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You can use fresh or frozen broccoli in this dish. Fresh broccoli gives a bright taste and a nice crunch. It also looks great when served. Frozen broccoli is easy and quick to use. It cooks fast and saves time. Both options work well in the cheesy broccoli rice casserole. Cheddar cheese is classic in this recipe, but you can try other cheeses too. Mozzarella melts nicely for a gooey texture. Gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor. For a sharp bite, use Swiss cheese. Mixing different cheeses can create a fun flavor twist. Feel free to experiment! Want to spice it up? Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for protein. You could also mix in cooked bacon for a savory touch. If you like heat, diced jalapeños work well. Adding these optional ingredients can make the casserole even more delicious. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital for even cooking. While the oven heats, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Coat it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the onion looks clear, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir for about 2 minutes. This toasting adds flavor. Then, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is soft and has absorbed the broth. While the rice cooks, steam 2 cups of broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. After steaming, drain the broccoli. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of milk. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheeses melt into the mix. Now, transfer this cheesy mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when it is hot and the top is golden brown. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! For the full recipe, please refer to the earlier section. To make your casserole creamy and smooth, use fresh ingredients. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch. Cook the rice well so it blends nicely with the broccoli and cheese. If you want a firmer bite, slightly undercook the rice. This way, it won’t become mushy during baking. Add layer after layer of flavor for a tasty dish. Use garlic and onion to build a base. They add warmth and depth. Mustard powder and paprika bring a slight kick. You can also try adding a splash of hot sauce for some extra heat. Another great tip? Mix in herbs like thyme or basil for freshness. Want to save time? Use frozen broccoli. It cooks quickly and still tastes great. You can also prep the rice the night before. This cuts down on cooking time. If you’re short on time, skip the breadcrumb topping. Just sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps mentioned earlier. {{image_4}} You can make this casserole heartier by adding proteins. Cooked chicken, turkey, or even ham works well. Just chop the meat into small pieces and mix it in with the rice and broccoli. This adds flavor and makes it a full meal. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding chickpeas or tofu for protein without meat. If you want to keep it vegetarian, focus on tasty add-ins. You can use mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor. Both add great texture and nutrients. Even a can of drained beans can boost the protein and fiber. Mix these in with the other ingredients before baking. This keeps it healthy and satisfying. To make this casserole gluten-free, swap out the regular rice for a gluten-free option. Brown rice or quinoa works great. Check that your broth and any added toppings, like breadcrumbs, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without worry. You still get that creamy, cheesy goodness without the gluten. Feel free to explore these variations as you prepare your cheesy broccoli rice casserole! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. After you make your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, let it cool down. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the fridge for about three to four days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. Make sure to mark the date on the container, so you remember when you made it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your casserole, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 20 minutes or until it’s hot throughout. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. You can also use the microwave, but your casserole may not get crispy. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, so it warms evenly. For full details, check the Full Recipe. To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. 3. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. 4. Add uncooked rice and toast it for a couple of minutes. 5. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. 6. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is tender. 7. Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender. 8. Mix cooked rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk in a bowl. 9. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. 10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for a cozy meal. You can find the Full Recipe in this article for detailed steps. Yes, you can substitute many ingredients in this casserole. Here are some ideas: - Rice: Use brown rice or quinoa for a different texture. - Cheese: Try mozzarella or gouda instead of cheddar for unique flavor. - Broccoli: Swap in cauliflower or spinach for variety. - Milk: Almond or oat milk can replace regular milk for dairy-free options. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home! Several side dishes go well with Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Here are some of my favorites: - Garden Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. - Garlic Bread: This pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the casserole. - Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or green beans add color and nutrients. - Grilled Chicken: A simple protein option to round out the meal. Choose sides that complement the creamy, cheesy goodness of the casserole for a satisfying dinner! This blog post covered key steps to make a great Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. We explored fresh and frozen broccoli, cheese options, and other add-ins. I shared easy instructions for preheating, cooking rice, and combining flavors. To perfect your dish, I provided tips on texture and time-saving tricks. Don’t forget about yummy variations and proper storage. With these insights, you can create a tasty casserole that suits your taste and needs. Enjoy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe! Packed with tender broccoli, flavorful rice, and creamy cheeses, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Learn how to bring it all together with simple steps and delicious ingredients. Don't miss out—click through now to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table with this cheesy delight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup milk

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

    In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

      Incorporate the uncooked rice into the saucepan and stir the mixture for approximately 2 minutes until the rice grains are slightly toasted and fragrant.

        Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.

          While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they turn bright green and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. After steaming, drain and set them aside.

            In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and milk. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed and the cheeses are fully incorporated.

              Transfer the cheesy broccoli and rice mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. If you enjoy a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated and the top is a lovely golden brown.

                  Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Vorbereitungszeit: 15 Minuten | Gesamtzeit: 50 Minuten | Portionen: 6

                      - Präsentationstipps: Serve the casserole hot in the baking dish, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. You can also plate individual servings and top them with extra cheese for added indulgence. Enjoy this comforting dish!