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To make the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you will need these simple items: - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade cream sauce) - 1 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs) You can make this dish even better by adding some tasty options. Here are a few ideas: - Cooked chicken or ham for extra protein - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor - Sliced mushrooms for added texture - Peas or corn for extra sweetness and color Feel free to mix and match based on what you love! If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are good alternatives: - Use quinoa or cauliflower rice in place of regular rice for a low-carb option. - Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a new taste. - Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a vegan sauce for a different flavor. - Use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. These swaps can help you make the dish fit your needs while still being delicious. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the process! Start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup milk - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. If you use frozen broccoli, make sure it is thawed and well-drained. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. Now, pour the rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle this evenly over the cheese layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier instructions. To make the best cheesy broccoli rice casserole, focus on your rice. Use fresh or leftover rice, as it helps absorb flavors. If you want a creamy texture, reduce the milk a little. Steam the broccoli just enough to keep its bright color. This brings out its taste. Make sure to mix all ingredients well for even flavor. Boost the flavor with a few simple tricks. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also mix in some cooked bacon for a savory twist. If you love spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also add a pop of flavor. Try to use high-quality cheese; it makes a big difference. For a great look, serve the casserole in the baking dish. It gives a warm, rustic feel. If you prefer a cleaner look, scoop portions into bowls. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds color. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a fresh touch. The bright green salad contrasts nicely with the rich casserole. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Chicken and ham are great choices. If you use chicken, cook and shred it first. For ham, chop it into small pieces. Mix the protein into the rice mixture before baking. This change adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. If you want a vegetarian twist, try adding beans or lentils. Black beans or kidney beans work well. You can also use chickpeas for a different taste. Make sure to drain and rinse canned beans. This option keeps the dish hearty while staying meat-free. Cheese makes this casserole creamy and delicious. You can switch up the cheese type for new flavors. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. For a sharper taste, use gouda or fontina. Mix and match your favorites to create your perfect cheesy blend. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your casserole, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes meal planning easy and tasty! You should bake the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for about 25-30 minutes. This time helps the casserole get bubbly and golden on top. The oven should be set to 350°F (175°C). Always check if the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly crisp. This way, you know it's ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just ensure it is cooked before adding it to the mix. The cooking time for brown rice is longer than white rice, so plan ahead. Follow the instructions in the Full Recipe for the best results. To make the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can also make your own sauce using gluten-free flour. For the breadcrumbs, use gluten-free options or crushed gluten-free crackers. These small changes keep the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten sensitivities. In this post, we explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. You learned about optional add-ins, how to mix and bake, and ways to enhance flavor. Remember, you can swap ingredients and add proteins for variety. Store leftovers properly for later meals. With these insights, you can create a delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty casserole!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Savor the creamy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with this easy recipe! Packed with tender broccoli, melted cheddar, and a crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Click to explore the recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade cream sauce)

1 cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and well-drained.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3 minutes).

        Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well combined.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

            Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.

              Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

                Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in the baking dish for a rustic look or scoop into individual bowls garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                      Enjoy your deliciously cheesy and comforting broccoli rice casserole!