Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this mouthwatering Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that blends creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice into one irresistible dish. Hearty and satisfying, it brings warmth to your table with each delicious spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 (16-ounce / 454 grams) package frozen chopped broccoli or florets, slightly thawed
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) Velveeta cheese
Soup and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5-ounce / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Frenchs fried onions, for topping
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a rectangular glass baking vessel with cooking lubricant.
- Craft a velvety base by melting Velveeta into cream of chicken soup, incorporating milk, and seasoning with salt and pepper over moderate flame.
- Gently fold cooked rice and partially defrosted broccoli florets into the molten cheese mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Smoothly transfer the creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously crown the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, then cascade crispy French’s fried onions across the surface for textural contrast.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to transform for 35-40 minutes until edges bubble and top turns golden.
- Should the onion topping darken too quickly, drape a loose aluminum foil shield over the casserole to prevent burning.
- Extract from oven and permit the dish to settle and harmonize flavors for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the intense cheese sauce to stabilize.
Notes
- Prep rice in advance by cooking a day ahead to save time and ensure perfectly fluffy texture when mixing into the casserole.
- Customize the dish for vegetarian diets by substituting cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade vegetable-based cream sauce.
- For a healthier version, swap Velveeta with sharp cheddar cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg