Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole — Amazing Family Favorite

If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy side dish that pleases both kids and adults, this Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is your go-to recipe. Bursting with creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, it’s simple to make yet feels special enough for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it combines familiar, kid-friendly ingredients like broccoli, rice, and cheese into a creamy, satisfying dish. The addition of a crunchy topping, such as crushed potato chips, gives each bite a playful texture contrast. It’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a side to chicken, pork, or beef, or turn it into a one-dish meal with added protein. Best of all, it’s a recipe that even beginner home cooks can master, making it a dependable choice for family dinners.

• Comfort food made easy: no complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Quick prep: Ready in about 15 minutes plus 30 minutes baking.
• Kid-friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and approachable for picky eaters.
• Versatile: Works as a side dish or a complete meal with protein additions.

Ingredients for Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy casserole.

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups quick-cooking white rice (≈4 cups cooked)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (≈1¼ cups)
• 8 oz processed American cheese, divided, or 2 cups shredded cheddar
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup crushed potato chips for topping

Ingredient Notes

• Cheese swaps: Use sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend for different flavors.
• Soup alternatives: For a vegetarian version, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
• Rice substitutions: Brown rice or cauliflower rice works, but adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
• Crunchy topping: Potato chips are classic, but panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers can also work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this cheesy broccoli casserole.

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook rice according to package directions and set aside.
• Chop onion and broccoli if using fresh florets.

Step 2 – Sauté Vegetables

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the onion and broccoli, sautéing until the onion is translucent and broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3 – Make the Cheese Sauce

• Stir in the cream of chicken soup, 4 oz of the cheese, and milk.
• Cook until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4 – Combine with Rice

• Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice until well coated with the cheese mixture.

Step 5 – Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese and crushed potato chips evenly over the top.

Step 6 – Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is lightly golden.
• Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting casserole made with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese—topped with crunchy potato chips. Perfect as a side dish or a one-dish family meal.

---

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:
• 1½ cups quick-cooking white rice (yields ~4 cups cooked)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz processed American cheese, divided (or 2 cups shredded cheddar)
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup crushed potato chips (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Sauté veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and broccoli; sauté 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Make sauce: Stir in cream of chicken soup, half the cheese (4 oz), and milk. Cook until smooth and melted.
4. Combine: Remove from heat. Fold in cooked rice until evenly coated.
5. Assemble: Pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and crushed potato chips.
6. Bake: 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and topping is golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use shredded or cubed cheese for even melting.
• For vegetarian version: swap cream of chicken with cream of mushroom soup.
• Don’t overcook rice—slightly firm holds texture better.
• Make-ahead: Assemble without topping, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
• Top with panko or Ritz crumbs if potato chips aren’t available.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Pro Tips for Success

1. Cheese melting tip: Cube or shred cheese for even melting.
2. Rice texture: Don’t overcook rice; slightly firm rice holds up better in the casserole.
3. Broccoli prep: Blanch frozen broccoli briefly in boiling water before sautéing to maintain vibrant color.
4. Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready.
5. Topping ideas: Mix potato chips with a little melted butter for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Even heating: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it sets up for clean slices.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Garlic Lovers: Sauté 1–2 cloves garlic with the onions for extra depth.
• Protein Boost: Mix in cooked, shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu for a full meal.
• Cheese Mix: Use a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a richer flavor.
• Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or thyme over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side to roasted chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
• Add a crisp green salad or simple fruit salad for balance.
• Turn it into a vegetarian main by adding beans, lentils, or extra mushrooms.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble the casserole without topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add chips or breadcrumbs just before baking.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Ultimate Pumpkin Goat Cheese Risotto
• Easy Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Amazing Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

FAQ About Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw and briefly sauté before adding to the cheese sauce to avoid excess water in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready; you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Is there a way to make it lower in calories?

You can use cauliflower rice instead of white rice, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish while maintaining flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken and omit any meat. This keeps it family-friendly and vegetarian.

What can I use instead of potato chips for the topping?

Panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese work well as alternatives. Adding a bit of melted butter will help create a golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is a true family favorite for good reason. Creamy, cheesy, and lightly crunchy on top, it balances comfort food nostalgia with simple, approachable cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or potlucks, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. With a few optional tweaks for extra flavor, protein, or spice, it’s a versatile dish everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out this Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!