Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Rich and Delicious

Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice — all baked into a golden, bubbling perfection. This family-favorite casserole is hearty, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or potluck gatherings. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make using simple, everyday ingredients.

What Is Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic baked dish made with cooked rice, tender broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s often topped with melted cheese or buttery breadcrumbs, creating a creamy inside with a slightly crisp, golden top. This dish is a comforting way to combine vegetables, grains, and dairy into one flavorful casserole that works as both a side and a main course.

Other Popular Broccoli Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Southern Broccoli Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Reasons to Try Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Comforting and Creamy – Loaded with melted cheese and smooth sauce.
• Family Approved – Even picky eaters enjoy the cheesy broccoli flavor.
• Easy and Convenient – Uses pantry staples and takes little prep time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped early and baked later.
• Versatile – Works as a side dish or a meatless main course.
• Perfect for Gatherings – Great for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed until tender)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions to Prepare Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Preheat the oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the vegetables – Steam or microwave broccoli until tender but still bright green, then drain well.
• Make the cheese sauce – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft. Stir in soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
• Add the cheese – Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
• Combine the mixture – In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
• Assemble the casserole – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Add the topping – Sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
• Bake until bubbly – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and the top is lightly browned.
• Cool before serving – Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

What Goes Well With Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Grilled Chicken – Balances the creamy casserole with a light protein.
• Roast Beef – Pairs beautifully with the cheesy, savory flavors.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a crisp side for scooping up the sauce.
• Simple Green Salad – Refreshes the palate with light greens.
• Baked Salmon – Complements the rich, cheesy flavors with a mild contrast.

Key Tips for Making Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Drain broccoli well – Prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
• Use freshly shredded cheese – Melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
• Mix rice evenly – Ensures the sauce coats every grain for full flavor.
• Add extra cheese on top – Creates a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
• Don’t overbake – Bake until just golden to keep the casserole moist.
• Customize seasoning – Add onion powder, cayenne, or herbs for extra flavor.
• Let it rest – Allows the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Creative Variations of Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken Broccoli Version – Add cooked, shredded chicken for a hearty main dish.
• Healthy Twist – Use brown rice and low-fat cheese for a lighter option.
• Spicy Cheddar Bake – Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for heat.
• Bacon Lover’s Style – Mix in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
• Crunchy Topping – Use crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
• Vegan Option – Substitute plant-based milk, cheese, and soup for a dairy-free version.

Storage Guidelines for Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze fully cooled casserole in a sealed dish for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered for a crisp topping.
• Label before freezing – Helps track freshness.

Reheating Tips for Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave Method – Warm individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Method – Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Calcium: 220 mg

FAQs

How do you keep broccoli rice casserole from getting watery?

To prevent a watery casserole, make sure to drain the cooked broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. Using cooked rice instead of freshly boiled helps absorb moisture, and baking uncovered allows excess steam to escape, keeping the texture creamy but not soupy.

Can I use frozen broccoli for cheesy broccoli rice casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw it completely and drain any excess water before mixing it with the rice and sauce. You can also steam it for a few minutes to maintain a tender yet firm texture before combining it with the other ingredients.

How can I make the cheese sauce extra creamy?

For an extra creamy cheese sauce, use full-fat milk or add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. Stir the cheese in gradually over low heat to help it melt smoothly without becoming grainy.

Can I make broccoli rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it an excellent make-ahead side for holidays or busy weeknights.

Final Words

Baked Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of rich flavor, creamy texture, and homestyle warmth. Whether served as a comforting side dish or a meatless main course, this casserole offers the ideal balance of cheese, vegetables, and rice in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and crowd-pleasing — a true comfort classic that deserves a regular spot on your dinner table.

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