Ultimate Broccoli Rice Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food!

Broccoli rice casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This creamy, cheesy casserole is packed with tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

In this blog post, we’ll share a detailed recipe for the ultimate broccoli rice casserole, along with helpful tips and variations to make it your own. Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole

* **Comforting and Delicious:** This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and cheesy topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dish to bring to a potluck.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, meats, or vegetables. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a unique casserole that suits your taste.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this broccoli rice casserole. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it irresistible, and it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy vegetables.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch and enjoy it later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Broccoli:** Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well in this casserole. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.
* **Rice:** Long-grain white rice is the most common choice for broccoli rice casserole, but you can also use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. Cook the rice according to package directions before adding it to the casserole.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** This is the base of the creamy sauce. You can substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer.
* **Milk:** Milk adds moisture and richness to the sauce. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk.
* **Mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise adds a tangy flavor and helps to bind the casserole together. You can use regular mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, or even Greek yogurt.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for broccoli rice casserole, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gruyere.
* **Onion:** Diced onion adds flavor and aroma to the casserole. You can use yellow onion, white onion, or even shallots.
* **Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Salt and pepper enhance the flavor of the casserole.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked chicken, ham, bacon, or sausage; mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables; breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed recipe for making the ultimate broccoli rice casserole:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
* 2 cups cooked rice
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped
* Optional topping: 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.

### Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl

### Instructions

1. **Preheat oven and prepare baking dish:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Cook the broccoli:** If using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. You can also roast the broccoli for a more intense flavor. Toss the broccoli with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
3. **Sauté the onion:** In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Combine ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onion, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. **Add broccoli:** Gently fold in the cooked broccoli and ham (if using) into the rice mixture.
6. **Pour into baking dish:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. **Top with cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. **Add optional topping:** If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese. Drizzle with a little melted butter for extra flavor and crispness.
9. **Bake:** Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. **Cool and serve:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Broccoli Rice Casserole

* **Don’t overcook the broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its flavor. Cook it until it’s tender-crisp.
* **Use cooked rice:** Make sure to use cooked rice in the casserole. You can use leftover rice or cook a fresh batch.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the casserole before baking and add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.
* **Use a variety of cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack are all great choices.
* **Add some crunch:** Top the casserole with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or toasted nuts for added texture.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the cheese topping just before baking.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Add 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the casserole for a heartier meal.
* **Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Add 1-2 cups of cooked, diced ham to the casserole.
* **Bacon Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the casserole.
* **Mushroom Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the sautéed onions.
* **Spicy Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere, for an extra cheesy casserole.
* **Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Use plant-based milk, mayonnaise, and cheese to make a vegan version of this casserole.
* **Gluten-Free Broccoli Rice Casserole:** Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for topping.

## Serving Suggestions

Broccoli rice casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As a main course:** Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
* **As a side dish:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **For potlucks:** Bring this casserole to your next potluck or gathering.
* **For holidays:** Serve this casserole as part of your holiday feast.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover broccoli rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze leftover broccoli rice casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave individual portions of the casserole for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 10-15g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.

**Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?**
A: Yes, you can use brown rice. Cook it according to package directions before adding it to the casserole.

**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the cheese topping just before baking.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover broccoli rice casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: Can I make this casserole vegan?**
A: Yes, you can use plant-based milk, mayonnaise, and cheese to make a vegan version of this casserole.

## Conclusion

Broccoli rice casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the ultimate broccoli rice casserole!

Enjoy!