Hi, fellow comfort seekers! Beatriz here, from MommiesMore, and I’m so excited to share one of my family’s ultimate comfort food dishes with you: Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole! I know weeknights can be tough, and sometimes the thought of cooking feels like climbing a mountain. But trust me, this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and that’s a dinnertime win in my book!

This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s the perfect answer when you need something satisfying, cheesy, and requires minimal effort. My kids absolutely adore it, and honestly, so do I! It’s the perfect way to get some veggies in without any complaints, and it always leaves us feeling warm and content.

I’ve been making this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole for years, tweaking it here and there to reach ultimate family approval. It all started when I was searching for a way to make broccoli more appealing to my picky eaters. Little did I know, I’d stumble upon a recipe that would become a regular in our meal rotation.

It’s my hope that this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole becomes a sanity-saving comfort food for you and your family, too. So grab your apron, and let’s get started! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the smiles around your table will make it all worthwhile.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked: This forms the comforting base of our Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole.
2 cups water: For cooking the rice to fluffy perfection.
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This adds a creamy, comforting texture to the Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole. No worries if you don’t have mushroom soup; I use cream of chicken for extra comfort in my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole.
1 cup milk: To thin the soup and create a smooth, cheesy sauce.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the casserole together.
1 teaspoon onion powder: For that savory, comforting flavor.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic, right? This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is no exception!
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to add a little warmth.
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped: The star of the show! My family gets extra comfort when I add a little more broccoli than the recipe calls for.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesier, the better! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
1/2 cup buttered bread crumbs (optional): For a little crunch on top.

Trust me, this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You might already have most of these items in your pantry and fridge. And remember, this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive; it’s all about using those simple ingredients to create something truly comforting. Here’s a Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I sometimes buy pre-shredded cheese to save time. It’s a little pricier, but on those extra-busy days, it’s worth it!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Cook the rice: In a saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. This is the base of our comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole, so make sure it’s nice and fluffy!
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is key for even cooking of your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed soup, milk, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole – I didn’t mix the sauce enough. Learn from my experience: whisk it well to ensure everything is smooth!
Add the broccoli and cheese: Stir in the cooked rice, thawed broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine. Make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole.
Pour into baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole looks a little lumpy at this point; it will all melt together beautifully in the oven.
Add bread crumbs (optional): If desired, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top of the casserole. I like to do this for added texture, but it’s totally optional.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole usually takes closer to 30 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to serve.

While your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole should smell amazing by now. I remember one time I forgot to grease the baking dish. Let’s just say, cleanup was not fun! So, don’t skip that step! This easy broccoli casserole is a comfort food win!

How We Love to Eat This!

The best part about this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is how versatile it is! My family enjoys this comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole in so many ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a side dish: We often serve this as a side dish with baked chicken or pork chops. The creamy, cheesy flavor complements the protein perfectly.
As a main course: For a vegetarian meal, this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole stands alone beautifully. Just add a side salad for a complete meal.
Kid-approved sides: The kids devour this comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole when I serve it with some simple fruit slices or carrot sticks.

This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings. People always ask for the recipe!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top after baking. It makes it look extra appealing to the family.

Leftovers are fantastic! I often pack them in lunchboxes the next day. The creamy broccoli rice reheats well in the microwave.

I’ve also tried adding different seasonings to this cheesy broccoli rice. A little paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick!

This recipe reminds me of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – The BakerMama, for more ideas.

We even enjoy it cold sometimes, straight from the fridge! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, fellow moms, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole!

Is this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The rice, broccoli, and cheese provide a good balance of carbs, veggies, and protein. Plus, it’s so satisfying that even my pickiest eaters eat a decent portion.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole? Ah, the age-old question! I’ve been there! Try serving a tiny spoonful alongside something they already love. Sometimes, just seeing others enjoy it encourages them to try it. You could also involve them in making it! This creamy broccoli rice is a winner!
Can I meal prep this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Of course! Just steam or blanch the fresh broccoli until it’s tender-crisp before adding it to the casserole. The easy broccoli casserole is adaptable.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No problem! You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Or, for a richer flavor, try using a can of cheddar cheese soup.
Can I add meat to this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole? Definitely! Cooked chicken, ham, or bacon would be delicious additions.
Is there a way to make this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole healthier? You can use brown rice instead of white rice, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s all about finding what works for your family!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole? I usually microwave it in individual portions. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

Want more Broccoli Casserole with Rice Recipe?

Remember, it’s all about making this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole work for your family. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what they love!

Final Thoughts:

This Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a symbol of comfort, family, and those precious dinnertime moments we all cherish. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy, satisfying, and always a hit!

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Comfort Hacks:

Pre-chop the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it ahead of time to save time during the week.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Another time-saver!
Make a double batch: Freeze half for a future meal!

Here are some family-tested Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole variations:

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapenos. My husband loves this version!
Chicken Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: Add cooked chicken for a heartier meal. The kids prefer this one.
Bacon Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: Crispy bacon makes everything better! This is my personal favorite.

Remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust this Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole to fit your family’s taste preferences.

My hope is that this recipe brings a little more comfort and joy to your family’s mealtime. I encourage you to try this satisfying Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole, and I hope it becomes a regular on your dinner table, just like it has on mine. This comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole reminds me of another family favorite, this mac and cheese soup. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for this philly cheesesteak soup recipe. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Easy Broccoli Rice & Cheese Casserole Recipe.

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the aroma of delicious comfort food! You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers!

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Print Recipe

This comforting Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is a classic side dish or vegetarian main course. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice – perfect for a family meal!

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
Stir in the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add cooked ham or bacon for extra protein.