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To make a great Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you need: - 2 cups cooked white rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons melted butter These ingredients work together to create a creamy and cheesy dish that your family will love. Using quality brands can enhance your dish. I suggest: - Cheddar Cheese: Look for Cabot or Tillamook for sharp flavor. - Cream of Mushroom Soup: Campbell’s is a classic choice. - Breadcrumbs: Use Progresso for a crisp topping. These brands offer great taste and texture, making your casserole shine. If you don’t have an ingredient, try these swaps: - Cooked White Rice: Use brown rice for more fiber. - Cream of Mushroom Soup: Make your own with sautéed mushrooms and cream. - Milk: Almond milk works if you want a dairy-free option. - Cheddar Cheese: Gouda or Monterey Jack can add a twist. These substitutes can keep your casserole delicious while working with what you have. To start, gather your ingredients. This dish needs: - 2 cups cooked white rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons melted butter First, cook your rice if you haven't done so. Next, bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes. This step makes the broccoli bright and tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and blanched broccoli. Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the bowl. Then, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended. Now, fold in half of the cheddar cheese into the mixture. Make sure it gets evenly spread. Next, transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out so that it fills the dish evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Make sure the breadcrumbs are coated well. Evenly sprinkle this mix over the cheese layer on the casserole. Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. This means your casserole is ready. When it finishes baking, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up nicely. Serve warm, and watch your family enjoy this cheesy delight! To make your casserole pop with flavor, use seasonings wisely. I love adding garlic powder and onion powder for depth. You can also sprinkle in a bit of paprika or cayenne for some heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish too. Mix these in with the rice and broccoli for a tasty blend. Texture is key to a great casserole. You want it creamy but not runny. Use cooked rice that is fluffy, not mushy. Blanching the broccoli keeps it tender-crisp, adding a nice bite. When you mix in the cheese, fold it gently to keep that fluffy feel. The breadcrumb topping gives a nice crunch, especially when mixed with melted butter. Avoid overcooking the broccoli. It should be bright green and slightly firm. Cooking it too long makes it mushy in the casserole. Another mistake is not letting the casserole cool before serving. This helps it set up nicely. Lastly, don't skip the butter on the breadcrumbs. It adds flavor and helps them brown perfectly. {{image_2}} You can make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken or turkey works well. Simply shred or chop it into small pieces. You can mix in about 2 cups of cooked meat before baking. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté until golden. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of tofu to your mixture. This adds protein and makes the dish more filling for everyone. For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap the cheese and cream of mushroom soup. Use dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy. There are many brands that melt well. For the soup, you can blend soaked cashews with vegetable broth. Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, to keep it creamy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious casserole without the dairy. To enhance the flavor of your casserole, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add brightness. Dried herbs like oregano or basil also work well. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, if you want some heat. Mix these into your rice and broccoli before baking. This small step makes a big difference in taste. Your family will love the added depth of flavor in every bite! After enjoying Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later meals. Make sure to cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing it. This will help prevent sogginess. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. 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. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave individual portions. Just cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps avoid dry spots. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your casserole, use a freezer-safe container. Cut the casserole into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is quick and easy. Just thaw it first. Drain any extra water. This helps keep your casserole from getting soggy. The taste will still be great! Your casserole will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal! This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Grilled chicken or fish adds protein. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a fun twist! In this post, we covered how to make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We discussed key ingredients and recommended brands. You learned about cooking steps for a golden top and tips for great flavor and texture. Plus, we explored variations and storage tips. Try these tips to make your casserole shine. Enjoy each bite, and get creative with your mix-ins!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Savor the goodness of this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy flavors and healthy veggies! With simple ingredients like cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and cheddar cheese, you can whip up a comforting dish that’s great for family dinners or potlucks. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try! Click now to explore the full recipe and make your meal memorable!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white rice

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade if preferred)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch for about 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.

        Fold in half of the cheddar cheese into the rice and broccoli mixture, blending thoroughly.

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

            Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

              In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

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

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm directly from the baking dish, garnished with a sprig of parsley for a touch of color. Enjoy with a side of salad!