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Craving comfort food? I’ve got just the thing! My Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is a family meal that’ll warm your heart and fill your belly. It combines creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli into one delicious dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe serves 12 hungry folks. I use frozen chopped broccoli, but fresh works too. The secret to its irresistible flavor? A blend of condensed cream of mushroom soup and gooey process cheese sauce. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Ready in just 40 minutes, this casserole is my go-to when I need a satisfying vegetarian option. So grab your baking dish and let’s whip up some cheesy, broccoli-packed goodness!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is a must-try dish. The homemade sauce is amazing. It’s creamy and will make your taste buds happy.
It’s a hit with my family. Even the picky eaters want more. Plus, it goes well with any protein, making meal planning easy.
It’s also super easy to make, even on busy nights. You can make it fast and prep it ahead. And, you can change it up with different cheese or veggies.
- Creamy homemade sauce
- Family-approved deliciousness
- Versatile side or main dish
- Quick and easy preparation
- Customizable recipe
Once you try this casserole, you’ll want it often. It’s got tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and cheesy goodness. It’s great for leftovers or quick dinners.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love cooking with fresh broccoli and long-grain rice. These are the main ingredients for our tasty casserole. For the cheese, I mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Velveeta cheese is also a great option if you’re short on time!
- 6 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon each of dry mustard powder and paprika
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
If you’re short on time, use cream of chicken soup instead of making your own sauce. You can also swap white rice for brown rice for more nutrition. Adding cauliflower can make the broccoli go further and sneak in more veggies.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to try these substitutions to fit your taste or dietary needs!
Instructions
Let’s start making our broccoli rice and cheese casserole. I’ll show you how to make this tasty dish step by step.
First, heat your oven to 350°F. In a saucepan, cook diced onion in butter until it’s soft. Then, add flour, garlic powder, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to make the cheese sauce base.
Next, slowly add milk to the mixture until it thickens and bubbles. Take it off the heat. Mix in mustard, paprika, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar. Season with salt and pepper as you like.
While the sauce is simmering, boil broccoli for 2 minutes. It should still be a bit crisp. Put the cooked rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce together in a big bowl. Put this mix into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with more cheese.
To bake, just put the dish in the oven for 35 minutes. It’s done when it bubbles and the cheese on top is lightly browned.
“The key to a perfect casserole is in the layering. Each component should be evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.”
This guide makes cooking easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a yummy broccoli rice and cheese casserole to enjoy!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Here are some tips to make your Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole perfect every time! Use fresh or frozen broccoli – both work great. If using fresh, steam it until just tender-crisp for the best texture.
Always cook your rice separately before adding it to the casserole. These simple steps will elevate your dish.
Let’s talk meal prep and leftover storage. You can keep this casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, follow these reheating instructions: warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes if you’re reheating 4+ portions, or 10-15 minutes for 2 portions. Cover with foil and sprinkle extra cheese on top for added gooey goodness!
Want to save time on busy days? Try this make-ahead option: prepare the casserole the night before and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
With these freezing guidelines and storage tips, you’ll always have a delicious meal ready to go!