Description
Get ready to dig into this mouthwatering Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion! This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. We’ve combined tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- While the rice is cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Gently stir in blanched broccoli florets.
- Transfer mixture to prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle Ritz cracker crumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake in 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
Notes
Ingredients notes:
Rice – I only recommend using long-grain, traditional rice in this recipe. Instant or minute rice will be too mushy.
Broccoli – you can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen broccoli florets. Thaw the florets completely at room temperature.
STORAGE 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.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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.
Can i freeze broccoli rice casserole?
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous helping
- Calories: 556
- Sugar: 3.7 g
- Sodium: 643.2 mg
- Fat: 21.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.9 g
- Fiber: 3.3 g
- Protein: 18.7 g
- Cholesterol: 53.8 mg
