Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole with tender broccoli and savory mushroom flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, satisfying both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, frozen chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, grated Cheddar cheese, and the cooked onion mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top if desired.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or mixed vegetables for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice can speed up the process. For a twist, try adding cooked chicken or ham for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish for family gatherings or potlucks, complementing dishes like Shirley'S Cheese Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole contains roughly 963 calories, with 17g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1078mg per serving (47% 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 use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam or blanch it for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it cooks evenly during baking and retains its vibrant color and crunch.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat. Ensure that the cream of mushroom soup you use is vegetarian, and consider adding extra veggies or beans for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).