gently add the broccoli florets on top—try not to stir because you want the rice to finish cooking with the broccoli gently steaming. Cover again and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the broth.
Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Elements
Turn off the heat and mix in the milk, the cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This combination creates the rich, creamy texture that makes this casserole so irresistible and ties the broccoli and rice together perfectly.
Step 6: Transfer and Add Cheese Topping
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and cover with foil. That cheesy layer will melt into a golden topping that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake covered for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to get that gorgeous golden crust on top. The bubbling cheese and fragrant broccoli will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 8: Let It Rest
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This wait time helps the casserole set up so it holds its shape and allows you to scoop out perfect portions without it falling apart.
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top adds a burst of color and an extra layer of fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of this dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a crisp side salad to brighten the plate and bring balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to make it feel a bit fancy. You can also top portions with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds its flavor well and is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Adding a tiny splash of milk before reheating helps maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily swap the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup for vegetable-based alternatives to make this dish completely vegetarian without losing flavor.
Can I substitute the white rice for brown rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to adjust the cooking times accordingly or pre-cook it before assembling the casserole.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella for meltiness or even a bit of Parmesan for a nutty twist. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Can I double this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness by making sure the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all to yourself. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your cooking repertoire!
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy chicken soup, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ cups long-grain white rice
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 16 ounces chopped broccoli florets (fresh or thawed and drained if frozen)
Creamy Mixture
- ⅓ cup milk
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare it for the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, enhancing the base flavor.
- Cook Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice to coat it in the butter and aromatics. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes to partially cook the rice.
- Steam Broccoli with Rice: Remove the lid and add the chopped broccoli florets on top of the rice. Do not stir. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Add Dairy and Soup: Turn off the heat. Stir in the milk, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy mixture, melding the flavors together.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it to an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and blend flavors while keeping it moist under the foil.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes to let the cheese on top brown and become bubbly and delicious.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli currently available enhances texture, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and drained.
- Low-sodium chicken broth controls salt levels; adjust seasoning as preferred.
- Covering the casserole during initial baking prevents the dish from drying out.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold together when sliced or scooped.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup and chicken broth with vegetable-based alternatives.
