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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup breadcrumbs (to create a crunchy topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (to coat the breadcrumbs) This dish is all about using fresh and simple ingredients. Start with cooked rice, which serves as the base. Broccoli adds a bright color and crunch. The sharp cheddar cheese gives us that rich, creamy flavor we love. You can use store-bought cream of mushroom soup, or make your own if you have the time. Milk helps to blend everything nicely, while onion and garlic add depth. Don't forget the seasonings! Salt and black pepper are must-haves. A little paprika adds a nice touch of warmth. The breadcrumbs on top create a lovely crunch and pair well with olive oil to help them brown. You can find the full recipe for this dish to guide you through the cooking process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. A hot oven helps the casserole cook through. If the oven is not hot, the dish may bake unevenly. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Place fresh broccoli florets in a steamer basket above the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid. Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes. This keeps them bright green and tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix all the ingredients well. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil. Carefully pour the mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps the casserole cook evenly and makes it easier to serve. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Stir until all the breadcrumbs are coated. This coating creates a nice crunchy texture on top. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for the best results. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a bubbly filling and a golden brown topping. The dish should be hot throughout. For the full recipe, check out the details provided above. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish! Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh broccoli has a bright, crisp flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw it first. This helps keep it from becoming mushy. Fresh garlic and onion add depth too. You can substitute dried garlic or onion powder, but fresh is best. To make this casserole extra cheesy, mix different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar is great, but try adding mozzarella for stretch or gouda for a smoky flavor. Layer your cheese at the top and in the middle for a cheesy experience in every bite. You can even sprinkle some cheese on before baking for that gooey top. Every oven cooks differently. Keep an eye on your casserole the first time you make it. If your oven runs hot, check it a few minutes early. You want it bubbly and golden brown. If it’s not quite there after 30 minutes, give it a few more minutes. Cooking times can vary, so adjust as needed. For the full recipe, check out the main article. {{image_4}} You can make this dish fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version too. If you want a vegan casserole, replace cheese with a plant-based cheese. Use a vegan soup and dairy-free milk. For a low-calorie version, reduce the amount of cheese and use less cream of mushroom soup. You can boost the flavor easily. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These herbs give a nice depth. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder for extra kick. A touch of cayenne pepper adds heat, while lemon zest gives brightness. This casserole pairs well with many proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or baked fish. It also tastes great with a simple salad. You can add roasted vegetables for more color and nutrition. For a heartier meal, serve it with meatloaf or steak. Each bite will satisfy your family. Once you finish your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, let it cool. Then, place it in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid cold spots. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for the best flavor and texture. For more details, check the full recipe. To make this dish vegan, you can swap out a few key ingredients. Here are some easy substitutions: - Use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. - Replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor. - Choose a plant-based cream soup, like mushroom or cashew cream. - Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty, while remaining vegan-friendly. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Here are some pros and cons to consider: - Pros: Frozen broccoli is quick and easy. It is often picked and frozen at peak freshness, so it can be just as nutritious as fresh. - Cons: Frozen broccoli can be more watery than fresh. This may make your casserole a bit soggier. To fix this, you can thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it. Using frozen broccoli is a great time-saver, especially on busy nights. Leftovers can be stored safely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Here are some tips for safe storage: - Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. - Label the container with the date so you know when to use it. - Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. If you want to keep leftovers longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. This blog covered how to make a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We talked about key ingredients, like cooked rice and fresh broccoli, and handy tips for flavor and texture. You learned step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake. For the best results, use fresh ingredients and explore tasty variations. Storing leftovers safely is key for later enjoyment. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying meal that can fit different diets. Happy cooking and enjoy sharing your creation!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, an easy family favorite that guarantees smiles at the dinner table! Packed with creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and flavorful seasonings, this comforting dish is perfect for busy nights. With simple steps and ingredients, you'll have a warm and satisfying meal ready in no time. Click through for the full recipe and make dinner a fun and delightful experience tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 cup breadcrumbs (to create a crunchy topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (to coat the breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the Broccoli: In a large saucepan, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the boiling water, covering it with a lid. Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes, until they are tender yet still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.

      Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are uniformly blended.

        Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. Carefully pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

          Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crunchy topping.

            Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping has turned a delightful golden brown.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot out of the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. Adding a slice of lemon on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Enjoy every bite!