Best Broccoli Casserole
This comforting broccoli casserole combines tender rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy mushroom and celery soups for a hearty, flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, its cheesy, savory profile appeals to all ages and pairs well with simple sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup instant rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté chopped onion and chopped celery until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and remaining ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just blanch it beforehand. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, make sure your butter is plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli casserole is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or a light soup for a complete meal. For a hearty vegetarian option, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a slice of Pound Cake (Almond) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 815 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake it, remove the cover and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of chicken soup or make your own by blending cooked celery with cream and seasoning. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked chicken, ham, or even tofu for added protein. Simply stir in the protein of your choice with the other ingredients before baking to make it a more filling meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).