This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice makes it a delightful side or main dish. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Drain off any excess liquid and place the hot broccoli on a cutting board. Run a knife through it to make smaller bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and Velveeta cheese. Stir well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Seasonings Add the cooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Stir again to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve Serve the casserole hot. It pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or a hearty meatloaf for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Add Crunch: Top with crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunchy topping.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra cheesy touch.
Variations:
1. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Add cooked, shredded chicken to the casserole mixture for a protein-packed main dish. This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
2. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Bacon Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist. Bacon adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
3. Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
4. Spicy Broccoli Rice Casserole Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
5. Extra Veggie Broccoli Rice Casserole Mix in additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more nutrient-packed dish.
6. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Quinoa Replace the white rice with cooked quinoa for a higher protein and fiber option.
7. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cauliflower Rice For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice. This variation is perfect for those watching their carb intake.
8. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Different Cheeses Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
9. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Panko Topping Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
10. Mediterranean Broccoli Rice Casserole Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the casserole mixture.
11. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chicken Add cooked, shredded chicken to the casserole mixture for a heartier main dish. This variation is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
12. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Ham Mix in diced ham for a savory twist. The salty flavor of ham pairs well with the creamy cheese and tender broccoli.
13. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Bacon and Ranch Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon and a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a flavorful ranch twist. This variation adds a zesty kick to the classic casserole.
14. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Sour Cream Add a dollop of sour cream to the casserole mixture for added creaminess and richness. This variation enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli until tender before chopping it into bite-sized pieces and following the rest of the recipe.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze the Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can add a bit of extra cheese on top before reheating to enhance the flavor.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Velveeta and cheddar cheese with your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack, to suit your taste preferences.
6. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining a roux (butter and flour) with chicken broth and milk until thickened. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
7. Is this casserole gluten-free?
The casserole can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or rice for a complete meal.
8. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Simply cook them until tender and mix them in with the other ingredients.
9. How can I make this casserole healthier?
To make the casserole healthier, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, low-fat cheese, and a lower-sodium cream of chicken soup. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
10. Can I make this casserole vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese, vegan cream of mushroom soup, and vegetable broth. Replace the Velveeta with a vegan cheese sauce or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
By addressing these FAQs, you can prepare and enjoy Broccoli Rice Casserole with confidence, knowing how to adapt and customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is versatile and easy to customize to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of this delightful dish!