Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole! This dish is a symphony of flavors, combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that promises to be a hit at your family table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a breeze to prepare and doesn’t rely on any condensed soups—everything is made from scratch! It’s not only a fantastic side dish for your favorite crispy baked chicken but can also stand alone as a quick and satisfying meatless meal. The creamy cheese sauce binds the broccoli and rice together, creating a dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 2-quart casserole dish
• Mixing spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) boxes frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup (or 1 can each cream of chicken and cream of mushroom)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Add the thawed broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet.
4. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your broccoli is fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

Additional Tips and Variations

To prepare this dish ahead of time, mix all the ingredients and divide them into smaller casserole dishes. Cover and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions. If baking from frozen, add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time, checking for doneness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein and vitamins from the cheese and broccoli. Enjoy a balanced meal with wholesome ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply steam the fresh broccoli until tender before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option or experiment with other creamy soups for varying flavors.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating this Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole as much as we do! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative tweaks you make in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!