If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing side dish, this Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Recipe is the answer. Combining tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and rich melted cheese, this casserole delivers that perfect balance of comfort and flavor. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and works beautifully as a holiday side or a weeknight favorite.
You can try this delicious dish, Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
This comforting casserole checks every box: easy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade and nostalgic while still being practical for busy days. Whether you serve it alongside roast chicken or bring it to a family gathering, it always gets rave reviews.
Here’s why this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
- Easy Prep: Minimal chopping and a one-pan cooking method.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Creamy, mild, and cheesy — even picky eaters will love it.
- Versatile: Great as a side or a light main dish.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Can be prepared ahead and baked later.
- Customizable: Swap rice, soup, or cheese to fit your taste or diet needs.
Ingredients for Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
This casserole is made from simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create rich, cheesy perfection.
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese (about 4 ounces), diced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli both work great. Steam until bright green and tender before mixing. For extra flavor, you can roast it lightly for a hint of caramelization.
- Rice: White rice keeps the texture light and fluffy. For more nutrition, use brown rice or even quinoa for a protein-rich twist.
- Cheese: Velveeta makes this recipe ultra-creamy, but shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar–mozzarella blend are great substitutes for a natural cheese flavor.
- Soup: Cream of chicken soup adds smoothness and body. For a vegetarian option, use cream of mushroom or make a simple roux-based white sauce with milk and flour.
- Butter: Adds flavor and richness. Substitute olive oil or plant-based butter for a lighter or dairy-free variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this comforting Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole.
Step 1 – Prepare and Steam the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-size florets. Steam it over boiling water for 5–7 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and set aside. (If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess moisture.)
Step 2 – Sauté the Onions
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This adds a savory base flavor to the casserole.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
To the saucepan, add 1 cup diced Velveeta cheese, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups of cooked white rice. Stir gently as the cheese melts, allowing everything to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. Then fold in the steamed broccoli. Keep stirring until the mixture is heated through.
Step 4 – Serve or Bake
At this stage, the casserole is already warm and ready to serve for a quick stovetop version.
If you prefer a baked texture with a lightly crisp top, transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s time, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
My friends loved this dessert, Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites.
Pro Tips for Success
- Steam, don’t boil the broccoli: Boiling can make it soggy and watery; steaming helps retain its color and texture.
- Use freshly cooked rice: Warm rice mixes better and prevents clumping.
- Melt the cheese gently: Keep the heat low to avoid scorching or separating the sauce.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day early and refrigerate; just bake when needed.
- Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for extra texture.
- Don’t overbake: Baking too long can dry out the rice — 20 minutes is just right.
Flavor Variations
Make this casserole your own with a few creative twists:
- Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole: Use sharp cheddar instead of Velveeta for a richer, more traditional cheese flavor.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake: Stir in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken to turn it into a full meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a mild heat.
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium soup, and olive oil instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole pairs perfectly with almost any main dish — or it can stand on its own as a cozy meal. Try it with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey for a classic family dinner.
- Grilled salmon or baked cod for a lighter pairing.
- BBQ ribs, meatloaf, or pork chops for hearty comfort food.
- A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
It’s also ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter — a crowd-favorite that disappears fast!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To Store:
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the texture becomes too thick.
To Freeze:
Transfer cooled casserole portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 535 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 8 servings.
FAQ About Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake uncovered at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Can I use fresh cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda work wonderfully. They’ll create a slightly different texture — less creamy than Velveeta but with a bolder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Just substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use brown rice instead of white rice, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium soup. You can also add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for more nutrients.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely. Add cooked chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna before baking. You can also mix in tofu or chickpeas for a meat-free protein boost.
Print
Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese — perfect as a side or a cozy main dish.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese (about 4 ounces), diced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli until tender and bright green, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Add diced Velveeta cheese, cream of chicken soup, and cooked rice. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli and mix until evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Notes
Steam the broccoli instead of boiling for better texture. You can use cheddar instead of Velveeta, and cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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Final Thoughts
This Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with the freshness of broccoli. Whether you serve it as a weeknight side or a holiday star, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
It’s one of those recipes that reminds you why simple ingredients and a little love can create something truly special. Once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen all year long.