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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons butter, melted You need two cups of cooked rice. You can use either white or brown rice. The broccoli should be two cups of fresh florets. The cheese is one cup of sharp cheddar, which adds a nice kick. For the sauce, use one cup of cream of mushroom soup. If you want, you can make your own soup. You’ll also need half a cup of milk to keep it creamy. For more flavor, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Spice it up with half a teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For a crunchy topping, use half a cup of breadcrumbs mixed with two tablespoons of melted butter. If you don’t have cooked rice, quinoa works well too. For the broccoli, frozen florets can be used if fresh isn’t available. If you want a different cheese, try mozzarella or gouda. Instead of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup. If you want a lighter option, use low-fat milk. For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheese and milk for plant-based options. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. This step helps the broccoli stay vibrant in the casserole. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and blanched broccoli. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all these ingredients well until they blend together smoothly. This mixture forms the base of your casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mix over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly center and a golden-brown top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors. To boost the flavor in your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, try these tips: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. - Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bold taste. - Swap in different cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, for unique flavor. - Mix in cooked onions or bell peppers for extra sweetness. These small changes can take your dish to new heights. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of: - Don’t overcook the broccoli. Blanch it just enough to stay bright and crisp. - Use fresh cheese rather than pre-shredded. It melts better and tastes richer. - Avoid skipping the salt and pepper. They bring out the flavors of the dish. - Don’t rush the baking time. Let the casserole bubble and brown for the best result. Being aware of these mistakes helps create a perfect dish each time. When serving your casserole, consider these ideas: - Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. - Serve with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. - Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and taste. - Offer a side of crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. These suggestions make your meal more enjoyable for everyone. {{image_2}} You can swap out the sharp cheddar cheese for different cheeses. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Creamy Monterey Jack adds a mild flavor. For a tangy kick, use feta. Each cheese gives its own twist to the dish. This casserole is flexible. You can add in other vegetables to boost nutrition. Chopped carrots and peas work well. You can also try spinach or bell peppers for color. These veggies add great taste and make it more colorful. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based cheese. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan option or make your own. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the soup label. These changes keep the dish tasty and friendly for all diets. To keep your cheesy broccoli rice casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the casserole cool first. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. It will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy those cheesy flavors later! If you want to freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container. Portion out the casserole to make it easy to reheat. Label the container with the date. It stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to use. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the mix. This way, you avoid extra water in your dish. If you choose frozen, skip the blanching step. The cooking time may change slightly, but your casserole will still taste great. Make the casserole up to a day before you plan to bake it. Prepare everything, mix your ingredients, and place them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method works well and keeps the flavors fresh. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas to consider: - A simple green salad - Roasted chicken or turkey - Garlic bread or rolls - Steamed carrots or green beans These sides can balance the meal and add more color to your plate. Enjoy! This blog post covered the key parts of making a great broccoli casserole. We looked at ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. I shared helpful tricks to improve flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can even explore dish variations to suit your needs. With these tips, you can confidently create your own tasty casserole that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and relish the delicious results!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that's easy to make and packed with flavor! This delightful dish combines wholesome broccoli, creamy cheddar, and flavorful seasonings for a family-friendly meal everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it's ready in just 40 minutes. Click through to discover this simple recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

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

          In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

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

              Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6