Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole brings back memories of family dinners where everyone reached for seconds before their plates were even empty. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with a rich, cheesy aroma, making it nearly impossible to wait until it’s ready.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a meal that satisfies without a fuss. The combination of tender rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese is a classic, but adding a bit of shredded chicken makes it hearty enough for a full meal.

This recipe is also great for using up leftovers. Have extra rice from last night’s dinner? Toss it in. Need to clean out the fridge?

Any cooked protein works beautifully in this dish. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap out ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and you’ll still have a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole.

If you’re looking for a simple, comforting meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is about to become your new favorite.

Short Description

A rich and creamy casserole packed with fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and always a family favorite.

Key Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk or mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and allows the cheese to melt perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded chicken (if using), cream of chicken soup, and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated.

Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a gooey, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop onto plates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a stress-free dish.

Creamy & Cheesy: Every bite is loaded with rich, melty cheese.

Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a quick meal.

Customizable: Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness!

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Using Uncooked Rice – Be sure to use fully cooked rice, or the casserole will turn out dry and unevenly cooked.

2. Overcooking the Broccoli – Lightly steam the broccoli to keep it vibrant and slightly crisp. Overcooking makes it mushy.

3. Skipping the Foil Cover – Covering the casserole while baking ensures it stays moist and doesn’t dry out.

4. Using Too Much Salt – Since the cream of chicken soup and cheese already contain sodium, taste before adding extra salt.

5. Not Letting It Rest – Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making serving easier.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve it as a main dish with a fresh side salad.
– Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
– Add a side of garlic bread for an extra comforting touch.
– Enjoy leftovers for lunch—it reheats beautifully!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:

Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain well before adding it to the casserole.

2. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

4. How do I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and use cream of mushroom soup instead.

5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra crunch, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese topping before baking.
– To make it spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
– Use brown rice for a healthier alternative with added fiber.
– If you love a stronger cheesy flavor, mix in some Parmesan or smoked Gouda.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

2. Loaded Cheesy Casserole

Stir in crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

Swap chicken for diced ham or sausage.

3. Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free cheese and almond or oat milk.

Replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade cashew-based sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of meal you make once and keep coming back to. It’s cozy, flavorful, and always a hit, whether served at family dinners or shared at potlucks. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s hard to resist a second helping.

It’s also a great make-ahead dish—leftovers reheat beautifully, and you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with extras like bacon or different cheeses, this casserole is a recipe worth saving. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you make it your own!