Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Quick and Easy Meal

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Looking for a quick and easy meal? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is your answer! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a tasty dish that the whole family will love. I’ll guide you through each part, from prep to perfect baking. Plus, I’ll share tips on variations and storage. Let’s dive in and make dinner fun and effortless!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comforting Flavor: This casserole brings together the rich flavors of cheddar and creamy mushroom soup, making it a perfect comfort food.
2. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh broccoli and brown rice, this dish is a great way to sneak in some veggies and healthy grains.
3. Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
4. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it versatile for any palate.

Ingredients

Complete Ingredient List

To make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, you will need:

– 1 cup uncooked brown rice

– 2 cups vegetable broth

– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

– Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ingredients based on your taste or diet. Here are some ideas:

– Use white rice if you don’t have brown rice.

– Chicken broth works well instead of vegetable broth.

– Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.

– For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese and milk.

– Whole wheat breadcrumbs can replace regular breadcrumbs for extra fiber.

Nutritional Information

This casserole serves about six people. Each serving has:

– Calories: approximately 350

– Protein: 12g

– Carbohydrates: 45g

– Fat: 15g

– Fiber: 4g

– Sodium: 400mg

This dish is not only delicious but also offers good nutrition. You get fiber from the broccoli and rice, plus protein from the cheese. Enjoy this meal as a main dish or a side!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps get a nice crust.

2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This keeps the casserole from sticking.

3. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.

4. Add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice to the boiling broth. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes. The rice should be tender and all the liquid absorbed.

5. While the rice cooks, steam 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Aim for 5-7 minutes until they turn bright green and tender. Set this aside for later.

Cooking Method

1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with the steamed broccoli.

2. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk.

3. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

4. Stir everything together until well mixed. This blend gives the casserole a creamy texture.

Baking and Serving Instructions

1. Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a crunchy topping.

3. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix over the casserole.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown, bubbly top.

5. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and taste. Enjoy your delicious casserole!

Tips & Tricks

Tips for Perfecting the Casserole

To make the best cheesy broccoli rice casserole, follow these tips:

– Use fresh broccoli florets for better taste and texture.

– Cook the brown rice until it is tender. This helps blend flavors.

– Mix in the cheese while the rice is warm. It melts better this way.

– Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

– Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but still bright green.

– Avoid using too much liquid; too much can make the casserole mushy.

– Don’t skip greasing the pan. It helps the casserole not stick.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great ideas for serving your casserole:

– Pair it with a simple green salad for freshness.

– Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a protein boost.

– Top each serving with fresh parsley for color and flavor.

– Try adding a side of crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.

Variations

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

You can make this casserole vegetarian by using vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and plant-based milk. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegan cream sauce made from cashews. This keeps the dish creamy and rich.

Gluten-Free Modifications

To make this dish gluten-free, pick gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free flour. Also, ensure the vegetable broth is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal!

Ingredient Swaps for Flavor Enhancement

Try adding different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a twist. You can mix in cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Adding spices like paprika or cayenne can give it more flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the dish too. Just remember, keep it balanced so each flavor shines through!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole is cool before sealing it. The casserole can stay in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a better option.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, it keeps the taste and texture. The casserole can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. You can also heat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it first. This saves time and keeps the dish simple. Cooked frozen broccoli works well. It may be softer than fresh, but it still tastes good. Just be sure to drain any excess water before adding it to the mix. This will help keep your casserole from getting soggy.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

To add some heat, try these tips. You can mix in red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you use spicy cheese, that can also help. Experiment with these options to find your perfect spice level.

What can I serve with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

This casserole goes well with many sides. You can pair it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds great crunch and color. Grilled chicken is another tasty choice. It balances the creaminess of the casserole. For a lighter option, serve it with roasted vegetables. This makes a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

In this article, we covered the full journey of making a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We looked at key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to avoid errors. I shared how to store leftovers and offered ideas for variations to suit your taste.

Final thoughts: Follow these steps for a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy every bit

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring brown rice, fresh broccoli, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 2 milk
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the brown rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the rice and broccoli layer in the baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch.

Notes

For a homemade cream of mushroom soup, sauté mushrooms and blend with cream.

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, rice

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