![You will need the following for your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Using fresh or organic ingredients can boost the flavor of your casserole. Choose vibrant broccoli florets for the best taste and texture. If you opt for frozen broccoli, ensure it is high-quality and without added sauces or spices. For the cheese, select a good cheddar. Aged cheddar can add a sharper taste. When using cream of mushroom soup, pick a brand with wholesome ingredients or make your own for a fresher flavor. You can easily customize this dish. Instead of brown rice, white rice also works well. If you prefer a lighter option, use quinoa. For a dairy-free version, swap the cheeses for vegan cheese and use coconut milk for the soup. If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko can add a nice crunch. You can also add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. Check the [Full Recipe] for more ideas! Start by cooking the rice. Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the uncooked brown rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes. The rice will absorb all the broth and become tender. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the cooked rice with broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. You want each bite to have a bit of everything. Now, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. You want it hot, bubbly, and golden brown. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get the best texture, cook your rice fully. This will help it absorb flavors. Mixing the rice with the other ingredients while hot makes a big difference. It helps everything blend well. If your mixture seems too dry, add a splash of broth or cream. This simple step keeps your casserole creamy and smooth. If you prefer not to use mushrooms, don't worry! You can swap in cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup. Both options add great creaminess and flavor. You can also use a homemade white sauce if you want to keep it fresh. Just mix butter, flour, milk, and seasonings for a tasty base. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can mix it up! Try adding mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Pepper jack gives a nice kick if you enjoy spice. Feta adds a tangy touch that pairs well with broccoli. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor that makes your casserole stand out. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just stick to the recipe. The ingredients are already meat-free. Use vegetable broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese for great flavor. You can add more veggies too. Carrots or bell peppers work well. This makes the casserole colorful and tasty. If you need a gluten-free dish, make a few swaps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping. Check the cream of mushroom soup too. Some brands offer gluten-free options. I love using brown rice because it’s naturally gluten-free. With these changes, you will still enjoy a creamy and cheesy casserole. Want to boost protein? You can add chicken or tofu. For chicken, cook and shred it first. Mix it in with the rice and broccoli. If you prefer tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove extra water, then cube it. Sauté it lightly before adding to the casserole. This makes your dish hearty and filling. For more details, check the Full Recipe. After enjoying your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also use the microwave. Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. If you want to save the casserole for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the casserole completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date and contents. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a quick meal, you can bake it straight from the freezer. Just add extra time to the baking process. For the full recipe, check above. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and works well. Just add it to the mix without thawing. This keeps it fresh and tasty. The cooking time may be a bit shorter. Check that it heats through when baking. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the rice and mix it with the other ingredients. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as usual. This makes it easy for busy days. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken for protein. A simple salad can add freshness. You may also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables. This dish is versatile and complements many meals. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We covered key ingredients, shared step-by-step cooking instructions, and offered tips for the best results. Variations for dietary needs were also included, along with storage tips. This dish is simple to adapt and great for any meal. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy a tasty, cheesy casserole any time. I hope you try it yourself!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ef68a54b-56a6-4042-9eb6-20eea6716866.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the uncooked brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the broth is absorbed.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6