Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole—just saying the name makes you crave it, doesn’t it? This comforting classic is the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice baked into one cozy casserole—what’s not to love? Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after soccer practice or planning your holiday spread, this dish hits that sweet spot between quick, hearty, and downright irresistible. Bonus: it uses simple, affordable ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. If you’re in the mood for something soul-soothing and a little nostalgic, this cheesy broccoli rice casserole will do the trick every single time.
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What is Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a warm, baked dish that combines cooked rice, fresh (or frozen) broccoli florets, melty cheese, and a creamy base made from butter, milk, and cream of chicken soup. It’s one of those old-school family recipes that never goes out of style. You’ll often find it at potlucks, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals when you just want something familiar and satisfying. The beauty of this casserole lies in its balance—each bite delivers soft rice, crisp-tender broccoli, and gooey, cheesy goodness. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping in cream of mushroom soup. It’s cozy comfort in a casserole dish—just how Grandma used to make.
Reasons to Try Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
If comfort food had a mascot, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole would be wearing the crown. First off, it’s easy—no fancy equipment, no weird ingredients, and barely any prep. You can whip this up on a weeknight faster than a drive-thru run, and it tastes about ten times better. Second, it’s family-friendly—kids love anything with cheese, and parents love sneaking veggies into dinner without a fight. Third, it’s adaptable—swap the cheese, toss in cooked chicken, or add extra veggies if you’re feeling creative. And finally, it’s make-ahead friendly. You can prep it in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Effortless and crowd-pleasing? That’s my kind of dinner.
Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- 1 ½ cups quick-cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or substitute cream of mushroom soup)
- 8 oz processed American cheese (like Velveeta) or 2 cups shredded cheddar
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup crushed potato chips
Instructions to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Let’s walk through this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole step by step, from prepping your ingredients to pulling a golden, bubbly masterpiece out of the oven. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s your roadmap to comfort food bliss. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find every step easy, practical, and foolproof. Grab your apron—it’s casserole time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole step by step journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven time to heat evenly while you prep. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This small but important move prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later.
If you’re new to baking casseroles, check out our Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup—it’s another warm, cozy dish that bakes up beautifully and follows similar techniques for creamy, hearty comfort.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Just Right
Every great casserole starts with a solid base, and here it’s rice. Prepare 1½ cups of quick-cooking white rice according to the package directions. Quick rice is your best friend here—it cooks fast and stays fluffy.
Want to swap in brown rice or quinoa? Totally fine! For helpful grain substitutions, visit our Turkey and Rice Soup, where we dive into rice variations that work well in creamy dishes like this.
Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly. Warm rice absorbs the cheesy sauce better later—trust me, it’s worth it.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Broccoli
In a large skillet, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to bubble, add your chopped onion and 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the broccoli brightens in color—usually about 5–7 minutes. You’re not looking to fully cook the broccoli here, just soften it slightly. The oven will finish the job later, keeping it tender with a little bite.
If you’re using frozen broccoli, no problem—just thaw and drain it before cooking. For more guidance on working with frozen veggies, take a peek at our Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, where we share tips for balancing texture in creamy recipes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now comes the part that makes this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole step by step guide truly irresistible—the sauce!
To your skillet, add:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist)
- 4 ounces of cheese (Velveeta or shredded cheddar)
- ½ cup of milk
Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, thick, velvety sauce. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”
If you’re into homemade sauces, you might enjoy our Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, where we show how to make a similar creamy cheese base from scratch.
Step 5: Combine the Rice and Sauce
Once your sauce looks luscious and smooth, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in your cooked rice, stirring until every grain is coated in that creamy, cheesy magic. This step ensures each bite of your casserole is equally rich and flavorful—no bland rice zones here!
At this point, you can sneak in a taste test (chef’s privilege). Need more cheese? Go ahead—nobody ever complained about “too much cheese.”
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your cheesy broccoli rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This even layer helps it bake consistently, creating that signature bubbly texture on top.
Next, sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of cheese evenly over the casserole. Then top with ⅓ cup of crushed potato chips for that irresistible crunch. You can substitute breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you prefer a lighter topping.
For topping inspiration and other crunchy ideas, check out our Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich, where we share how texture transforms simple comfort food.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, the chips are golden, and the edges are bubbling.
Pro tip: if you love extra crunch, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end (just watch closely—browning turns to burning fast!).
Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short cooling time helps everything set nicely so you get perfect scoops every time.
If you’re into one-dish comfort meals, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Creamy Cheeseburger Soup—it offers that same cozy, cheesy satisfaction without turning on the oven.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole warm and fresh from the oven. It’s perfect alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even on its own when you just want a comforting, filling meal.
This dish is family-approved, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters. And there you have it—your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole step by step success story, from skillet to table.
What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole plays well with just about anything. Pair it with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple salad if you’re keeping things light. During the holidays, it’s the ultimate sidekick for turkey or ham. If you want to round out your cozy meal, try serving it alongside our Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup or a crisp Green Goddess Soup. It’s one of those versatile recipes that turns any dinner into comfort central.
Key Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use quick rice. It keeps things fast and fluffy.
- Go fresh if you can. Fresh broccoli adds texture, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the topping. The crushed chips add that perfect crunchy contrast.
- Cheese matters. Velveeta gives it that nostalgic creaminess, while cheddar adds sharper flavor.
- Add-ins welcome! Toss in some cooked chicken, mushrooms, or bacon for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just let it thaw overnight before reheating. If you love meal prepping, this casserole is a dream. It reheats beautifully without losing that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—just swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! It adds a nutty flavor, but you’ll need to cook it longer.
Can I prep it ahead?
Definitely. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready—just add 10 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
When life gets busy and dinner needs to be easy, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer. It’s that cozy, no-fuss dish that makes everyone happy and fills the house with that “something delicious is baking” smell. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or the holidays, this casserole is proof that simple ingredients can make seriously satisfying food.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a classic and comforting side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday buffets.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (1 and 1/4 cups)
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, divided (such as Velveeta) or 2 cups good-melting shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook rice according to package directions.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and broccoli florets and cook until onion is transparent.
4. Add the soup, 4 ounces of the cheese, and the milk. Stir until cheese is melted.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice.
6. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish.
7. Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces of cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with the crushed potato chips.
8. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on top is melted, chips are starting to turn golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
You can substitute 4 cups of chopped frozen broccoli florets in place of fresh if desired.
This casserole can be prepped in advance and baked later—just cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
