If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both hearty and packed with greens, this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It brings together tender broccoli, cheesy goodness, and fluffy rice into a warm, creamy casserole that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or looking to impress at a potluck, this dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavor and texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is chosen to contribute to the rich creaminess, cheesy melt, and that perfect crunch on top that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 3 cups cooked rice: The base of the casserole, providing a soft, filling texture that soaks up all the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli or broccoli florets: Slightly thawed or fresh, broccoli adds a vibrant color and a fresh bite that balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped, optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked into the sauce.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture that brings the whole casserole together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce consistency.
- 4-6 ounces Velveeta: Melts down to add extra creamy, cheesy goodness and richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick to brighten the overall taste.
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese: For that irresistible, sharp cheesy topping that melts and crisps in the oven.
- French’s fried onions: The final crunchy topping that takes this casserole to the next level.
How to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Start by warming up a large pot on medium to medium-high heat. Add your finely chopped onion if you’re using it, along with the cream of chicken soup, milk, Velveeta cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture steadily until everything melts together into a warm, creamy sauce that smells absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 2: Combine the Rice and Broccoli
Once your cheese sauce is smooth and bubbling lightly, fold in the cooked rice and the slightly thawed or fresh broccoli florets. Mix it thoroughly so every grain of rice and broccoli piece is coated with that cheesy sauce. This step ensures the casserole stays creamy and flavorful in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese across the top generously, then finish off by adding a layer of French’s fried onions. This crunchy topping will add a delightful texture contrast once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into a preheated 350ºF oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to bake it until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted. If those fried onions start browning too quickly, lightly cover the dish with foil to avoid burning. But be sure to keep the onions crispy for that delicious crunch!
Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time helps everything set just right so it portions neatly and the flavors settle in. Then dig in and enjoy this fantastic Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
You can take your Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe to the next level with some simple garnishes. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A small drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice on individual plates can also add a surprise zing that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or grilled chicken, or even a simple baked fish, can make your meal feel special and balanced while complementing the creamy broccoli rice flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress dinner guests, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This makes the Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe feel elegant and personal. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top before baking for an extra crunchy, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole stays tasty and creamy for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully, which means you can prepare it in advance, freeze it, and bake it later. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container, and freeze the casserole before baking for best results. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350ºF oven until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the cheese creamy and the broccoli tender without drying it out. You can add fresh fried onions on top after reheating for that freshly-crisped texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in this casserole?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works just as well. Just steam or blanch it slightly beforehand to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and make sure your cheese and toppings are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I substitute Velveeta with another cheese?
Velveeta is great for its smooth melting quality, but you can substitute it with processed cheeses like American cheese or a blend of cream cheese and mild cheddar for a similar creamy effect.
What makes the fried onions so important for this recipe?
The fried onions add an irresistible crunch and savory flavor on top of the creamy casserole, providing a perfect contrast in texture that makes every bite exciting.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Check the labels on your cream of chicken soup and fried onions to ensure they’re gluten-free, or make homemade versions. The rest of the ingredients—rice, broccoli, cheese—are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has truly earned its spot among classic comfort foods, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with healthy veggies in the coziest way possible. I can’t recommend it enough for those times you want a warm, satisfying meal without any fuss. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite recipes to share!
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Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish featuring cooked rice and broccoli combined with a cheesy sauce made from Velveeta, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy French’s fried onions, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect side or main for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli or broccoli florets (slightly thawed; fresh broccoli works fine too)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4–6 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, may prefer 1 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- French’s fried onions for topping (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot over medium to medium-high heat, cook and stir together the finely chopped onion (if using), cream of chicken soup, milk, Velveeta cheese, salt, and pepper until the mixture is warm and creamy, ensuring the cheese is melted and ingredients are well combined.
- Add rice and broccoli: Stir in the cooked rice and the package of slightly thawed frozen chopped broccoli or broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the rice and broccoli with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Pour the broccoli and rice cheese mixture into the dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by a generous topping of French’s fried onions to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Monitor the fried onions; if they begin to brown too quickly, cover the dish lightly with foil. The onions should still become crispy by the end of baking.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set slightly for easier portioning and enhances flavor melding. Enjoy your warm, cheesy broccoli rice casserole!
Notes
- You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just steam or blanch before adding.
- Adjust salt according to your taste and the saltiness of Velveeta and soup.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and omit Velveeta or choose a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- French’s fried onions topping adds a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted for lower sodium or calorie versions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
