Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Classic Comfort Dish

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a beloved dish that combines creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice into one comforting, flavorful casserole. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. The richness of Velveeta and cheddar cheeses melds with the hearty broccoli and rice, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. This casserole serves 6 people, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s simple to throw together, with a handful of pantry staples and frozen broccoli, making it as convenient as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe for comfort food lovers.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This recipe yields 6 servings of cheesy, creamy goodness, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Each serving delivers a hearty balance of vegetables, rice, and rich, melted cheese that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Ingredients:
12 ounces frozen broccoli
10 ounces cream of chicken soup
4 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into small pieces
3 cups cooked white rice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cracked pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make

This casserole is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just a few steps. You’ll have a warm, bubbly dish ready to serve in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it thoroughly and set it aside. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring the casserole doesn’t become watery.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chopped Velveeta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir until the Velveeta is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The Velveeta will melt beautifully during baking, creating a smooth, cheesy texture.
4. Add the Broccoli and Rice: Add the cooked broccoli and cooked white rice to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the rice and broccoli are well-coated with the cheesy sauce. The rice will absorb the flavors from the soup and cheese, making each bite extra savory and rich.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it evenly. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, melty finish to the casserole that enhances the creaminess of the Velveeta.
7. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheddar cheese is melted and golden. You want the edges to be slightly crispy, signaling that the dish is fully heated through and ready to enjoy.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. The dish can be served as a side or a main course, depending on your preference.

Helpful Tips: Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: While this recipe calls for frozen broccoli, you can also use fresh broccoli. Simply steam or blanch the fresh broccoli until tender before adding it to the casserole. Be sure to drain any excess moisture, as fresh broccoli can sometimes hold more water than frozen. Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap out the Velveeta for another smooth-melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda. For a sharper flavor, you can use extra-sharp cheddar in place of mild cheddar. Make it Vegetarian: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or any other vegetarian-friendly condensed soup. Add Protein: If you’d like to make this a more complete meal, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even ham to the casserole. Simply fold the cooked protein into the rice and broccoli mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions: As a Side Dish: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. Its creamy texture and rich flavor complement just about any protein. As a Main Dish: To make it a more filling main course, serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread. It’s hearty enough on its own to be enjoyed as a vegetarian dinner or lunch. Garnish: Top the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, or sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 380 kcal Carbohydrates: 42g Protein: 12g Fat: 18g Saturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 35mg Sodium: 900mg Fiber: 3g Sugars: 2g

Storage and Leftovers

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as the casserole sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Reheating: To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just steam or blanch the fresh broccoli until tender before adding it to the casserole. Make sure to drain any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese? If you’re not a fan of Velveeta, you can substitute it with other smooth-melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even cream cheese. Keep in mind that Velveeta gives the casserole its signature creamy texture, so the results may vary slightly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! You can easily add more vegetables to this casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or diced bell peppers would make great additions. Just make sure to cook and drain any additional vegetables before adding them to the casserole to avoid extra moisture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a holiday meal or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, tender broccoli, and flavorful rice, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to add protein, swap in different cheeses, or customize it with your favorite vegetables. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, offering a delicious, warm meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole!

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