This rice and broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Plus, it tastes just as amazing the next day — if there’s any left!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
- Ingredient Information and Substitutions
- How to Make Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Making This Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
- What to Serve with Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Other Tasty Casserole Recipes to Try
- Hosting Thanksgiving?
- Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven, and this broccoli and rice casserole is one of my favorites! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with delicious flavor, making it a dish that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
The only downside is this isn't a particularly quick recipe. You guys all know I love foods that are quick and easy. But trust me when I say, this casserole is worth the wait.
A mix of creamy cheese, soft broccoli, and fluffy rice come together perfectly for a satisfying and comforting dish. It's also super versatile! Serve it as a side with roasted meats, or add shredded chicken to turn it into a hearty main dish. Here are some of my favorite parts of this meal:
- Cheesy and comforting
- Rich and loaded with flavor
- Great for making ahead
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
Ingredient Information and Substitutions
- Butter- Adds richness to the dish. You can use vegan butter if you prefer.
- Onion- Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Use yellow or white onions for the best taste.
- Broccoli- Fresh or frozen both work great! If using frozen add to the pan halfway through the onion cooking time.
- Instant Rice- Speeds up the cooking process. I haven't tested this with regular or fully cooked rice, so stick with instant for the best results.
- Cream of Celery Soup- Gives a creamy, savory base. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken
- Cheddar Cheese Soup- Enhances the cheesy flavor.
- Milk- Helps create the perfect sauce consistency. Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
- Seasonings- A simple mix of salt and pepper enhances the flavor, but you can add garlic powder or paprika for a little extra depth.
How to Make Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
Step 1- Sauté the vegetables.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onions and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Step 2- Prepare the sauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese soup, and milk until well combined.
Step 3- Layer the ingredients.
In the greased casserole dish, layer half of the broccoli mixture, then add the rice in an even layer. Top with the remaining broccoli and pour the soup mixture over everything.
Step 4- Bake to perfection.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover, give it a good stir and bake for another 15-20 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Serve hot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Assemble the broccoli rice cheese casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
This recipe can be made heartier by stirring in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded chicken before baking.
Tips for Making This Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
- Don't overcook the broccoli. You don't want it to be mush- sauté until tender-crisp.
- Stir the casserole well once uncovered. This mixes everything so that it's perfectly combined.
- Stick with Instant Rice. I haven't tried it with regular or fully cooked rice, but I have perfected it with instant, so stick with what works.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Chop the broccoli and onion and store in the fridge.
- Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
What to Serve with Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheddar broccoli casserole rice makes a delicious side dish but can also be turned into a complete meal with the right pairings. It goes perfectly with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad. A warm bowl of soup or crusty bread also makes a great addition and can help balance the richness. Looking for more ideas? Here are a few favorites:
- Crispy Chicken Cutlet
- Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Grilled Artichokes
- Moroccan Chickpea Stew
- Savory Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Other Tasty Casserole Recipes to Try
Hosting Thanksgiving?
Discover the secret to hosting Thanksgiving without all the stress! Prepsgiving is your FREE guide to making a delicious Thanksgiving feast the easy way.
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Equipment
- measuring spoon
Ingredients
- ½ salted butter 1 stick
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 10 ounces cream of celery soup
- 10 ouncees cheddar cheese soup
- 10 ounces whole milk
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups instant rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and broccoli to the pan and saute stirring often until they've softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the vegetables cook, whisk together both cans of soup, milk, salt and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
- In the prepared pan, start by placing half the vegetables in a single layer on the bottom
- Next place the rice on top of it in a single layer.
- Now add the rest of the vegetables in another single layer.
- Cover all of this with the soup mixture. Cover in foil.
- Bake 30 minutes covered. Remove from the oven and stir.
- Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Don't overcook the broccoli. You don't want it to be mush- sauté until tender-crisp.
- Stir the casserole well once uncovered. This mixes everything so that it's perfectly combined.
- Stick with Instant Rice. I haven't tried it with regular or fully cooked rice, but I have perfected it with instant, so stick with what works.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Chop the broccoli and onion and store in the fridge.
- Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
SB says
Jessy Freimann says