Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the goodness of broccoli, rice, and cheese. It’s a perfect side dish for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while satisfying your cravings.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Uncooked Instant White Rice (you’ll need 4 cups of cooked rice)
- 20-24 ounce bag Frozen Broccoli (cooked and chopped small)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10.5 ounce can Cream of Mushroom soup
- 15 ounce jar Cheez Whiz
Directions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13"x9" casserole dish. Set it aside.
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Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions. You will need 4 cups of cooked rice.
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Prepare the Broccoli: Cook or steam the frozen broccoli until tender. Chop the larger pieces into bite-sized pieces.
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Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the melted butter, and sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, and the mixture from the skillet. Add the Cream of Mushroom soup and Cheez Whiz. Stir until well combined.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased 9"x13" baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
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Rest: Allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Serve this cheesy broccoli rice casserole warm as a side dish or as a main course for a light dinner. It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a simple green salad. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of additional cheese for extra flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Tips to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
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Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, add a bit more Cream of Mushroom soup or some sour cream.
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Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, to change the flavor profile.
Variation
For a healthier twist, substitute brown rice for white rice. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a fresher flavor. Additionally, if you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
FAQs
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it. After cooking, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. -
What can I substitute for Cheez Whiz?
You can use shredded cheese, like cheddar, or a cheese sauce instead of Cheez Whiz if you prefer a different cheese flavor.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13"x9" casserole dish. Set it aside.
- Cook the rice according to package directions. You will need 4 cups of cooked rice.
- Cook or steam the frozen broccoli until tender, chopping larger pieces into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion to the melted butter, and sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, and the mixture from the skillet. Add the Cream of Mushroom soup and Cheez Whiz. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the greased 9"x13" baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.