Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy & Family-Approved Comfort

If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is it. It’s rich, creamy, and full of melty cheese and tender broccoli all baked together with fluffy rice. The result is that kind of comfort food everyone wants seconds of — simple, cozy, and completely satisfying.

The first time I made this casserole, it was for Thanksgiving dinner. I was looking for something comforting but easy that could feed a crowd. When I pulled it out of the oven — bubbling, golden, and smelling like pure cheesy heaven — my family devoured it. Ever since, I’ve made it for everything from Sunday dinners to busy weeknights.

Now, this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole sits right next to my Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup and Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup as one of my most-loved comfort classics.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

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This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is rich, creamy, and full of melted cheddar, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side or cozy vegetarian main for any night of the week or special gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika (optional)
• 0.5 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• skillet or sauté pan
• cutting board
• knife
• mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the rice according to package directions and steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Add cooked rice, broccoli, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with bread or a simple salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 13gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.2gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 940IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 1.7mg

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Steam broccoli until just tender to avoid mushiness. Make ahead and bake just before serving. Top with crushed crackers for crunch and color.

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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is everything cozy food should be — cheesy, creamy, and full of simple ingredients that come together easily. It’s perfect as a side for chicken, ham, or beef, but hearty enough to enjoy as a main dish on its own.

If you love easy baked dishes like my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake or Beef Lombardi Casserole, this one’s going to fit right in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

If you love creamy, cheesy sides like my White Lasagna Soup or Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, this casserole will feel just as satisfying — but with an easy oven-baked twist.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the rice according to package directions and steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Add the soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked rice, broccoli, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or Christmas Bread Recipe for the perfect cozy meal.

If you love easy oven recipes with simple ingredients, this one’s right up there with my Garten Shepherd’s Pie for crowd-pleasing comfort.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Use sharp cheddar: It gives the best bold cheese flavor.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keep it slightly firm so it holds up in the casserole.
• Make it ahead: Assemble it up to a day early, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
• For extra creaminess: Add ½ cup cream cheese or extra sour cream.

These tips are the same ones I use for my French Onion Ground Beef — simple details that make all the difference in flavor and texture.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F until hot or reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Like my Snow Day Soup, this dish gets even creamier when reheated — it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Flavor Variations

1. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add cooked diced chicken for a full meal.
2. Bacon Twist: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
4. Vegetarian Option: Use cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth.

If you enjoy flexible recipes you can make your own, this one’s as customizable as my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and drain well before adding to the casserole.

2. Can I use instant rice?
You can, but reduce the liquid slightly since it absorbs less.

3. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

The Final Bite

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and the perfect family comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite — whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side. Every bite brings that cozy, home-cooked flavor we all crave.

Serve it alongside baked chicken or a slice of my Christmas Bread Recipe, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.