Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic southern side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, Sunday dinner, or serving a crowd during the holidays, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
This dish has been requested by my family year after year. With simple ingredients, this is an easy make-ahead side dish that works well with the busy holidays. With melty Cheez Whiz, it’s the old-fashioned recipe that feels like home.
Love casseroles? Try a few of my family’s favorite casseroles for your next gathering or holiday. Cabbage Casserole Recipe, Easy Squash Casserole, and Hash Brown and Cheese are all easy and will feed a crowd.
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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy: The jar of Cheez Whiz melts perfectly into a creamy sauce.
- Easy: Cook the rice, steam the broccoli, and mix them. Simple ingredients make this the ideal recipe for busy nights.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the rice, cook the onions, and steam the broccoli a day or two before assembling the dish. You can also assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day before serving. Leftover rice and broccoli work nicely.
- Holiday Favorite: Feeds a crowd and pairs with any main dish.
🛒 Ingredients Needed
This Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is an easy side dish packed full of goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- White Rice: I use instant rice for convenience. Follow package instructions. You’ll need 4 cups of cooked rice.
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: Cook or steam according to package directions, then chop into small pieces.
- Onion: Adds a nice balance to the creaminess of the cheese.
- Butter: Used to saute the onions and add flavor.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Pepper: These are my go-to seasonings for most of my dishes. Taste as you go and add salt if desired.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor. You can also use cream of chicken if desired.
- Cheez Whiz: This is a cheese dip found in a jar. It melts nicely and gives this dish its signature cheesy taste. It is usually found next to the Velveeta cheese. Sometimes it is in the refrigerated section at the grocery store.
📖 Recipe Variations
- Swap the Cheese: Try using about 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese or about 2 cups of good melting shredded cheese if you don’t have Cheez Whiz. If using Velveeta, stir it into the butter-onion mixture, then add a little milk to melt. Do this before mixing with the other ingredients. If using shredded cheese, just add it with the other ingredients.
- Change the Soup: Swap the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken, celery, or broccoli soup.
- Add a Topping: Sprinkle on a crunchy topping of buttery Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Add Protein: Turn this broccoli casserole with rice into a main dish by adding shredded chicken, ham, or turkey for extra protein.
🔪 How to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Rice. Cook the rice according to package directions. You’ll need 4 cups of cooked rice.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli. Cook or steam the broccoli until tender, then chop the larger pieces into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Melt Butter. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Step 4: Saute the Onion. Add the onion to the melted butter. Add seasonings and cook until the onion becomes translucent. Remove from the heat.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
Step 6: Bake. Pour the mixture into a greased 9″x13″ baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
💭 Pro Tips
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store all leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Reheat: Heat in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
❔ Recipe FAQ’s
Cheez Whiz is an Original Cheese Dip produced by Kraft Foods. It’s rich, flavorful, and made with real cheese. It melts nicely and adds creaminess to your dishes.
Yes. Steam or blanch the broccoli before adding it to the dish.
This is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge. Bake before serving.
Absolutely. Use your favorite rice for this recipe; make sure it is cooked before adding it to the mix.
More Easy Broccoli Recipes
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👩🏻🍳 Recipe
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups Uncooked Instant White Rice I used instant rice. You'll need 4 cups of cooked rice.
- 20-24 ounce bag Frozen Broccoli cooked and chopped small
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10.5 ounce can Cream of Mushroom soup
- 15 ounce jar Cheez Whiz
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13"x9" casserole dish. Set aside.
- Cook the Rice. Cook the rice according to package directions. You'll need 4 cups of cooked rice..
- Prepare the Broccoli. Cook or steam the broccoli until tender, then chop the larger pieces into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt Butter. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Saute the Onion. Add the onion to the melted butter. Add seasonings and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Combine Ingredients. Add the rice, broccoli, and remaining ingredients. Stir until well combined.
- Bake. Pour the mixture into a greased 9"x13" baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Rest. Allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
My family loves this broccoli and rice casserole! It’s easy and requested often.