If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that the whole family will love, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect dish! Whether served as a hearty side or a full meal with added chicken, this dish brings together fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese in every bite.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe β€οΈ
- One-Pan Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love it!
- Versatile: Add chicken for a full meal or leave it vegetarian.
What Does Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Taste Like?
This casserole is creamy, savory, and loaded with cheesy goodness. The broccoli adds a subtle freshness while the rice soaks up the rich cream of chicken sauce. Every bite is pure comfort!
Ingredients π
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- Β½ cup milk
- Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Β½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Crumbled bacon
- Β½ teaspoon paprika for a smoky touch
- Β½ cup parmesan cheese
- Hot sauce for a little heat
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Cheese grater
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken (if using), cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Grilled chicken
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
Tips for the Best Casserole π
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works too!
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350Β°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and omit the chicken.
What other cheese can I use?
Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gruyère for different flavor variations.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food β creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it as a weeknight dinner or holiday side dish, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or share your creation on Pinterest β don’t forget to tag me!
Craving More Cozy Casseroles?
Try these next:
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Creamy Potato Casserole
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
---|---|---|---|
320 | 35g | 15g | 14g |
Let’s get cheesy! π§β¨