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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper For this recipe, you need a mix of fresh and creamy ingredients. The cooked rice serves as a base. You can use white or brown rice, based on your taste. The bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition. Steaming it keeps its crunch. The sharp cheddar cheese is key for a rich flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes great. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess. Whole milk makes it even smoother. Parmesan cheese gives a lovely nutty note. Don’t forget to spice it up! Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. If you want a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs, mixed with olive oil. This will create a wonderful texture contrast. Each ingredient plays a role in making the casserole tasty and comforting. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get your oven ready for baking. 2. Combine cooked rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and cheeses. In a big bowl, mix these ingredients well. This helps the flavors blend together. 3. Season and mix evenly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it is all mixed. 1. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly for the best cooking. 2. Optional: Prepare a breadcrumb topping. If you want a crunchy top, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle this over the casserole. 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Look for a bubbly, hot dish with a nice golden color. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Enjoy! - Using freshly shredded cheese for optimum melting: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged cheese. It gives a creamy and smooth texture to your casserole. I always prefer to shred my cheese right before cooking. - Steaming broccoli to maintain vibrant color and nutrients: Steaming keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp. It also locks in nutrients. I steam it just until tender, so it adds a nice crunch to the dish. - Adjusting seasonings to taste for personal preference: Everyone has different taste buds. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, taste and add more if needed. You can also add your favorite herbs for a unique twist. - Garnish with chopped parsley for color: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look great on the table. - Pairing with a light salad for a balanced meal: A crisp green salad complements the rich casserole well. It adds a refreshing balance to the meal. You can use mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette for a tasty side. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and freshly shredded cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole significantly. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. Check for Doneness: Ensure your casserole is cooked through by checking that it’s hot and bubbly in the center before serving. {{image_4}} You can change up the recipe with these fun swaps: - Rice Substitute: Use cooked quinoa instead of rice. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and is a great protein source. - Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. These cheeses melt well and bring a creamy texture. - Soup Swap: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or make your own. Homemade soup can bring fresh flavors. If you have diet needs, here are some easy changes: - Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. This keeps everyone happy at the table. - Dairy-Free Options: You can replace cheese and milk with dairy-free versions. Almond milk or cashew cheese work great for a creamy feel. These variations and modifications make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fit for everyone. Enjoy making it your own! To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, place it in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the casserole before sealing it away. This step helps avoid steam build-up, which can make it soggy. When you want to enjoy leftovers, you have two good options: the oven or microwave. - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the casserole creamy and the topping crispy. - Microwave Method: If you are in a hurry, this is faster. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. This way, you avoid overcooking and keep the texture nice. To maintain the best flavor and texture, always cover your casserole while reheating. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for a day. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven. To keep the casserole moist, use enough cream of mushroom soup and whole milk. Freshly shredded cheese also helps with creaminess. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry it out. Check for a bubbly, golden top as your cue. This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or baked fish. These options add protein to your meal, making it balanced and filling. You now have a complete guide to making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. You’ve learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. This dish is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Remember to follow the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Whether you serve it with a salad or try different cheeses, this casserole will surely delight. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with family and friends. It’s both tasty and satisfying. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Delight

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli and rice, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 2 whole milk
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 garlic powder
  • 1 2 onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and the two cheeses (sharp cheddar and Parmesan). Ensure everything is mixed uniformly for even flavor distribution.
  • Season your mixture generously with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are seamlessly blended.
  • Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to promote even cooking.
  • If you desire a crunchy topping, take a small bowl and combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for added texture.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for it to become hot and bubbly with a beautifully golden-brown topping.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes for easier serving.

Notes

Serve with a light salad for a complete meal.
Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice