In this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole broccoli, cheese and rice go together like hand in glove. Rice pilaf, steamed broccoli florets and a creamy sauce with lots of cheddar cheese. Top with French fried onions for a little crunch and it’s side dish heaven.
Ways To Turn This Cheesy Casserole Into A Main Dish
This broccoli rice casserole is one of our weeknight favorites but, it’s tasty enough for entertaining, too. It’s one of those versatile casseroles that complement so many entrees. You could also turn it into the entree with a few simple additions. To shake things up, add 2 cups of roughly chopped rotisserie chicken, a pound of cooked ground beef or spicy sausage to make it a one-dish-meal. My family never gets tired of this simple broccoli rice casserole and I love that it can be prepared in advance, then sprinkled with shredded cheese and crushed onions just before baking. It’s a real time saver on busy days making it easier than ever to get a delicious meal on the table in no time flat.
Other broccoli dishes you my like to try is this potluck Broccoli Casserole, delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup and Low Carb Breakfast Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 6.3 oz box rice pilaf [i.e. Zatarains]
- 1 10 3/4 oz can cream of celery soup
- 1 10 3/4 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 5 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets steamed
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of french fried onions crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 3 quart or 12 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, saute 1/2 cup of chopped onion in 1 Tbsp butter until translucent.
- Add rice pilaf, flavor packet and water. [amount of water specified by the package] Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer according to the package instructions slightly under-cooking.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese soup, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, evaporated milk, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked rice, steamed broccoli and chopped chives. Mix well.
- Mix in 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Pour into the dish sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Top with crushed french fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Anonymous says
July 9, 2013 at 11:10 pmSounds yummy. I would make it a complete meal & add ground beef or chicken
Melissa says
July 9, 2013 at 11:39 pmEither one would be a great addition. ☺
Melissa says
July 10, 2013 at 7:59 pmHi Candace, this dish could quite easily be turned into a 1 dish meal Enjoy!
Candace Cristia says
July 10, 2013 at 5:00 pmI would change the cream of celery to cream of mushroom not fond of celery and add ground beef to complete the meal.
Melissa says
July 17, 2013 at 12:12 amHi Linda, I love that you added chicken to this to make a one dish meal. Sounds great! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. ~ Melissa
Linda Billings says
July 16, 2013 at 11:47 pmI added 2 cut up chicken breast that we had grilled the day before and it was awesome. I would not add the salt next time enough in the cheese, rice and soups. I would add more brocoli or at least cut it larger. It was delicious.
Anonymous says
November 21, 2013 at 10:50 pmI made something similar but used browned sausage and chicken. I also used Chinese chow mein noodles on top instead of onions. My family loved it.
Launa Haywood says
November 22, 2013 at 1:24 amMade that for dinner tonight.. SOsoSO GOOOD!!
Thank you 🙂 🙂
Melissa says
November 22, 2013 at 2:50 amThanks for stopping by to let me know. ~ Melissa
Anonymous says
August 17, 2014 at 5:22 amThis dish looks so good, I plan to make it tomorrow with some chicken thighs on the side or mixed in, will decide when I`m cooking.
I love the look of your meals, can`t wait to try some more.
Thanks for sharing your ideas,
Kimberjoy
Melissa says
August 18, 2014 at 1:53 amThat sounds great, you can’t go wrong either way. Sure hope you enjoy it!
Sue says
May 27, 2017 at 2:43 pmDo you use the pilaf flavor packet?
Melissa says
May 27, 2017 at 2:47 pmYes, prepare the rice suing the packet and amount of water per instructions.
KalynsKitchen says
March 29, 2019 at 9:57 amThat looks delicious! Thanks for the shout-out for my Broccoli Cheese Breakfast Casserole!
Melissa says
March 29, 2019 at 1:07 pmMy pleasure, Kalyn!