Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing or optional sauté); Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about scooping into a golden, bubbling dish of creamy, cheesy goodness—and for me, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is that ultimate comfort food. This dish has seen countless weeknights at my table, always met with happy faces and second helpings. It’s cozy, satisfying, and just the kind of feel-good meal that makes you want to stay in and savor every bite.

I love how simple yet flavorful it is. Tender rice, fresh green broccoli, and melty cheese all baked together under a perfectly browned top—it’s the kind of dish that never gets old. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or want to prep something you can heat up through the week, this casserole checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s creamy and cheesy but also packed with broccoli, so you feel like you’re getting a bit of nutrition along with the indulgence. You can easily make it ahead of time, and it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to. Plus, it’s totally customizable—use it as a side or make it the star of the show. It’s kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and endlessly craveable.

What Type of Rice Works Best in Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

I usually reach for long-grain white rice when making this casserole—it stays fluffy and holds up beautifully against the creamy sauce and melted cheese. But if you’re looking for something with a little more bite, brown rice works too; just keep in mind it’ll need a longer cook time and a bit more liquid. Leftover rice also works like a charm, which makes this dish even quicker to throw together if you’ve already got some cooked.

Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this casserole is how forgiving it is. Don’t have fresh broccoli? Frozen broccoli florets are a perfect stand-in—just thaw and drain them well to avoid watering down the dish. If you’re out of cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken or even a homemade béchamel for a from-scratch twist. Not into cheddar? Swap it for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gruyère for a more gourmet feel. You can also mix in rotisserie chicken or chopped ham to turn this side dish into a hearty main.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cooked Rice
The heart of the dish. It adds the comforting, starchy base that soaks up all the cheesy, creamy goodness. Long-grain white rice is my go-to, but use what you have.

Broccoli Florets
These bring color, texture, and a little bit of freshness to balance out the richness. Whether fresh or frozen, they’re essential for that classic flavor combo.

Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar gives the casserole that irresistible gooey, melty top and adds big flavor throughout. You’ll want it both mixed in and sprinkled on top.

Cream of Mushroom Soup
This adds creaminess and a savory depth of flavor. It’s what helps bind everything together into that perfect, spoonable texture.

Sour Cream
For extra creaminess and a slight tang that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. It melts into the sauce and makes everything silkier.

Onion and Garlic Powder
These pantry staples give just the right kick of background flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.

Salt and Pepper
Simple but important—season to taste so every bite pops with flavor.

Butter
Used for richness and to help sauté any optional add-ins. It also adds a nice smoothness to the casserole.

Parsley (optional for garnish)
A sprinkle on top adds a touch of freshness and color that makes the whole dish feel finished and vibrant.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish so nothing sticks later on. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for a few minutes until just tender, then set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create that melty, golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes so it sets slightly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, then dig in while it’s hot and cheesy.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole bakes beautifully in 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You’re mainly heating everything through and getting that dreamy, golden cheese topping. If you’re working with cold ingredients or just pulled it from the fridge, add an extra 5–10 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated in the center.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

1. Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Shredding your own makes it melt smoother and taste richer.

2. Don’t overcook the broccoli
Blanch or steam it just until tender-crisp. It will continue to cook in the oven and you want it to hold some texture.

3. Season the mixture before baking
Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper. Once it’s in the oven, it’s harder to fix blandness.

4. Grease your dish well
The cheesy edges will crisp up—and you want them to come out easily. A light butter or cooking spray does the trick.

5. Add protein if desired
Want to make it a one-dish meal? Stir in chopped cooked chicken or ham before baking. It bulks it up without extra effort.

6. Let it rest before serving
A 5-minute rest time after baking helps everything set and makes for cleaner scoops.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using raw rice
Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it in. The casserole won’t bake long enough to cook raw rice through, and you’ll end up with a crunchy, underdone dish.

Not draining broccoli properly
Whether using fresh or frozen, excess moisture from broccoli can make your casserole watery. Always drain or pat it dry before adding.

Overbaking the casserole
You want the cheese melted and bubbly, not dried out. Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes—30 minutes is plenty.

Skipping seasoning
With rich ingredients like cheese and soup, it’s easy to forget salt and pepper. Don’t! The dish needs seasoning to truly shine.

Using low-fat substitutes
While it’s tempting to lighten things up, lower-fat cheese or sour cream can make the texture grainy or watery. Go full-fat for best results.

Crowding the dish
If your dish is too small and everything’s crammed in, the top won’t brown properly, and it may not cook evenly. Use the right size baking dish.

Stirring too much after baking
Once it’s baked and rested, avoid stirring—it breaks the creamy texture. Scoop gently for the perfect bite every time.

Forgetting the final cheese layer
That golden crust on top is part of what makes this casserole so addictive. Don’t skimp on the final cheese sprinkle!

What to Serve With Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole?

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned—chicken thighs complement the creamy casserole without competing with it.

2. Baked Salmon

A flaky, buttery fillet of salmon brings a light, healthy contrast to the richness of the dish.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Quick and flavorful, these pair wonderfully with the cheesy rice and broccoli.

4. Mixed Green Salad

A simple salad with vinaigrette balances out the creaminess with some crisp, fresh greens.

5. Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness and slight char play nicely against the savory elements in the casserole.

6. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit from your plate.

7. Crispy Bacon Strips

Sprinkle over the top or serve on the side for added crunch and salty flavor.

8. Tomato Basil Soup

The brightness of the tomatoes cuts through the richness, making it a cozy combo for cold nights.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole stores like a dream. Let it cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through. To keep it from drying out, cover it with foil if using the oven.

Want to freeze it? Absolutely. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings total):

Calories: ~310
Protein: ~11g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~26g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~650mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact brands and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?

It already is! Just make sure you’re using a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup and cheese (some cheeses contain animal rennet).

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw it completely and drain off any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the whole thing, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead?

Absolutely. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and quinoa boosts the protein. Just make sure either one is fully cooked before mixing it in.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of sour cream to the mix before baking. It’ll make the filling extra rich and velvety.

What other veggies can I add?

Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even cauliflower are great add-ins. Just be sure to cook and drain them first.

Can I make this without canned soup?

Yes! A quick homemade béchamel (butter, flour, milk, and seasoning) works beautifully and gives you more control over the flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave works for speed, but the oven gives you that nice crispy top again. Reheat at 325°F covered with foil until hot in the center.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth with every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or just want a comfort classic on hand, this casserole has your back. With that golden cheesy crust and creamy broccoli-packed center, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite—it sure has in my home.