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- 2 cups cooked brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup diced onion - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil Using the right ingredients is key to a great casserole. I love the earthy taste of brown rice. It adds a nice chewiness. Fresh broccoli brings color and a slight crunch. I always use fresh broccoli florets when I can. The taste is brighter and more vibrant. Cheddar cheese is a must for that gooey, cheesy texture. Cream of mushroom soup makes the dish creamy and rich. Milk adds a bit more moisture. I prefer whole milk for its richness, but any milk works. Onion gives depth to the flavor. The garlic powder adds a warm aroma. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. Breadcrumbs on top create a crispy layer, and olive oil helps them brown nicely. If you want to switch things up, try quinoa or white rice instead of brown rice. Both work great! For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk and vegan cheese. These swaps make it easy for anyone to enjoy. Using fresh broccoli is best when in season. Fresh broccoli has a better taste and texture. However, frozen broccoli is a good option if you're short on time. It’s pre-washed and ready to use. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. For this dish, I recommend using fresh ingredients whenever possible. They really make the flavors pop. If you're in a hurry, frozen can save the day, too. Be sure to check out the Full Recipe for more tips and step-by-step instructions! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a pot of boiling salted water, steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and tender but still crisp. Drain them and set aside. - In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until it’s well combined. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil to make a crumb topping. Coat the breadcrumbs well and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly casserole with a golden brown top. - After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great hot and can be garnished with fresh parsley for color. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To ensure the rice and broccoli cook evenly, use fresh broccoli florets. Cut them into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate as the rice. Steam the broccoli just until bright green, about 3-4 minutes. This keeps its crunch and color intact. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. The breadcrumb topping can burn quickly. If you notice it browning too fast, cover the dish with foil. This will help cook the casserole without burning the top. Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It adds a nice touch when serving. You can sprinkle it on right before serving. Consider pairing your casserole with a side salad. A simple green salad complements the dish well. You can also serve it with a protein, like grilled chicken or fish, to make it a full meal. You can prepare the casserole in advance for busy days. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. Make sure to cover it tightly. If you prepare it ahead, you may need to adjust the baking time. It might take a bit longer if the casserole is cold from the fridge. Check it after 30 minutes to see if it’s heated through. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily change your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Adding proteins like chicken, turkey, or ham gives it a hearty twist. These meats add flavor and make the dish filling. For cheese lovers, try different cheese options like mozzarella or pepper jack. These cheeses melt well and bring unique flavors. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for a little heat. This small change can make a big difference. You can also incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These herbs brighten the dish and add a fresh taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well for the topping. For those on a vegan diet, swap in plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free cream soup. These changes keep the dish creamy and satisfying without the animal products. To see the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. - Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Use plastic wrap, then foil to seal it tightly. Reheating leftovers correctly keeps them tasty. Here are some methods: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 20-25 minutes. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to warm evenly. Leftovers can last a while if stored right: - Refrigerated: Enjoy your casserole within 3-4 days for best taste. - Signs of spoilage: If it smells off, has mold, or looks discolored, toss it out. Always trust your senses! For the full details on how to make this comforting dish, check out the Full Recipe. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use brown rice or quinoa as they are naturally gluten-free. Check canned soup labels to ensure they are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without worry. Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead. Prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes meal time easier on busy days. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. Consider fresh salads or roasted vegetables. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or baked fish for a balanced meal. These options balance the flavors and make your meal more filling. Making this dish vegetarian is simple. Just skip any meats you might add. You can still use the same creamy soup and cheese. For extra protein, add beans or lentils. This way, you keep the heartiness without losing flavor. Enjoy the cheesy goodness! This blog post covered the delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, from ingredients to storage tips. We explored easy substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs. Whether you choose fresh or frozen veggies, this dish is comforting and versatile. Remember, you can make it ahead to save time. Enjoying this meal can be simple and tasty! Dive in and make your own version today. You'll love the flavors and warmth it brings.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Savor the creamy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines cooked brown rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese for a tasty family favorite. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Click through to discover how to make this delightful casserole and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.

        Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

          In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a crumb topping. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!