Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe – Homestyle Comfort

Crafting a comforting cheesy broccoli rice casserole brings pure magic to your dinner table.

Warm, creamy textures mingle with vibrant green florets and fluffy grains.

Cheese lovers will adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

My grandmother’s secret was always using extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor punch.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds delightful crunch to each delectable bite.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing comfort meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so straightforward can taste absolutely incredible.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite

• Satisfy Hungry Families: A crowd-pleasing dish packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness that makes mealtime a delightful experience for everyone from kids to adults.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients transform into a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable recipe allows for protein substitutions like chicken, turkey, or even making it vegetarian by omitting meat altogether.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, creating a nutritious dinner that doesn't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Rice: The foundation of the casserole that provides a hearty and filling texture.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and healthy elements to the dish.

• Chicken: A lean protein that makes the casserole more substantial and satisfying.

• Cheddar Cheese, Cream of Chicken Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole, adding depth and complexity.

Instructions to Create a Creamy and Cheesy Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 350F (175C) and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Delicious Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked chicken pieces
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks super appetizing.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite gets maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add Extra Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.

This will create a golden, melty cheese crust that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and slightly golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Melty Cheese and Tender Broccoli

• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense, tangy taste that elevates the entire dish's richness.
• Add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick to ensure a creamy, moist casserole.
• Swap chicken with turkey, ham, or replace with tofu for vegetarian versions without losing texture.
• Top the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking to add a delightful crispy layer.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations to Customize Your Casserole

• Spicy Pepper Jack Blast: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños for extra heat, and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Swap chicken with chickpeas, use feta cheese, add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and season with oregano and basil.
• Seafood Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, use white cheddar cheese, and mix in chopped fresh parsley for a coastal flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Option: Replace rice with quinoa, use ground turkey instead of chicken, add mixed vegetables like carrots and peas, and top with a blend of monterey jack and cheddar cheeses.

Pairing Suggestions for This Classic Comfort Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy, rich casserole and refresh your palate with its bright acidity.
• Create Fresh Green Salad Companion: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and add a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread as a perfect side to soak up the cheesy sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts to add a caramelized, slightly bitter element that enhances the creamy, cheesy main dish.

Storing Leftover Broccoli Rice Casserole with Care

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drain excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cream of chicken soup typically contains gluten. Use a gluten-free cream soup alternative if you need a gluten-free version.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetable-based cream soup.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can include diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even plant-based protein like cubed tofu or beans to boost the protein content.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, where creamy cheese and tender broccoli meld into a hearty one-pan wonder. Families will savor each warm, satisfying bite of this classic side dish that brings wholesome ingredients together in delicious harmony.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed

Main Carbohydrates and Cheese:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix cooked rice, steamed broccoli florets, most of the cheddar cheese, optional chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution with a spatula.
4. Scatter the remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melty topping.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with tofu, turkey, or omitting for a vegetarian version.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and controlling added salt.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or spinach into the mixture.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg