Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the breadcrumbs) When I make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, these ingredients are key. The rice gives it a solid base. Broccoli adds color and nutrients. Sharp cheddar cheese brings rich flavor. Cream of mushroom soup keeps it moist and creamy. A touch of milk helps bind everything together. The seasonings and extras boost the taste. Chopped onion and minced garlic add depth. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. A hint of paprika offers warmth. The breadcrumbs on top give a nice crunch. Olive oil helps the crumbs turn golden. For the full recipe, you can check the linked details. This dish is simple yet delicious. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. First, I love to start with a clean kitchen. Preheating the oven makes sure the casserole cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, I steam the broccoli. This step makes the broccoli bright green and soft. Just five minutes is enough to get it ready without losing its crunch. - Combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, soup, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large bowl, I mix everything together. I add the cooked rice and steamed broccoli. Then comes the star: shredded cheddar cheese. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess. I pour in milk for extra smoothness. Next, I add chopped onion and minced garlic for flavor. Finally, I sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika. This mix creates a rich, cheesy filling that everyone loves. - Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. - Prepare and sprinkle the breadcrumb topping. After mixing, I transfer everything into a greased casserole dish. It’s important to spread the mixture evenly. This way, every bite has the same great taste. For the topping, I mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. This makes the topping crispy and golden when baked. I sprinkle this mixture over the casserole, adding a nice crunch. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Now, it’s time to bake! I place the casserole in the preheated oven. I let it bake for 25-30 minutes. I watch for the bubbles and golden brown top. This is when the magic happens, filling the kitchen with a warm, cheesy smell. Once it’s done, I take it out and let it cool a bit. Then, it’s ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Use fresh or frozen broccoli as desired. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, while frozen is quick and easy. - Ensure rice is fully cooked to avoid excess moisture. Overcooked rice can make your casserole mushy. - Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices before serving. This adds color and freshness to your dish. A simple touch can make your meal look gourmet! - Adjust baking time for different oven models. Some ovens heat faster, so keep an eye on your casserole. You want it bubbly and golden brown. {{image_2}} You can change this dish easily by swapping ingredients. For cheese, I love using mozzarella or gouda. These cheeses add a nice twist to the flavor. If you want something creamy but different, try cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom. You can also make your own soup at home to control the taste. If you need to make this dish gluten-free, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. It still tastes great! For a vegan version, plant-based cheese works well. You can also use coconut cream or almond milk instead of regular cream and milk. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty casserole. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh. Make sure to let the casserole cool before sealing it. This step helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the dish tasty. You can freeze an unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you are ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from frozen. This makes meal prep easy and quick. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. This helps keep the casserole moist. If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even warming without drying it out. You can pair this dish with a few tasty sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Garlic bread brings warmth and flavor. Roasted vegetables make a great choice too. Each side complements the casserole well, making your meal more enjoyable. Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just make it up to the baking step. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, simply bake it as per the recipe. This saves time on busy days. Adding protein is easy and fun. You can mix in cooked chicken for heartiness. Sausage adds a savory kick. Beans are a great option too for a meat-free version. Choose what your family enjoys most to make it their favorite. For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven. This keeps the texture nice and crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warm. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the texture might not be as great. This blog post shares a simple and tasty recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the dish shine. You learned about ingredient swaps and how to store leftovers. In summary, this casserole can fit many diets and preferences. It’s easy to make and great for meals any time. Enjoy your cooking and impress your loved ones with this delicious dish!$

Discover how to make the ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a savory family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your home. With simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you'll create a creamy and delicious dish everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, this casserole offers endless customization options. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade if preferred)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for the breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large saucepan, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are well-coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve hot from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a slice of lemon on the side for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!