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To make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole, you will need the following: - 2 cups cooked rice (either white or brown) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based) - ½ cup onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ cup breadcrumbs (for added crunch) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Each of these ingredients adds flavor and texture. The rice forms the base, while broccoli gives a fresh taste. Cheese brings creaminess, and soup adds moisture. When picking broccoli, look for bright green florets. They should be firm and tightly closed. Avoid any that are yellow or wilted. Fresh broccoli has a strong, earthy smell and feels crisp. You want broccoli that looks lively and fresh. It will make your casserole taste better. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up. You can use mozzarella for a mild flavor. Gouda adds a smoky touch, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste. Experiment to find your favorite blend! Start by cooking your rice. You can use white or brown rice. Cook about 2 cups. While the rice cooks, bring water to a boil. Add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes. This keeps it bright and crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Dice ½ cup of onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, onion, and garlic. Add 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup of milk. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Stir well until all ingredients blend together. Now, fold in ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This gives a rich flavor to your casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the rice and broccoli mix into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese. Then, sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs on top for crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before you serve. Enjoy this delightful family meal! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. The right baking time makes your casserole shine. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbles and a golden top. If it’s not golden, add a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. To make it tastier, add herbs like thyme or basil. A pinch of garlic powder adds depth too. You can also try a bit of cayenne for heat. These small changes can elevate your dish. Serve in bright bowls to make it pop. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also top each serving with extra cheese. This gives a warm and inviting look. For a crunch, serve with a side salad. {{image_4}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of flour. Choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. To make the casserole even more veggie-packed, add bell peppers or carrots. You can mix in some spinach for extra greens. Instead of cheddar, try using mozzarella or goat cheese. This adds a different flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly. If you want to boost protein, add cooked chicken or turkey. You can also mix in cooked quinoa or beans for a plant-based option. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or bacon bits. These ingredients can make the casserole even more filling. Check out the Full Recipe for details on how to make this dish perfect for your family! After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole has cooled down before placing it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh. You can enjoy the leftovers within three to four days. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until it’s hot throughout. If you prefer, you can microwave it. Just heat in short bursts and stir. This keeps it from drying out. Want to save some for later? You can freeze the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven for the best texture. You’ll love how it tastes even after freezing! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it and drain excess water. This saves time and keeps your casserole easy to make. Frozen broccoli also works well in terms of taste and texture. It is a great option for busy cooks. To make this casserole ahead of time, prepare it fully but do not bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later when you're ready to serve. This way, you save time and enjoy a hot meal. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken soup. You can also make a homemade version with milk, flour, butter, and mushrooms. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish delightful. The blog post covered how to make a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh broccoli and cheese options. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare and bake the dish. I shared tips to enhance flavor and suggested serving ideas. We explored variations for gluten-free and vegetarian meals. Lastly, I provided storage info for leftovers. This casserole is tasty and easy to customize, making it a great addition to any meal plan. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this dish shine!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish combines nutritious ingredients with rich flavors. Click through to explore the full recipe, cooking tips, and presentation ideas that will impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (either white or brown)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

½ cup onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ cup breadcrumbs (for added crunch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green. Drain thoroughly and set the broccoli aside.

      Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.

        In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion, and garlic. Add in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

          Gently fold in ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, and carefully transfer the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.

              Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the breadcrumbs generously over the cheese to create a crunchy topping.

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

                  Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional cheese for a pop of color and extra flavor.