Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main dish. It’s packed with flavor, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

• If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until just tender (about 3-4 minutes) and chop them into smaller pieces. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and well-drained.

3. Mix the Casserole Base:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish:

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Add Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.

6. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve:

• Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole as a side dish or a main dish!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Variations: Feel free to add cooked chicken or ham for a heartier meal, or mix in other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for varied flavor.

Enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and comforting casserole!