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.
Very tasty! I added some garlic powder and breadcrumbs on top, made it even better! 👍
Just okay. Lacked some flavor, maybe add garlic next time.
I agree! A good garlic kick would make it better. I usually add garlic powder to mine and it’s fantastic!
Honestly, I think it was fine as is. Sometimes the simplest dishes are best. Don’t overthink it!
Made this tonight and it was sooo comforting. The cheesy top got nicely bubbly, and the broccoli didn’t get too mushy. Will definitely make again.
Aww I love hearing this! The bubbly cheesy top is the best part 😄 Glad the broccoli stayed nice too—mine usually turns out a little mushy unless I keep an eye on it.
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. 🙂
This was absolutely delicious!! My kids loved it, and I loved how easy it was to make.
Made this for dinner last night and it was ridiculously comforting. The cheese gets all melty and the broccoli still has a nice bite. I used frozen broccoli and didn’t have any issues.
I thought this recipe was just okay, it was a bit bland.
Bland? Really? I found it cheesy and yummy! Everyone’s taste is different, I guess.
I think it needs more spices or something. Maybe some garlic or onion? Gotta give it a kick!
Um, is there a reason this has mushroom?? I don’t like them at all!