Cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is the perfect side for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers a satisfying balance of textures — creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of crunch.
To start, you’ll cook your rice until tender, whether white or brown, depending on your preference. While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the broccoli by steaming or blanching it until it’s bright green and tender. The combination of soft rice and crunchy broccoli is what makes this casserole so delicious.
The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish. Made from a mixture of butter, flour, and milk, you create a creamy béchamel base. Then, stir in your favorite cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both. The cheese sauce thickens as it melts, coating the rice and broccoli with gooey, comforting goodness.
Once the rice and broccoli are mixed with the cheese sauce, the casserole is placed in a baking dish, and for an extra layer of flavor, you can top it with more shredded cheese. To add some texture, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top can be toasted in the oven, creating a nice, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Baked until the top is golden brown and bubbly, this casserole is ready to be served as a side or even as a main dish. The richness of the cheese, combined with the fresh flavor of the broccoli and the heartiness of the rice, makes it a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
For drinks, pair this casserole with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, a light sparkling water with lemon, or even a simple iced tea.
Cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a classic dish that can be customized with additional ingredients like mushrooms, onions, or even some cooked chicken for extra protein, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably white or brown
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz can
- 1/4 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This casserole is a game-changer! So cheesy and filling. I added a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
Delicious! I added some chicken to it and it was even better.
Perfect side dish for family dinner. Not too hard, I can handle it. 🙂
Um, is there a reason this has mushroom?? I don’t like them at all!
This casserole is a family favorite! So cheesy and delicious! Would definitely make again.
Uhh, you missing some spices or somethin? Needs more flavor!
This is my first time cooking! Took a little longer than expected but worth it! 🙂
I tried this but it turned out kinda mushy. Not sure if I did something wrong.
Sounds like you might’ve cooked it too long or added too much liquid. I never had that issues though!
This was sooo good! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!
So glad to hear that! It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone happy. 😊
Looks good, but I’m not a fan of mushroom soup. Does it taste strong? 🤔
I’m skeptical about using cream of mushroom. Can I swap it for something else?
You can use cream of chicken or even make a homemade white sauce if you’re not sure about the cream of mushroom. I did that once and it worked great!
Easy recipe! My kids loved it, but I think I’ll add some chicken next time for protein.
This is too easy, was thinking it was a trick. But I guess it’s real, haha.
Casserole? More like cassa-yum! Imma make this every week!!!
Delish! My friend who hates broccoli even liked it. 😋
I’m not a fan of broccoli, but my kids loved it! I guess that counts for something.
I followed the recipe but it came out too dry. I think it needs more milk or maybe some broth.
I dont know. I think I prefer plain rice. This seems complicated for no reason.
Plain rice is good, but don’t knock it till you try it! This is really easy to make and it tastes awesome!
I get what you mean, but this casserole is super comforting! You can always simplify it by using less cheese or making it with just the rice and broccoli. Totally up to you!