Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Creamy broccoli rice and cheese casserole is the kind of cozy dish everyone goes back for seconds. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy, comforting favorite for weeknights or gatherings.

this recipe!

Looking for more cheesy casseroles? Try my cheesy chicken & rice casserole next!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups long-grain white rice, cooked
• 6 cups (2 heads) broccoli florets (and spears optional) *see note for frozen broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 and 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 24 Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
• 3 Tablespoons melted butter

Step by Step Instructions

STEP 1 – Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

STEP 2 – Cook rice according to package directions. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping it warm by leaving it in the cooking pot.

STEP 3 – Meanwhile, blanch the broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling water. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

STEP 4 – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprike and 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.

STEP 5 – Gently stir in the blanched broccoli florets.

STEP 6 – Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish.

STEP 7 – In a small bowl, combined the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir well to combine.

STEP 8 – Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture on top of the casserole.

STEP 9 – Bake in 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.

TOPPING VARIATION: You can also opt for a cornflakes topping like the one in my cheesy potato casserole!

Make-Ahead Instructions

Yes, this is a great recipe to prep in advance. Pepare the casserole, then store it covered in plastic wrap for up to three days.

Allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, the bake as directed.

Make-Ahead Freezing Instructions

Prepare the casserole, the cover tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months.

To cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight prior to baking. Uncover and proceed with baking instructions as directed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Broccoli cheese rice casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover casserole dish with plastic wrap, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and place in refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

Yes you can! Place the cooled casserole in an airtight, freezersafe container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave at 30 second intervals.

More easy casseroles

Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Corn Flakes Topping

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers