If you are seeking a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This cozy casserole brings together tender broccoli florets, fluffy white rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s simply irresistible. The crispy breadcrumb topping offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor to make every bite a delightful experience. It’s an ideal family meal, an impressive potluck contribution, or just a comforting supper that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable dishes. Each component in this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a key role: from the creamy cheeses that provide luscious flavor to the fresh broccoli adding vibrant color and nutrition, and the buttery breadcrumbs that promise a satisfying crunch.
- 4 cups cooked white rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness, color, and a healthy veggie boost.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the onions for a rich flavor foundation.
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each): The secret to that velvety, comforting sauce.
- 2/3 cup sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed): Melts into the sauce for rich texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Half mixes in, half tops the casserole for melty, golden perfection.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Gives a savory punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A subtle smoky note that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Offers a crispy, buttery topping.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Mixed with breadcrumbs for that perfect golden crust.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick and has an easy time browning on the edges. This small prep step makes the final dish come out just right.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green, about 5 to 7 minutes. This cooking method keeps them crisp-tender and preserves their bright color, which makes the casserole even more inviting.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the finely chopped onions until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This builds the first layer of flavor for the creamy sauce that will tie everything together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and softened cream cheese into the onions. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This lush sauce is what makes the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe so comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, blending all those warm spices into every delicious bite.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Rice
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked rice, tender broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. This is where the magic happens, as fluffy rice meets rich sauce and bright green broccoli for an irresistible casserole mix.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then mix the Italian breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle that over everything. These layers will toast up beautifully during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp. This step ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the topping adds that irresistible texture.
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of vibrant green and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted carrots, balancing the creamy richness with fresh and earthy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or spoon it onto plates with a drizzle of tangy hot sauce for those who like a little kick. Presentation can make this homestyle dish feel like a special occasion meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe cool completely. Then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, its lovely flavors and comforting texture stay intact for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a convenient, wholesome meal anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes. This approach preserves the creamy texture and crispy topping just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or a vegetable-based creamy soup to make it vegetarian-friendly without compromising on flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced carrots, mushrooms, or peas work wonderfully to add more color and nutrients to your casserole.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche make excellent substitutions for sour cream, giving a similar tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Mixing the breadcrumbs with melted butter is key, but you can also toast them lightly in a pan before sprinkling on top to boost crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe yet, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s a homey, satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh thanks to its clever combination of ingredients. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, this casserole is sure to bring smiles and happy bellies to your table. Don’t wait to share this cozy classic with those you love.
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting broccoli rice casserole made with tender broccoli florets, cooked white rice, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This easy oven-baked dish is perfect as a hearty side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Steam Broccoli. Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until just tender and bright green, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Onions. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and cook the finely chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and softened cream cheese into the skillet with onions, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is uniform.
- Combine with Rice and Broccoli. In a large bowl, mix the cooked white rice, steamed broccoli florets, and cheese sauce thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole layer.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping. In a small bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, mixing well.
- Top Casserole. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer to create a crispy topping.
- Bake. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch and color.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients and texture better than boiling.
- Use freshly cooked rice for best texture; day-old rice may work but check moisture levels.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option (adjust diet accordingly).
- Breadcrumb topping adds texture contrast; skip if gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make ahead by preparing the casserole and refrigerating before baking; increase baking time slightly if chilled.
