Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Quick and easy broccoli cheese rice casserole is a great recipe. It is a side dish you can put together in no time. This comfort food is perfect for family gatherings. This easy side dish has been a part of my holiday gatherings for as long as I can remember.

My easy broccoli rice casserole is a perfect dish because even people who do not enjoy vegetables will eat this great casserole. I know the first time you try this, you will want to make it a part of your family dinners.

To use fresh broccoli, you can simply steam it in a steamer for a few minutes before using it. Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, this cheesy broccoli rice casserole will become a family favorite.

broccoli cheese rice casserole on a fork above a plate of it


Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Quick and Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect dish for the holidays or perhaps even a potluck dinner. Making this casserole is one of the best ways to get even picky eaters to take in some broccoli.

I must tell you a little story about this Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe. This is a variation of the recipe that my Grandmother used to make.

This is one of the rice casserole recipes my grandmother would always make. I can’t imagine a holiday without this broccoli-rice casserole. When I would start to host my holiday dinners with my family, this broccoli rice casserole recipe is the one I use. Year after year, this dish is one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

She used instant rice (Minute Rice) in her dish, but I prefer regular long-grain rice. I think it has a better texture and reheats than instant rice. If you wanted to, you could use brown rice.

I made this dish for a potluck when I had very little in the house, and it was a big hit. I know it isn’t the most sophisticated dish, but I know a recipe is a winner when the dish comes back empty.

Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Broccoli florets
  • white onion
  • salted butter or unsalted butter, both work well.
  • Velveeta cheese
  • Cream of chicken soup – you could use other canned soups like cream of mushroom soup, or cheddar cheese soup
  • Cooked white rice – you can use Minute rice, this is a great way to use leftover rice, or you can use long grain rice
broccoli cheese rice casserole ingredients

CopyKat Ingredient Tips

  • You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli, your choice. I love to pick up fresh broccoli and make it for dinner, and if there is some leftover, I will use it for this dish.
  • For this recipe, I like to use the store brand of American cheese. While I do like Velveeta brand cheese, I often think that store brands will work well. Store brands like Aldi’s Clancey, or HEB brand are lovely.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

  1. If you are using fresh broccoli, steam until just done.
  2. In a medium saucepan, cook the onion in the butter until transparent.
  3. Add the cheese, soup, broccoli, and rice to the onions and stir through to melt the cheese and heat it all.
    broccoli cheese rice casserole ingredients in a pot
  4. You can serve this dish now or put it in a baking dish or casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it.
  5. When you are ready to serve, uncover it and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
    broccoli cheese rice casserole in a baking dish on top of a wire rack

This dish reheats well. For me that is important as I do a lot of cooking on the weekends and reheat dishes throughout the week when I have dinner.

broccoli cheese rice casserole on a plate

Variations on Broccoli Rice Casserole

There are many different ways to switch up this recipe. Turn this into a main dish by adding some leftover cooked chicken. You can also add even more vegetables or switch them completely. You can also swap out the cheese.

You could also top this casserole with some buttered crumbled Ritz crackers, or even some buttered panko crumbs if you want to make this extra fancy! No matter how you make it, you are going to love how this tastes!

Dishes that go well with Broccoli Rice Casserole

Let’s round out a meal with this famous side, here are some suggestions for what to serve with this famous casserole. 

For protein options, I suggest: 

  • Grilled or baked chicken breasts
  • Pork chops
  • Grilled fish

Looking for additional side dishes: 

Here are 5 ways you can modify this classic rice casserole

  1. Add cooked chicken – mix in 1 to 2 cups of cooked chicken and turn this into a cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole
  2. Add leftover ham – mix in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked ham pieces
  3. Add a tablespoon of pimiento – this will add a nice savory note to this recipe
  4. Add cauliflower – swap half of the broccoli with cooked cauliflower
  5. Switch the cheese to Meximelt cheese – make your broccoli rice casserole with a bit of spice

How to Store Rice and Broccoli Casserole

It’s hard to imagine you will have any left of this casserole but in case you do, let’s cover how you can store this recipe.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe

Do You Have To Cook Rice Before Putting It In A Casserole?

Yes, in this recipe the rice must be fully cooked before adding it to the recipe.

How do you reheat broccoli rice and cheese casserole?

The best way to reheat this recipe is to reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees. The best way to reheat this recipe is to reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees. Be sure to cover a baking dish with aluminum foil, and you may even want to add some additional cheese on top.

If you have 4 or more portions heat for about 20 minutes, if you have 2 portions 10 to 15 minutes is all that is needed.

Can I prepare Broccoli Rice casserole the night before?

Yes, you can. Simply mix all of the ingredients together. Place into your baking dish, and cover with foil. Cook in a 350-degree oven the day you wish to serve. You will need to add 5 to 7 minutes of cooking time.

broccoli cheese rice casserole in a baking dish

Favorite Casserole Recipes

More Rice Side Dishes

Be sure to check many other great rice side dish recipes and easy casserole recipes here on CopyKat.com.

broccoli cheese rice casserole on a fork above a plate of it

Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is the perfect side dish everyone will love.
4.91 from 22 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Quick and Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 179kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces chopped broccoli fresh or frozen
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese (diced) 4 ounces
  • 10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

  • Place the broccoli into a steamer and steam for 5 to 7 minutes, until it turns bright green.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the cheese, cream of chicken soup, broccoli, and rice and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
  • You can serve this dish now, or you can put it in an 8-inch square baking pan, cover, and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, uncover and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 51.3mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 0.5mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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