Broccoli Rice Casserole

Name: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs for topping

Author: Tessa

Published: July 6, 2025

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There’s just something about a warm, bubbly casserole that speaks to the soul, isn’t there? And this Broccoli Rice Casserole has been my family’s ultimate comfort food for as long as I can remember. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, with its irresistibly creamy texture, perfectly tender broccoli, and that golden, cheesy topping. Growing up, a big pan of this always meant a cozy Sunday dinner or a special holiday gathering. It’s truly a hug in a baking dish, and I can’t wait to share my go-to recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

This Broccoli Rice Casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary hug! You’ll adore how incredibly easy it is to throw together, making weeknight dinners or potluck contributions a breeze. Its rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting flavors are universally loved, ensuring clean plates all around. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile, easily adaptable to fit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.

The Comfort of Broccoli Rice Casserole

There’s an undeniable magic in a dish that feels like home, and this casserole delivers just that. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you need a little warmth and satisfaction. Every spoonful is a delicious reminder of good times and good food.

Essential Ingredients for Your Broccoli Rice Casserole

Making a truly delicious Broccoli Rice Casserole starts with having all your ingredients ready and waiting. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe only to realize you’re missing something crucial! Gather everything listed below, measured and prepped, and you’ll be sailing smoothly towards casserole perfection.

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Detailed Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Casserole

2 cups cooked white rice (I prefer long-grain for this!)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk (any kind works, but whole milk adds extra creaminess)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (grab a block and shred it yourself for the best melt!)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Rice Casserole

Making this Broccoli Rice Casserole is incredibly straightforward, and I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps so you can achieve casserole glory without any fuss. The key is to prepare your ingredients, mix them well, and then let your oven do the rest. Just follow along, and you’ll have a wonderfully cheesy, comforting dish on your table in no time.

Preparing Your Perfect Broccoli Rice Casserole

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! In a large bowl, combine your cooked rice and those vibrant, chopped broccoli florets. Now, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until it’s beautifully smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over your rice and broccoli, stirring gently to make sure every bit is coated in that delicious sauce.

Baking and Finishing Your Broccoli Rice Casserole

Once everything is mixed, transfer your glorious Broccoli Rice Casserole mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by your crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. This creates that irresistible golden, crunchy topping we all love! Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until you see happy bubbles around the edges and the topping is perfectly golden brown. When it’s ready, pull it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. Enjoy!

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Tips for a Flawless Broccoli Rice Casserole

For the absolute best Broccoli Rice Casserole, a few small details make a big difference. If you like your broccoli super tender, give it a quick steam for 3-5 minutes before adding it to the mix – this ensures it’s perfectly cooked through without being mushy. And don’t be shy about experimenting with cheeses! While cheddar is classic, a blend with Colby Jack or even a touch of Gruyere can elevate the flavor beautifully.

Customizing Your Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is a fantastic canvas for creativity! For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken, diced beef bacon, or even some leftover lamb. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a lovely kick. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Rice Casserole

This delightful Broccoli Rice Casserole is incredibly versatile! It makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, grilled beef, or baked fish. For a complete vegetarian meal, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or serve it alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup. It’s also wonderful with some warm, crusty bread to sop up all that creamy goodness!

Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Rice Casserole

One of the best things about this Broccoli Rice Casserole is how well it keeps! To store leftovers, simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Rice Casserole

I get a lot of questions about this beloved Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have others, because I love helping you make the best casserole ever.

Common Queries About Broccoli Rice Casserole

Can I make broccoli rice casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of adding the cracker topping) a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold. This makes holiday meals so much easier!

What kind of rice is best for broccoli rice casserole? I prefer using cooked white long-grain rice because it stays separate and fluffy, creating a great texture. You could also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in.

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery. You might also want to chop larger pieces into florets similar to fresh broccoli.

Troubleshooting Your Broccoli Rice Casserole

My casserole turned out watery. What happened? This usually happens if the broccoli wasn’t drained properly (especially if using frozen) or if there was too much liquid in your sauce mixture. Ensure your broccoli is dry, and stick to the milk and mayonnaise measurements. If you’re using a very moist cheese, that can sometimes contribute as well.

The topping isn’t crispy. Any tips? For a perfectly golden and crispy topping, ensure your oven is fully preheated. You can also give it a quick blast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the very end, but watch it like a hawk – it can burn quickly! Make sure the crushed crackers are evenly distributed.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Broccoli Rice Casserole

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, preparation methods, and serving sizes. This is intended as a general guide, not a precise calculation.

Share Your Broccoli Rice Casserole Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! Once you’ve whipped up this comforting Broccoli Rice Casserole, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you add a special twist? How did your family like it? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media!