Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender rice and broccoli come together with creamy cheese for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

A round white dish filled with a baked broccoli cheese casserole sits on a white marbled surface. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with small crispy browned spots and scattered green broccoli florets embedded evenly throughout, some slightly toasted. Small specks of herbs are sprinkled across the surface, adding a touch of texture. The cheese layer looks creamy beneath the browned top, with broccoli pieces standing out in bright green against the rich yellow of the cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups white rice (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bag frozen broccoli florets
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a crockpot, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 2 hours until the rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the frozen broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Continue cooking on low for another hour.
  3. Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot and stir until the cheese melts completely.
  4. Step 4: Season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a cream of mushroom soup labeled vegetarian.
  • Try adding cooked chicken or cooked bacon bits for extra protein and flavor.
  • Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
  • If you prefer fresh broccoli, steam it before adding and reduce cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry.

How to Serve

A round white dish holds a baked broccoli cheese casserole, with a golden brown bubbly cheese layer as the top. Bright green broccoli florets are scattered evenly across the top, partially sunken into the cheese which has some browned spots showing a crispy texture. Tiny sprinkles of herbs add a touch of green and detail to the golden surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface, enhancing the colors and texture of the casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole in the oven instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely. Cook the rice separately, then combine all ingredients in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Print
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish combining tender rice, nutritious broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked in a crockpot for an effortless, flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Broth

  • 1 1/2 cups white rice (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Dairy

  • 1 bag frozen broccoli florets (approximately 12 ounces)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine rice and chicken broth: Add the uncooked white rice and chicken broth to your crockpot, ensuring the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  2. Cook rice on low: Set the crockpot to low and cook the rice for 2 hours until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  3. Add broccoli, soup, and milk: Stir in the frozen broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the cooked rice, mixing well to combine the ingredients evenly.
  4. Continue cooking: Cover and cook on low for an additional hour, allowing the broccoli to soften and the flavors to meld together.
  5. Incorporate cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the casserole, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
  6. Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper as desired, adjusting the seasoning to your preference before serving.

Notes

  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
  • Frozen broccoli can be substituted with fresh broccoli, chopped into florets.
  • This dish can be made vegetarian by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a richer flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder when cooking the rice.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy broccoli rice casserole, crockpot broccoli rice, easy broccoli casserole, slow cooker rice dish, comfort food casserole

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