Looking for a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd favorite? This easy broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe checks every box. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner and rich enough for your holiday table. You don’t need anything fancy just a few pantry staples and one skillet to bring the magic
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
This recipe has been in our family for years and it never fails. You’ve got the creaminess of melted cheese, tender bites of broccoli, and fluffy rice to soak it all up. It’s pure comfort, baked in a dish
Plus, this easy broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe is a lifesaver when you need something that reheats well and feeds a crowd. I love making it ahead for gatherings or doubling it for freezer meals. Even picky eaters clean their plates
You can also pair it with this crockpot sausage casserole for a cozy dinner combo
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh Produce and Aromatics
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
½ cup finely chopped white onion
Pantry and Dairy Staples
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
8 oz Velveeta or American cheese, cubed
Optional Add-ins
1 cup cooked chopped ham or shredded rotisserie chicken
Crushed Ritz crackers or buttery panko for topping
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli
Steam fresh broccoli until tender, or thaw frozen broccoli and blot dry
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and fragrant
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Add Velveeta and cream of chicken soup. Stir gently until melted into a silky, cheesy sauce
Step 4: Stir in the Good Stuff
Fold in the cooked rice and broccoli. Stir everything until evenly coated and hot
Step 5: Finish and Serve
At this point, your easy broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe is technically ready but for a golden top, bake it at 350°F for 20 minutes
Make it a meal by pairing it with this crockpot sausage casserole or some simple grilled chicken
Recipe Tips and Variations
Use cooked brown rice or wild rice for a heartier bite
Add cooked chicken or leftover turkey for a full dinner
Swap in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack if Velveeta isn’t your favorite
Top with crushed crackers or panko before baking for a golden, crispy topping
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
This easy broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe stores like a dream. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in portions for quick reheating later
To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven with foil until warm or microwave in a pinch
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
This casserole plays well with others. Here are some tasty combos to round it out
Serve with baked pork chops, crispy chicken thighs, or roast turkey
Pair with garlic green beans or this easy mashed potatoes recipe
Add it to your Thanksgiving spread next to cranberry sauce and stuffing
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat dry. It works beautifully in this easy broccoli cheese rice casserole recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding 5 to 7 minutes to the cook time
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Yes, the rice should be fully cooked before mixing it in. Leftover rice works perfectly here
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Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 8 oz Velveeta or American cheese cubed
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chopped ham or shredded rotisserie chicken
- Optional: Crushed Ritz crackers or buttery panko for topping
Instructions
- Steam fresh broccoli until tender, or thaw frozen broccoli and blot dry.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add Velveeta and cream of chicken soup. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked rice and broccoli. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve as-is from the pan or transfer to a baking dish, top with buttery crumbs or cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.