There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. For me, this classic Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, full of creamy, cheesy goodness that feels both nostalgic and totally satisfying. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it relies on pantry staples you might already have.
Whether you need a reliable side dish for a holiday gathering or a simple main course for a busy weeknight, this recipe has you covered. It’s incredibly forgiving for beginner cooks and delivers big on flavor without any complicated steps. Let’s get into making this wonderful dish.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. You are not spending hours in the kitchen with this one. It comes together quickly with common ingredients, making it a fantastic option for those evenings when you are short on time but still want something homemade and delicious.
The texture is just fantastic. You get the soft, fluffy rice, tender bits of broccoli, and it’s all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. The melted cheddar on top adds a slightly golden crust that provides a lovely contrast. It’s a true comfort food champion.
It’s also incredibly versatile. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole works beautifully as a side dish next to roasted chicken or pork chops. Or, you can easily turn it into a main course by adding some protein. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what you need.
Finally, it’s a family friendly meal that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. The creamy cheese sauce makes the broccoli very appealing, and what kid doesn’t love a good cheesy rice dish? It’s a great way to sneak some veggies in.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Velveeta Broccoli Rice Casserole are straightforward and easy to find. Here’s what you will need to gather before you start cooking.
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole every single time. It’s a straightforward process that anyone can follow.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Getting your oven nice and hot ensures the casserole bakes evenly. While it’s heating up, grab a 9 by 9 inch baking dish and spray it with some non stick cooking spray. This little step makes cleanup so much easier later.
Step 2: Cook And Chop The Broccoli
Next, cook your frozen broccoli according to the directions on the package. Usually, this just involves a few minutes in the microwave or a quick boil. Once it’s cooked, drain any extra water very well. You don’t want a watery casserole! Place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and carefully run a knife through it to create smaller, bite sized pieces.
Step 3: Combine The Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped broccoli, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the chopped Velveeta cheese. The heat from the freshly cooked broccoli will help start melting the Velveeta, which is exactly what you want. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 4: Add Rice And Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice to the bowl. This is a great recipe for using up leftover rice! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all another good stir. Make sure everything is mixed together evenly so you get all those wonderful flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble The Casserole
Spoon your rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Now for the best part. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This will create that beautiful golden brown crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Covering it first allows the casserole to heat through completely and get bubbly. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This lets the top get golden and delicious.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Once it’s done baking, take the casserole out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, as it will be very hot. Then, scoop it onto plates and enjoy your amazing homemade Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Just let the casserole cool down to room temperature first. Then, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Or, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until it’s warmed through. You might want to cover it with foil again to prevent the top from getting too dark.
Tips
We really prefer the broccoli to be in smaller pieces. It helps create a more uniform and creamy texture throughout the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. If you like bigger chunks of broccoli, feel free to leave the pieces larger.
This recipe makes a generous side dish that serves about 8 people. If you are serving it as a main dish, it will probably serve about 4 people. It’s a very filling and satisfying meal on its own.
To make this a heartier main course, stir in some cooked protein. Shredded chicken, chopped turkey, or cooked ground beef are all great additions. Just mix it in when you add the rice and seasonings.
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup. It works just as well and keeps the dish just as creamy and flavorful. Some people even use cream of celery soup.
While Velveeta provides an unmatched creaminess, some people look for a Broccoli Rice Casserole With Cheese Whiz for a similar effect. Both give that super smooth texture that is hard to get with shredded cheese alone in the sauce.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and incredibly comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a meal that everyone will love.
This Velveeta Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of recipe that gets passed down through families, and for good reason. It’s reliable, it’s tasty, and it brings a little bit of warmth and happiness to the dinner table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as we enjoy eating it!
FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice In This Casserole?
Yes, you can definitely use brown rice. Just make sure it is fully cooked before you add it to the mixture. The texture will be a bit chewier and nuttier than with white rice, but it’s a great healthy alternative.
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes. They will give you a similarly creamy base for your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because most canned condensed soups contain wheat. To make it gluten free, you would need to use a certified gluten free cream of chicken soup. The other ingredients are typically gluten free, but always check your labels.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it after baking and cooling, or you can assemble it and freeze it unbaked. Wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, possibly adding 10 to 15 minutes if baking from a chilled state.
Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
A simple, hearty, and comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. Full of creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s great for a weeknight meal or a satisfying side.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
- Cook frozen broccoli according to package directions. Drain well and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Add cooked white rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Spoon the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden.
- Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole!
Notes
We really prefer the broccoli to be in smaller pieces. It helps create a more uniform and creamy texture throughout the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. If you like bigger chunks of broccoli, feel free to leave the pieces larger.
This recipe makes a generous side dish that serves about 8 people. If you are serving it as a main dish, it will probably serve about 4 people. It’s a very filling and satisfying meal on its own.
To make this a heartier main course, stir in some cooked protein. Shredded chicken, chopped turkey, or cooked ground beef are all great additions. Just mix it in when you add the rice and seasonings.
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup. It works just as well and keeps the dish just as creamy and flavorful. Some people even use cream of celery soup.
While Velveeta provides an unmatched creaminess, some people look for a Broccoli Rice Casserole With Cheese Whiz for a similar effect. Both give that super smooth texture that is hard to get with shredded cheese alone in the sauce.
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Just let the casserole cool down to room temperature first. Then, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Or, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until it’s warmed through. You might want to cover it with foil again to prevent the top from getting too dark.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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