Broccoli Rice Casserole

This broccoli rice casserole is a family-friendly comfort food classic that turns a simple combination of rice, broccoli, and cheese into a creamy, satisfying dish. Even picky eaters won’t mind the broccoli when it’s tucked inside a rich, gooey cheese sauce. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and makes a perfect side or meatless main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli might not always be a crowd-pleaser, but in this recipe, it shines. Here’s why this casserole is a hit:

• Kid-approved and packed with hidden veggies

• Ready in under an hour with minimal prep

• Perfect for using up leftover rice

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor

• Great as a side dish or main course

• Easily customizable with add-ins like chicken or mushrooms

• Freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep

• Uses simple pantry and freezer staples

• Comforting and satisfying

• Budget-friendly and easy to double for a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 ounces frozen broccoli

• 10 ounces cream of chicken soup

• 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into small pieces

• 3 cups cooked white rice

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cook the frozen broccoli according to package instructions. Drain any excess liquid and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chopped broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and Velveeta cheese until well combined.

4. Add the cooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked ground turkey.

• Make it vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

• Swap the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.

• Brown rice: Substitute with brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

• Add crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions before the final bake.

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes. Steam or blanch fresh broccoli until tender, then chop and use as directed.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What kind of rice works best?

Any cooked rice works—white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. Just avoid overcooked or sticky rice.

Is there a substitute for Velveeta?

You can use cream cheese or a homemade cheese sauce instead, but Velveeta gives it a classic creamy texture.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, or turkey are all excellent additions.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can use a homemade white sauce or another canned condensed soup variety.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely before freezing and reheat from thawed for best texture.

Can I use pre-cooked frozen rice?

Yes, just thaw it first and make sure it’s not overly wet before adding to the mix.

Conclusion

This broccoli rice casserole is the kind of cozy, cheesy, feel-good dish that’s always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a picky crowd or looking for a way to make veggies more appealing, this easy casserole has you covered. With simple ingredients, great flavor, and endless variations, it’s bound to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.