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- 2 cups cooked white rice - 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping) You might want to swap the cream of mushroom soup. You can use a homemade version or try cream of chicken soup. Both give a nice flavor. For cheese, feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or gouda can also work well. They will change the taste slightly but still make it cheesy. I love using fresh broccoli for its bright color and crunch. It gives a nice texture to the dish. If you choose fresh broccoli, steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole. This helps it cook well without being mushy. Frozen broccoli is a great choice too. It’s quick and easy! Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. This prevents excess water in your casserole. You want that cheesy goodness to shine through! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even cooking. 2. Next, take a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked white rice, broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. 3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything until you mix it well. 1. Now, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 2. Top the casserole with the grated Parmesan cheese for a nice flavor boost. 3. Place the dish in the oven and bake it for 30 minutes. 4. After 30 minutes, take the casserole out and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. 5. Return the casserole to the oven and bake it for another 10-15 minutes. This will make the onions golden and crispy. 1. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set slightly. 2. For a pretty presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. 3. Serve it hot, and pair it with your favorite protein for a complete meal. 4. This dish goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread for a hearty feast. For the full recipe, check out the details shared earlier! To make perfect rice, start with the right water-to-rice ratio. Use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Rinse the rice to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping. Bring the water to a boil, then add the rice. Cover it and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 18 minutes. Remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before using it in the casserole. When storing cooked rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days in the fridge. If you freeze it, use it within three months. For best results, label your container with the date. To make your casserole creamy, add a touch of sour cream or cream cheese. These ingredients blend well and boost flavor. You can also mix in some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra creaminess. For the best melted cheese, choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Grate the cheese yourself for better melting. Mix the cheese in with the other ingredients before baking. This ensures it melts evenly throughout the dish. To ensure even cooking, spread the mixture in the baking dish evenly. Avoid packing it too tightly. This helps the heat circulate and cook all parts well. To prevent a dry casserole, don’t skip the milk or cream of mushroom soup. They add moisture. If you notice the casserole seems dry after baking, cover it with foil. This helps retain steam and keeps it moist. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip the meat and stick with the veggies. For a gluten-free option, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free brand. You can also make your own soup from scratch, using safe ingredients. Want to add some protein? You can mix in cooked chicken or turkey. These meats pair well with the cheese and broccoli. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas for protein. You can also switch up the veggies. Try adding bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor. To boost the taste, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley. These herbs brighten the dish and add freshness. If you like it spicy, toss in some jalapeños. They give the casserole a nice kick. With these variations, you can make your cheesy broccoli rice casserole unique every time you serve it. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container or wrap it well in plastic wrap. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If you want to avoid sogginess, do not add extra liquid. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives better texture. You can make this casserole ahead for busy days. Prepare the dish but don’t bake it yet. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. For meal prep, divide the casserole into individual servings in meal containers. This makes it easy to grab and go. Make sure the containers are microwave-safe for quick reheating. You can pair this casserole with many sides. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken or baked fish - A fresh garden salad - Roasted carrots or green beans - Garlic bread or dinner rolls These sides add a nice balance to the dish. They also help round out your meal. Yes, you can use brown rice. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. - Cook the brown rice for about 40-45 minutes before mixing it with other ingredients. - Ensure it's tender before adding to the casserole. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just follow these tips: - Mix all the ingredients as stated in the recipe. - Cover and store it in the fridge. - When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This method saves time and makes serving easier. To turn this dish into a full meal, consider adding protein. Here are some ideas: - Shredded chicken or cooked ground beef - Canned tuna or diced ham - Cooked beans for a vegetarian option Adding these proteins boosts the dish's nutrition and makes it more filling. You can also toss in extra veggies for added color and health benefits. This recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole combines simple ingredients in a delightful way. You learned about the key components, cooking methods, and variations. There are many ways to adapt it to fit your taste or diet. Keep in mind storage tips for leftovers to enjoy later. With a few simple steps, you can craft this dish easily. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty casserole with friends and family!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Dive into the comforting flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! This easy dish combines broccoli, rice, and cheesy goodness for a perfect meal any night of the week. Ideal for busy families or gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and packed with deliciousness. Discover variations, cooking tips, and how to make it your own! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this irresistible casserole!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white rice

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.

      Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture; stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.

        Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

          Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

            Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

              After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top.

                Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

                  Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve hot from the dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Enjoy it alongside your favorite protein for a hearty meal!