Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy Comfort Meal

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

• Pinterest

Looking for a warm, cheesy delight that’s simple to make? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is your answer! With just a few ingredients like rice, broccoli, and creamy cheese, you’ll create a comforting dish the whole family will love. Join me as I guide you through quick steps to make this easy meal. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to save and share!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comforting Flavor: This casserole combines creamy cheeses and fresh broccoli, creating a warm and comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
2. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add proteins like chicken or ham to make it your own and suit your taste preferences.
4. Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy Components

– 1 cup cream cheese

– 1/2 cup sour cream

Flavor Enhancers

– 1/2 cup vegetable broth

– Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil

I love using simple ingredients to make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. First, you need two cups of cooked rice. I prefer jasmine or basmati rice. Both give a lovely texture and flavor. Next, grab two cups of fresh broccoli florets. Lightly steam them until they turn bright green. This helps keep them crisp.

Now, let’s talk cheese. I use one cup of sharp cheddar cheese. It melts perfectly and adds a great taste. For the creamy base, you’ll need one cup of cream cheese, softened. This makes the casserole rich. Also, add half a cup of sour cream for tanginess.

For more flavor, use half a cup of vegetable broth. It adds depth without overpowering the dish. Don’t forget the spices! You need garlic powder, onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. A drizzle of olive oil adds moisture and helps the flavors blend.

With these ingredients, you’ll create a comforting meal that is easy to make and loved by all.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly.

– In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, and vegetable broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined.

Baking Instructions

– Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This step prevents sticking.

– Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the greased dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

– In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss them to coat. This will give your topping a nice crunch.

– Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Cooking Time

– Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cheese. This shows it’s ready to eat.

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This will still give you creaminess but with less fat. If you need a sour cream alternative, try using plain yogurt. It adds a nice tang.

For cheese, sharp cheddar reigns supreme, but you can mix it up! Try gouda for a smoky taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor. A blend of cheeses also works great!

Cooking Advice

Make sure your broccoli is steamed just right. Steam it until it turns bright green but still stays crisp. Overcooking makes it mushy, and we want that crunch!

Let your casserole rest for about five minutes after baking. This helps the flavors mix well. Plus, it makes serving easier. If you skip this step, it might fall apart.

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy feel, serve the casserole right from the baking dish. If you want to impress, slide it onto a large platter. A sprinkle of parsley or chives on top adds a lovely green touch.

Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread. A light white wine can also elevate your meal. Enjoy every bite!

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

You can make this casserole lighter. Try using whole grain rice. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also swap in low-fat dairy. Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories.

Flavor Enhancements

To enhance the flavor, add proteins. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. They add heartiness and make it a full meal. You can also add different veggies. Chopped bell peppers or carrots add color and crunch. This makes the dish more exciting.

Seasonal Variants

Change up the recipe with seasonal veggies. In winter, try using root vegetables like carrots or squash. In summer, fresh zucchini or corn adds brightness. Seasonal options keep the meal fresh and exciting all year long.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in the fridge for up to four days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. If you plan to eat it later, make sure to cool it down before sealing it.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, the goal is to keep it creamy and avoid dryness. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it, but stir it every so often to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Start by preparing the casserole as normal. After mixing all the ingredients, cover the dish with foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it great for busy nights or special occasions.

What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken for protein. A simple green salad makes a fresh side. For a heartier meal, try some roasted veggies or a nice piece of fish. These sides balance the creamy casserole and add more color to your plate.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. Frozen broccoli is often pre-blanched, so it cooks quickly and saves you time. It’s a convenient option when fresh broccoli isn’t available.

This blog post shared how to make a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered the key ingredients like rice, broccoli, and cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Remember to store your leftovers right, so they stay fresh. This dish is easy and versatile. You can enjoy it any time. I hope you feel excited to try this recipe. Happy cookin

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli and rice, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 2 sour cream
• 1 2 vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 2 freshly ground black pepper
• 1 2 salt
• 1 2 breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, vegetable broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss until lightly coated and sprinkle over the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
• Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a rustic touch, serve the casserole directly in the baking dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color.

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheesy, rice, vegetarian

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

• Pinterest