Creamy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a timeless dish full of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and irresistible creamy cheese sauce. This casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that satisfies the entire family. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and tasty enough to serve for the holidays.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Today, I am sharing an Easy and Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole that will have your family begging for you to make it time and time again.

This Broccoli and Rice Casserole is delicious and makes enough for a crowd. This is an excellent recipe if you have a family gathering, church social, or just need a weeknight side dish.

Love casseroles? Be sure to check out more of our family favorites – Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, and Cornbread Chili Casserole. These are tried and true dishes, easy to make and delicious to eat.

A yummy and cheesy casserole and just pure comfort and deliciousness! I will not even tell you how many helpings I always eat of this stuff!! It is so good!! This recipe has always been a huge hit with my family, and I am sure your family will also love it.

Why Should I Make This Recipe

Taste: This dish is so creamy and cheesy. The cheese melts throughout the casserole, making it super delicious. The combination of broccoli and cheese creates a comforting and delightful taste.

Easy: This recipe comes together relatively fast. Most of these ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples.

Homemade Cheese Sauce: This cheese sauce is what makes this dish unique. Velveeta cheese is melted with onions and garlic, making this dish taste cheesy and flavorful.

Blend of Ingredients: The ingredients are straightforward and combine to make a broccoli casserole that is a comfort food classic.

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Delicious Dish?

These ingredients combine to create a dish that is not only tasty but also has a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This is an easy side dish and a family favorite. Please see the printable recipe card below for a complete list of amounts.

Broccoli Florets – I like to use frozen broccoli for this dish. It’s easy and always in my freezer. Thaw before adding to the casserole. Use fresh if you so desire, and it will be delish. Whether fresh or frozen, make sure to use smaller pieces of chopped broccoli.
Rice – You will need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole mix. You can use any rice you like, such as white rice, instant rice, long grain rice, wild rice, or brown rice—Cook the rice following package directions.
Butter – Butter adds richness and flavor and contributes to the dish’s creaminess.
Onion – Onion brings more flavor to the dish. Dice before adding to the mix.
Garlic – I like using minced garlic in the jar for convenience. Garlic brings an aromatic and savory flavor to the dish.
Salt & Pepper – Use the amount you desire. I tend to under salt while cooking and add more at the end.
Velveeta Cheese – Velveeta is a processed cheese known for its creamy and meltable texture. Nothing melts quite like a block of Velveeta.
Milk – Milk is used to help create a creamy sauce and combine the flavors.
Sour Cream – Sour Cream adds richness to the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – This condensed soup adds creaminess and flavor.
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup – This condensed soup adds more intense cheddar flavor to the overall goodness of the casserole.
Shredded Cheese – The shredded cheese is added at the end of the cooking time. It is sprinkled over the top for more cheese goodness.

How to Make Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cook rice. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13×9 casserole dish. Set aside.
Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet and saute onion until soft and translucent for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and seasonings—Cook for about a minute.
Stir in cheese cubes and milk and mix until melted. Add all other ingredients (except for the shredded cheese). Stir well and pour into the prepared casserole dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with shredded cheese. Cook for 10 minutes.
**Tip- spray the inside of the foil with non-stick spray to keep it from sticking to the casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole More Flavorful and Creamy

Velveeta cheese is a must in this recipe. It melts amazingly well and helps keep this dish creamy. The onions and garlic add tons of flavor. The Cream of Mushroom soup and the Cheddar Cheese soup give this dish the creaminess and taste you are looking for in a casserole.

Velveeta is known for its smooth texture and creamy cheese flavor. It is the perfect addition and base for this easy casserole when melted. Add a variety of shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese, or a cheese blend, is a great way to add more flavor. You might also consider adding spices to suit your taste preferences. Some suggestions might be a little bit of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli and Rice

Cool to room temperature and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Then, reheat in the microwave for a minute or so or until hot. This makes a great lunchbox item for work the next day.

What Should I Serve With Broccoli and Rice Casserole

I like to serve this dish with just about anything. My favorites include meatloaf, chicken, pork chops, and fish.

How To Serve Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

There are several ways to serve this broccoli and rice casserole. A few suggestions might be to serve as a main dish by adding tender chicken to the recipe. Pair it with a light salad, and you have a complete meal. This also works nicely as a side dish for a weeknight meal or holiday gathering. This is an easy broccoli rice casserole recipe and an easy meal idea anytime.

Other Cheesy Dishes You Might Enjoy

Southern Style Cheese Grits: Cheese Grits are a Southern favorite. They are great for breakfast, in a casserole, as a snack, or side dish. Southern Style Cheese Grits are loaded with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and butter. If you have never tried grits before, then you are in for a real treat. Cheesy Rotel Grits are a favorite.

Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup -If you are looking for a fast dinner, look no further. You can have this soup made and on the table in 30 minutes. That’s less time than you could order take out and have it delivered- or, in my case, picked up.

Chili Mac & Cheese: An easy dinner recipe that will please the whole family. Chili Mac and Cheese is super simple to make and added to your weeknight dinner rotation menu. Also, a great way to use leftover chili.

French Onion Chicken -This French Onion Chicken Bake is one delicious dish! Only a few simple ingredients and a huge taste. Baked chicken covered in French onion dip, shredded cheese, and topped with crispy onions.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn -Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a must-try recipe for any corn lover. It’s perfect for a side dish to just about any meal. This recipe only takes minutes to prepare and comes together super fast.

More Rice Casserole Recipes or Side Dishes

Easy Rice Dressing

Baked Pork Chops and Rice

Creamy Mushroom Rice

Red Beans and Rice

Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole

Recipe FAQ’s

The rice should be cooked first before adding it to the casserole for this recipe.

Yes, you may substitute fresh broccoli for frozen broccoli. However, the fresh broccoli will yield a longer cooking time, so, therefore, it should be blanched before adding to the dish.

Yes, you can use the rice you prefer in this casserole. Cook the rice according to the package directions before adding it to this dish.

Expert Tips and Variations

Recipe Tips:

You can use any cooked rice you like, such as white, instant, or brown rice—Cook the rice following package directions.
For the cheese on the top of the casserole- use your favorite. I used a triple cheese blend. Some choices might consist of: Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or Sharp Cheddar.
Thaw your broccoli slightly before making this dish.
Feel free to substitute fresh broccoli florets for frozen broccoli. I would blanche the fresh broccoli before adding it to the casserole.
If you prefer, you may swap out the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken soup, cream of broccoli, or cream of celery.
This dish is a great way to use any leftover rice or broccoli you might have in the refrigerator.

Recipe Variations:

Remember to adjust the ingredients and amounts based on your taste preferences. Experiment and make the recipe the perfect side dish for your family.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add some cooked chicken. Buy a rotisserie chicken, boil a few chicken breasts, or use some leftover chicken to make this a real winner for dinner time.
Bacon: Fry some bacon until crisp and crumble it over the top before serving. The bacon will give it a smoky flavor.
Cauliflower Swap: Swap out some of the broccoli with cauliflower.

If you are looking for a side dish your family will love, this broccoli and rice casserole is the answer. It has become a weeknight dish in my home, and I hope your family loves it as well.