Welcome to our delicious and comforting recipe for cheesy broccoli rice casserole. If you’re a fan of broccoli rice casserole, you’re in for a treat! Our easy cheesy broccoli casserole is a homemade favorite that will have you coming back for seconds.
What makes our broccoli cheese casserole so special? It’s the perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection. The dish is topped with more cheese and a crispy layer of crushed potato chips, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
This vegetarian broccoli casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthier alternative to other cheesy casseroles. The broccoli provides essential vitamins and nutrients, making this dish a guilt-free indulgence.
Our cheesy rice casserole is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with any weeknight meal and can even be the star of your holiday buffet. Plus, if you feel like adding some protein, simply toss in some rotisserie chicken, and you’ve got a complete and satisfying main dish.
Whether you’re in need of a comforting side dish or a crowd-pleasing main course, our cheesy broccoli rice casserole is the perfect choice. It’s a family favorite that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups quick cooking white rice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces American cheese, shredded (such as Velveeta)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 1 casserole dish
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start preparing the casserole with the following steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the white rice according to the package directions.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and chopped broccoli to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes transparent.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, 4 ounces of shredded American cheese, and milk. Cook until the cheese is completely melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Spread the remaining 4 ounces of shredded American cheese over the top.
- Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly on top of the cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
You can now serve the delicious cheesy broccoli rice casserole and enjoy its comforting flavors!
**Note:** Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or substituting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty casserole as a side dish or a main course.
From Scratch Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a delicious and homemade twist on the classic cheesy broccoli rice casserole, this from-scratch recipe is just what you need. Made without condensed soup, this version is packed with flavor and simple to prepare.
To make this creamy cheesy broccoli rice casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked white rice
- 2 cups of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 1 can of unsalted cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion flakes, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and oregano. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and Italian bread crumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, covering the entire surface.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy.
This from-scratch version of the cheesy broccoli rice casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and flavorful seasonings creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side dish for a special occasion or enjoy it as a main course for a delicious vegetarian meal. Either way, this creamy cheesy broccoli rice casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Childhood Favorite Lunch Lady Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole
If you’re longing for a taste of nostalgia, this childhood favorite lunch lady broccoli cheese and rice casserole will transport you back to your school cafeteria memories. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of cooked white rice, frozen chopped broccoli, unsalted cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, pepper, salt, oregano, melted butter, and Italian bread crumbs.
To recreate this beloved casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine cooked white rice and thawed and drained frozen chopped broccoli. Add unsalted cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and oregano. Mix everything together until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Next, top the casserole with a generous amount of melted butter and sprinkle Italian bread crumbs over the top. This will give the casserole a crispy and flavorful crust.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is warm, bubbly, and the bread crumbs are golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be as inviting as the taste.
This childhood favorite lunch lady broccoli cheese and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings back cherished memories. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and flavorful combination of ingredients make it a crowd-pleasing dish for both kids and adults.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Cooked white rice | 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. |
| – Frozen chopped broccoli | 2. In a large bowl, combine cooked white rice and thawed and drained frozen chopped broccoli. |
| – Unsalted cream of mushroom soup | 3. Add unsalted cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and oregano. |
| – Milk | 4. Mix everything together until well combined. |
| – Shredded cheddar cheese | 5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. |
| – Dried minced onion flakes | 6. Top the casserole with melted butter and sprinkle Italian bread crumbs over the top. |
| – Garlic powder, pepper, salt, oregano | 7. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is warm, bubbly, and the bread crumbs are golden brown. |
| – Melted butter | |
| – Italian bread crumbs |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have discovered the wonders of cheesy broccoli rice casserole – a comforting side dish that is sure to become a family favorite. This versatile recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying accompaniment to your weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table, this cheesy broccoli rice casserole will not disappoint.
With its creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli, this casserole delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cheesy goodness combined with the nutritious broccoli creates a dish that is both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, the recipe offers flexibility for customization. You can easily add some protein like rotisserie chicken to turn it into a main dish that everyone will love.
So why wait? Try making this cheesy broccoli rice casserole recipe today and treat your taste buds to a delightful culinary experience. This easy-to-make dish is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a satisfied sigh at every bite. Don’t miss out on the comforting goodness of cheesy broccoli rice casserole – a versatile recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese in the cheesy broccoli rice casserole?
Yes, you can customize the casserole by using different types of cheese. American cheese, such as Velveeta, is commonly used, but you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer.
Can I make the cheesy broccoli rice casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake it, simply bring it to room temperature and cook it according to the recipe instructions.
Can I add protein to the cheesy broccoli rice casserole?
Absolutely! If you want to turn the casserole into a main dish, you can add rotisserie chicken or cooked diced chicken breasts to the recipe. This will add protein and make it a more substantial meal.
Can I freeze the cheesy broccoli rice casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Prepare it as usual, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with foil and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Is the cheesy broccoli rice casserole vegetarian-friendly?
The classic recipe for cheesy broccoli rice casserole contains cream of chicken soup, which is not vegetarian. However, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a vegetable-based cream soup.
