Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a timeless side dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe takes the classic to the next level, inspired by the hearty and wholesome cooking style of the Pioneer Woman. It’s a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Even those who are hesitant about vegetables will find themselves coming back for seconds of this cheesy, flavorful casserole.
This broccoli rice cheese casserole recipe is more than just a side; it’s a warm embrace in a dish. It’s reminiscent of classic home cooking, the kind of recipes passed down through generations. Think of it as a modern twist on your grandmother’s favorite casserole, elevated with simple yet impactful techniques to ensure a creamy texture and irresistible flavor. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen broccoli, this recipe is adaptable and forgiving, making it a staple for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Why This Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a Family Favorite
What makes this broccoli cheese rice casserole stand out? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with the subtle earthiness of broccoli, all nestled in fluffy rice. This is comfort food at its finest – easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and loved by all ages. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at potlucks and becomes a requested staple at holiday dinners.
This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s approach to cooking: keeping things simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. It’s about using accessible ingredients and straightforward methods to create dishes that are both delicious and comforting. This casserole embodies that spirit, making it a winner for anyone looking for a reliable and delightful side dish.
broccoli cheese rice casserole on a fork above a plate of it
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Casserole
You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this broccoli rice cheese casserole. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works equally well. If using fresh, you’ll want to steam it lightly. Frozen broccoli is convenient and readily available.
- White Onion: Adds a foundational savory flavor to the casserole.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the onion and adding richness to the dish. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting salt levels accordingly.
- Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta melts beautifully and creates that signature creamy, cheesy texture. American cheese is a good substitute if you prefer.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base and enhances the overall flavor. You can experiment with cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup for variations.
- Cooked White Rice: Cooked long-grain rice is recommended for its texture, but you can use leftover rice, Minute Rice for speed, or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Perfection
Making this broccoli rice cheese casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result:
- Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until they are just tender-crisp and bright green. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, you can steam it or thaw it slightly and drain excess water.
- Sauté the Onion: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Velveeta cheese (diced or cubed), cream of chicken soup, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice to the saucepan with the sautéed onions.
- Melt and Heat: Stir everything together gently until the cheese is completely melted and all ingredients are well combined and heated through. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
broccoli cheese rice casserole ingredients in a pot - Bake (Optional): At this point, you can serve the broccoli rice cheese casserole immediately as is. For a more traditional casserole presentation and a bubbly top, transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish or casserole dish.
- Bake Time: If baking, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want the top to lightly brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious served hot and is perfect as a side dish for a variety of main courses.
Variations to Make It Your Own (Pioneer Woman Style!)
One of the great things about casseroles is their versatility. Here are some delicious variations to customize your broccoli rice cheese casserole, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty and flavorful meals:
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add 1 to 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the mixture to turn it into a satisfying main dish. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this.
- Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole: Mix in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked ham for a savory twist. This is a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays.
- Pimiento Cheese Kick: Stir in a tablespoon or two of diced pimientos for a subtle tang and a pop of color. This adds a touch of Southern-inspired flavor.
- Cauliflower Broccoli Blend: For added vegetable goodness and a slight change in flavor, swap out half of the broccoli with cooked cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Mexi-Cheese Casserole: Use a spicy cheese blend like Mexi-melt or add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a Southwestern flair. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cracker Topping Crunch: For a delightful textural contrast, top the casserole with buttered and crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs before baking. This adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Serving Suggestions for Your Broccoli Rice Casserole
This broccoli rice cheese casserole is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
Protein Pairings:
- Grilled or Baked Chicken Breasts: A classic and healthy pairing.
- Pork Chops: The creamy casserole complements savory pork beautifully.
- Grilled Fish: A lighter option that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Beef Roast: For a hearty and comforting family meal.
Complementary Side Dishes:
While the casserole is substantial on its own, you might want to add a lighter side dish to round out your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and herbs.
- Cornbread: For a truly comforting Southern-inspired meal.
broccoli cheese rice casserole on a plate
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This broccoli rice cheese casserole is perfect for making ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy days or when preparing for gatherings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole completely, up to the baking step, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat broccoli rice cheese casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 20 minutes for a larger portion, or 10-15 minutes for a single serving, until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
This Pioneer Woman inspired broccoli rice cheese casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy the cheesy, broccoli-filled goodness!
