Description
This Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food for busy nights, perfect when you need quick breakfast leftovers, an easy dinner, or simply new breakfast ideas and dinner ideas to feed the family; creamy rice, tender broccoli, and melty cheddar bake together in one pan for an easy recipe that’s loaded with feel-good food ideas, and while it’s not exactly a healthy snack, the leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches or brunch.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked white rice
3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. If you are not using leftover rice, cook the white rice according to the package directions, then measure out 3 cups of cooked rice and set aside.
3. Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the cooked rice, broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan (if using) to the bowl and gently fold until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is fully melted and lightly golden.
8. If you’d like a deeper golden crust, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so it does not burn.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, scoop, and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure the rice is fully cooked and the broccoli is well drained and not watery before mixing; excess moisture can make the casserole loose and prevent it from baking up creamy and thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 11
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: easy broccoli cheese rice casserole, broccoli cheese rice casserole, easy dinner, casserole recipe, comfort food