Broccoli-Rice Casserole

If you crave a cozy, creamy, and incredibly comforting dish, this Broccoli-Rice Casserole is the answer to your dinnertime dreams! Imagine fluffy rice and tender broccoli smothered in rich cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust.

This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—effortless to whip up, but so hearty and satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight main, a stellar side for the holidays, or a dependable potluck favorite, this casserole never disappoints.

It’s been a staple in my family for years, inspired by the classic casseroles my grandmother made for every special occasion. Just one bite and you’ll know why it’s a keeper.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and comforting—perfect for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike
• Ready in under an hour and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Versatile as a satisfying main or a hearty side dish
• Great for make-ahead meals—tastes even better as leftovers

Key Ingredients for Broccoli-Rice Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Broccoli

The star of this casserole, broccoli brings a vibrant color and slight crunch to every bite. For best results, use fresh broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces. Frozen broccoli works, too—just thaw and pat dry before adding it to the mix. If you want to sneak in extra veggies, try mixing in cauliflower or spinach.

Cooked Rice

Rice creates the hearty base for this casserole, soaking up all the creamy, cheesy flavor. Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice adds a wholesome, nutty note if you prefer. Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled before assembling, or use leftover rice to save time.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

A generous helping of sharp cheddar delivers that gooey, melty goodness and tangy bite. Grate your own cheese for the smoothest melt, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. Try mixing in Monterey Jack or Swiss for extra flair, or use a reduced-fat cheese for a lighter touch.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This pantry staple binds the casserole together and creates a luscious, creamy texture. If you want to skip the canned route, substitute with homemade cream sauce or use cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds richness and a subtle tang that balances all the flavors. Full-fat sour cream gives the most luxurious results, but low-fat or Greek yogurt can work well for a lighter option.

Instructions for Broccoli-Rice Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks.

Prepare the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.

Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture looks creamy and thick.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top for extra melty goodness.

Add the Topping (Optional)

For a crunchy finish, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a golden, crispy topping.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly golden. If you added the crumb topping, broil for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end to make it extra crispy—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping portions easier. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap out the canned soup for a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream sauce. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the topping to keep things gluten-free and just as delicious.

Vegan and Dairy-Free Option

Replace the cheese with your favorite plant-based shreds and use vegan sour cream. Opt for a dairy-free "cream" soup, and toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor.

Add Protein

Want to make it a heartier meal? Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, rotisserie turkey, or even canned tuna before baking. For a vegetarian protein boost, add a cup of cooked chickpeas or white beans.

Spice It Up

For a little kick, mix in a diced jalapeño, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of hot sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for some extra heat.

Switch Up the Veggies

Broccoli is classic, but this casserole also shines with cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, or peas. Mix and match whatever veggies you have on hand!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Broccoli-Rice Casserole with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. For a heartier spread, serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled sausage, or baked tofu. Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, or an extra sprinkle of cheddar for an irresistible finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This casserole freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli-Rice Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

Q: How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?
A: Be sure to drain steamed or thawed broccoli thoroughly and use cooked, cooled rice. Avoid adding extra liquid ingredients.

Q: Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.

This Broccoli-Rice Casserole is guaranteed to become your new go-to for easy comfort food. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable for any occasion! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—please leave a comment or rating below and let me know how you made it your own.