Description
Creamy and satisfying cheesy broccoli rice casserole brings warmth to your dinner table, delivering a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that your family will devour. Packed with tender broccoli, melted cheese, and fluffy rice, this simple dish guarantees smiles and clean plates at mealtime.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Gather 4 cups broccoli florets and wash them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt.
- Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package directions, ensuring it’s fluffy and separated.
- Steam fresh broccoli for exactly 5 minutes at medium heat, or thaw frozen broccoli completely.
- Mix cooked rice, steamed broccoli, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, stirring gently to distribute flavors evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Cover the cheese layer with 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for precisely 25-30 minutes.
- Check that the cheese is fully melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown before removing.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes so it can set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is not overcooked to maintain a crisp texture and bright green color.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
- Make the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve.
- Swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack to create different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg