Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
There s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven, and this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes. It s one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate – loaded with tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, all mingling together in perfect harmony. Whether you re looking for an easy side to bring to a family dinner or craving a simple, satisfying meal, this recipe shines every time.
I remember first making this casserole on a chilly weekend when I wanted something quick yet nourishing, and it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. The beauty of this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is that it s both nostalgic and versatile, blending ingredients you probably already have on hand into one delicious dish. Plus, it s incredibly forgiving-great for when you want a fuss-free dish that your whole family will devour without complaints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh broccoli that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Quick to Make: From prepping to baking, this casserole comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy texture makes it a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Works beautifully as a hearty side or a standalone meal depending on your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe complement one another perfectly to deliver that creamy, cheesy goodness you re after. I recommend grabbing fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor, and don t skip on the potato chips topping-it adds a fun crunch that takes the dish over the top.
- Quick cooking white rice: I love this option because it cooks fast and becomes wonderfully fluffy, soaking up all the cheesy flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness of your dish more easily.
- Medium white onion: Adds sweetness and depth while softening perfectly with the broccoli.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Fresh is key for vibrant color and the right bite-steam or cook lightly so they don’t get mushy.
- Cream of chicken soup: This brings that classic creamy base but you can swap for cream of mushroom if you prefer.
- Processed American cheese or shredded cheddar: Velveeta melts smoothly and gives a velvety texture; shredded cheddar adds a more pronounced cheesy tang.
- Milk: Helps thin out the mixture slightly, ensuring creaminess without heaviness.
- Crushed potato chips: The secret ingredient! They create a salty, crispy topping that s addictive.
Variations
I love how flexible the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe can be, so don t hesitate to customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to make it vegetarian or kick it up with some spice, it s easy to swap ingredients and keep it delicious.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom and use vegetable broth for cooking rice if desired.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for an extra hearty twist-I’ve done both and they work like a charm.
- Use different cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds tang, mozzarella makes it extra gooey, or a mix of your favorites can create great flavor layers.
- Gluten-free option: Confirm the soup and potato chips are gluten-free, or make your own crunchy topping from gluten-free crackers.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Rice
Start by cooking the quick cooking white rice according to the package directions. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Make sure the rice is fluffy and fully cooked because it needs to soak up those creamy sauce flavors later. Set it aside while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Broccoli
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped white onion and broccoli florets, then cook them together until the onion becomes transparent and the broccoli is just tender-about 5 minutes. Don t overcook here; you want the broccoli to retain a little crispness so it doesn’t turn mushy once baked.
Step 3: Mix in Cheese, Soup, and Milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of chicken soup, 4 ounces of the cheese, and the milk. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and everything forms a creamy sauce. This step is where the casserole s rich, cheesy magic really starts to come together.
Step 4: Combine with Rice and Transfer to Baking Dish
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice evenly. Once combined, pour this mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish, spreading it out to create an even layer. This helps the dish to bake uniformly.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake
Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces of cheese over the top, then sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly on top. This topping is going to bake to a golden, crispy finish that s so satisfying. Pop the casserole in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 30 minutes. You re looking for bubbling edges, melted cheese on top, and potato chips turning beautifully golden.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Don t Overcook Broccoli: I always keep broccoli slightly crisp before baking to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Cheese Choice Matters: Processed American cheese melts smoothly, but mixing in sharp cheddar adds a sharper flavor I love.
- Potato Chip Topping: Crushing potato chips by hand gives better texture than pre-crushed commercial ones.
- Mix Ingredients Gently: Stir the rice in carefully so you don t mash it, keeping the casserole light and fluffy.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika also adds a subtle warmth and makes it look extra inviting on the plate. Both little touches really elevate the simple comfort food vibe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple roasted chicken or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. On busy nights, a plate of grilled sausages or even slow-cooked pulled pork alongside always makes the meal feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or potlucks, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins-each person gets their own cheesy, crispy-topped portion. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so you can see all those vibrant green broccoli and cheesy layers through the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before covering well and popping them into the fridge. I store mine in airtight containers to keep moisture out, and they usually stay delicious for up to four days. The casserole reheats beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Before baking, you can assemble it and cover tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual-just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore that crispy top and creamy interior. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but you might lose that perfect crunchy topping. Cover loosely with a paper towel to keep moisture balanced.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before adding it. This helps prevent extra moisture from making your casserole soggy. You may want to reduce cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is pre-cooked.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
You can swap butter for a plant-based spread and use dairy-free cheese options available in many stores. Substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream soup or homemade sauce to keep it creamy without dairy.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free cream soup and check that your potato chips don t contain gluten. Alternatively, use gluten-free crackers or toasted breadcrumbs as a crunchy topping.
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What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with roast chicken, grilled meats, or fresh salads. It also works great as part of a holiday spread alongside other comforting dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has been a go-to for me whenever I want that perfect balance of easy prep and satisfying flavor. It s a dish that feels homemade without requiring a ton of fuss, and the crispy potato chip topping always brings a smile around the dinner table. I really encourage you to try making it-it s an effortless way to enjoy a cheesy, veggie-packed meal that feels special yet familiar. Trust me, once you ve made it, it ll be in your regular rotation too!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender broccoli and fluffy rice baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with crunchy crushed potato chips for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines the classic flavors of cheddar cheese and cream of chicken soup for a rich, satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (1 and 1/4 cups)
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, divided (such as Velveeta) or 2 cups good-melting shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the quick cooking white rice according to package directions until it’s tender, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fresh broccoli florets, cooking gently until the onion becomes transparent and the broccoli slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup, 4 ounces of the cheese, and the milk into the skillet. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Rice Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice thoroughly, ensuring it’s well coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces of cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, the potato chips are golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, use a cream of mushroom soup and omit the processed American cheese or use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, ensure the soup and potato chips are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder to the sautéed vegetables can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
