If you are looking for a comforting, cheesy, and vibrant dish that brings together tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice in one harmonious blend, this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole combines simple pantry staples into a dish bursting with flavor and texture. The bright green broccoli contrasts beautifully with the golden baked cheese topping, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crunchy water chestnuts adding an unexpected texture to the rich Velveeta melting into creamy goodness that ties everything together beautifully.
- Frozen broccoli (12.6 ounces): Provides fresh, green flavor and vibrant color while keeping prep easy.
- Minute rice (1½ cups): Quick-cooking base that soaks up all the creamy flavors perfectly.
- Water chestnuts (8 ounces): Adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Acts as a creamy binder, delivering cozy earthiness.
- Milk (10.5 ounces): Enhances the sauce’s creaminess while ensuring the casserole isn’t dry.
- Velveeta cheese (¾ pound): Melts smoothly, contributing that signature cheesy richness.
- Freshly shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sprinkled on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the broccoli
Start by cooking the frozen broccoli according to the package directions, usually by steaming or microwaving, until it’s tender but still vibrant green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Cook the rice
Next, cook the minute rice using 1 cup of water, following the package instructions carefully to ensure it’s fluffy and just right—this quick step forms the hearty base of your casserole.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked broccoli, rice, drained water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Velveeta cheese cut into cubes or chunks. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated—the Velveeta will begin to soften and meld all the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh kick that complements the creamy cheese. You can also add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper on top to enhance the flavors right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a main or a side. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp tomato salad for a satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe into a standout dish at your next gathering, serve it in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions with a crispy cheese crust. Another fun idea is to stuff bell peppers with the casserole mixture and bake them for a colorful, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated portions taste just as comforting as the first serving.
Freezing
This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully—simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer into freezer-safe containers before freezing for up to 2 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, ensuring the cheese topping re-melts and the casserole becomes irresistibly bubbly again. If using a microwave, cover loosely to avoid drying out and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works well if you steam it until tender before combining with the other ingredients. Just make sure to drain it well to keep the casserole from getting watery.
Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?
While Velveeta’s smooth melting property is fantastic here, you can swap it with processed cheese slices or a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor and consistency will be a bit different.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring that the minute rice is gluten-free, this casserole can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.
How can I add more protein to the dish?
Stirring in cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled bacon before baking adds satisfying protein and extra flavor, making this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe a more complete meal.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and mushroom seasoning to replace the canned soup for a fresher taste and full control over ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining nutritious veggies with indulgently cheesy comfort. It’s easy enough for any weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved classic in your home too!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy side dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender broccoli, cheesy rice, and a creamy mushroom soup base, it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that balances savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12.6 ounces frozen broccoli (about 4 cups)
- 8 ounces water chestnuts (1 can, drained and chopped)
Grains
- 1½ cups minute rice
Dairy & Cheese
- ¾ pound Velveeta cheese (about 3 inches block, cubed)
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ounces milk (use the soup can for measurement)
Canned Goods
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can, store-bought or homemade)
Liquids
- 8 ounces water (for cooking rice)
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli: Follow the package instructions to cook the frozen broccoli until just tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then set aside.
- Prepare the rice: Cook the minute rice in 1 cup of water according to the package directions, usually bringing water to a boil, adding rice, covering, and letting it stand several minutes until absorbed and fluffy.
- Combine casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked broccoli, cooked rice, chopped water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cubed Velveeta. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the Velveeta begins to soften and distribute evenly.
- Assemble and top: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Bake until the casserole is hot throughout, bubbly along the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is well drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- Minute rice cooks quickly, so follow package instructions closely to avoid mushy rice.
- Velveeta cheese gives a creamy texture; substitute with other cheese if preferred, but texture and flavor may vary.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed for convenience.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
