Creamy Broccoli Casserole with Rice: A Comforting Family Favorite

Broccoli casserole with rice is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that has earned its place at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potluck tables. This delicious casserole combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli with the hearty satisfaction of rice, all brought together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a substantial side dish to complement a protein or a vegetarian main course that stands on its own, this broccoli rice casserole delivers on flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-made casserole, and this broccoli and rice combination hits all the right notes. The tender broccoli florets retain just enough bite to contrast with the soft, fluffy rice, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in a harmonious blend of flavors. The golden, slightly crispy cheese topping adds another dimension of texture that makes each bite interesting.

Beyond its delicious taste profile, this casserole is also:

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters are often won over by the creamy, cheesy goodness
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or preparing before special occasions
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different ingredients based on what you have on hand
• Nutritious: Broccoli provides vitamins and fiber while the rice offers satisfying carbohydrates
• Budget-conscious: Uses accessible, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

This hearty casserole relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting:

For the Casserole Base:

• 2 pounds fresh broccoli florets (or 20 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, thawed)
• 3 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (8 ounce) jar processed cheese sauce or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Optional Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers or bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this comforting casserole is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable dish for gatherings. Follow these simple steps for casserole success:

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly, cut into florets, and steam until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and drain well.
3. Cook the rice according to package directions if you haven’t already prepared it. For best results in your casserole, the rice should be slightly firmer than you might normally prepare it.
4. Finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks through and distributes evenly in the casserole.

Create the Casserole Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and chopped onion.
2. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember that the soup and cheese already contain salt, so you might need less than you think.
4. For added flavor variations, this is the time to incorporate optional ingredients like sautéed celery, minced garlic, or herbs such as thyme or dill.

Assemble and Bake

1. Transfer the well-mixed broccoli and rice mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
2. If using the topping, combine the shredded cheese, crushed crackers, and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
3. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping (if using) turns golden brown.
4. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and make serving easier.

Variations to Try

One of the beauties of this broccoli rice casserole is its versatility. Here are several ways to customize it based on your preferences or what you have available:

Protein Additions:

• Chicken: Add 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken breast for a heartier main dish
• Ham: Mix in 1 cup of diced ham for a smoky flavor addition
• Tuna: Incorporate 2 drained cans of tuna for an omega-rich variation
• Ground beef: Brown 1 pound of ground beef with the onions before adding to the mixture

Vegetable Variations:

• Cauliflower: Substitute half the broccoli with cauliflower florets for a different texture
• Carrots: Add 1 cup of diced, steamed carrots for color and sweetness
• Peas: Mix in 1 cup of green peas for additional color and nutrition
• Mushrooms: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and add to the mixture for an earthy flavor

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free
• Lower-sodium: Choose low-sodium soup and reduce added salt
• Whole grain: Substitute brown rice or a rice blend for white rice to increase fiber content

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This broccoli rice casserole is perfect for meal planning and works well as leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Make-Ahead Options:

You can prepare this casserole up to 2 days before baking. Simply assemble everything as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

For longer-term planning, you can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months:

1. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish.
2. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
3. Label with the date and baking instructions.
4. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover broccoli rice casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or place the casserole dish (if oven-safe) in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes to reheat.

Nutritional Benefits

While this casserole is certainly a comfort food, it also offers nutritional benefits worth noting:

• Broccoli: Provides vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and various antioxidants
• Rice: Offers energy-providing carbohydrates and some B vitamins
• Cheese: Contributes calcium and protein
• Onions: Contain prebiotic fiber and various beneficial compounds

Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

As a Side Dish:

Pair this broccoli rice casserole with:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled or baked fish
• Meatloaf or pot roast
• Ham or pork chops

As a Main Course:

When serving as a standalone dish, consider these accompaniments:

• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Sliced fresh tomatoes
• Pickled vegetables for contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this casserole. Keep in mind that brown rice has a nuttier flavor and firmer texture. Be sure to cook it completely before adding it to the casserole, as it won’t soften further during baking.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

To create a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium soup, and brown rice instead of white. You can also increase the vegetable to rice ratio by adding more broccoli or incorporating other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, this casserole can be adapted for dairy-free diets by using dairy-free condensed soup and plant-based cheese alternatives. Many grocery stores now carry these options in their specialty food sections.

My casserole seems too dry/too wet. How can I fix it?

If your casserole seems too dry, add a little milk or chicken broth before baking. If it’s too wet, you can mix in 1-2 tablespoons of flour or add more rice to absorb the excess moisture. Proper draining of the broccoli is also important to prevent excess moisture.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli actually provides better texture in the final dish. Just be sure to steam it until it’s tender-crisp before adding it to the casserole mixture, as it won’t cook much more during baking.

Conclusion

This broccoli rice casserole represents the best of comfort food cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something greater than the sum of their parts. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes, dietary needs, or whatever happens to be in your pantry and refrigerator.

Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a satisfying main course on a busy weeknight, this casserole delivers on flavor, texture, and that indefinable quality that makes comfort food so special. The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and creamy, cheesy sauce creates a dish that appeals to all ages and never goes out of style.

Give this broccoli rice casserole a try the next time you’re looking for a reliable, delicious dish that’s sure to please. It might just become a new family favorite that gets requested again and again!

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman