Pioneer Woman Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

Broccoli rice cheese casserole is a timeless classic, a dish that graces holiday tables, potlucks, and family dinners alike. This creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish is beloved for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. If you’re searching for a recipe that embodies the warmth and approachability of Pioneer Woman recipes, look no further. This broccoli rice cheese casserole is your perfect culinary companion, easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for any gathering.

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce that envelops every bite. Even vegetable skeptics find themselves reaching for seconds of this comforting bake. It’s a recipe rooted in home-style goodness, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just any broccoli rice cheese casserole; it’s crafted for ease and maximum flavor. Drawing inspiration from classic comfort food and the practical, family-focused cooking style associated with the Pioneer Woman, this recipe prioritizes simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Versatile Broccoli: Whether you have fresh broccoli on hand or prefer the convenience of frozen, this recipe works beautifully with both.
Creamy Cheese Sauce: The foundation of the sauce is a velvety blend of cheese and cream of chicken soup, creating that signature cheesy richness everyone craves. You can customize the cheese for your preferred flavor profile.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it a go-to recipe when you need a quick and satisfying side dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake it later, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. It also reheats wonderfully, perfect for meal prepping.

broccoli cheese rice casserole on a fork above a plate of it

The Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

To create this comforting casserole, gather these simple ingredients:

Broccoli Florets: 16 ounces, fresh or frozen. If using fresh, chop them into bite-sized florets. Frozen broccoli florets should be thawed and drained.
Butter: 3 tablespoons, salted or unsalted. Butter adds richness and flavor to the onion sauté.
Onion: 1/2 cup, chopped. A yellow or white onion works well, providing a mild savory base.
Cheese: 1 cup (4 ounces) diced cheese. Velveeta cheese is classic for its meltability and creamy texture, but you can also use American cheese or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounces). This pantry staple creates the creamy sauce base. For a richer flavor, consider using cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup as variations.
Cooked White Rice: 2 cups. Cooked long-grain rice is recommended for its texture. Leftover rice is perfect for this recipe. Minute rice can be used for convenience, but long-grain rice holds its texture better in the casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide to Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Perfection

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious broccoli rice cheese casserole:

Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until they are just tender-crisp and bright green, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water.
Sauté the Onion: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing the onion enhances its flavor and sweetness.
Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Add the diced cheese and cream of chicken soup to the saucepan with the sautéed onions. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Broccoli and Rice: Gently fold in the steamed broccoli florets and cooked rice into the cheese sauce. Stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Bake or Serve: At this point, you have two options:
- Serve Immediately: For a warm and comforting side dish right away, serve the broccoli rice cheese mixture directly from the saucepan.
- Bake as a Casserole: For a traditional casserole, transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. You can cover it and refrigerate for later baking, or bake immediately in a preheated oven.
Bake (if desired): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If baking from chilled, uncover the casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden brown on top.

broccoli cheese rice casserole ingredients in a pot

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Casserole

While this classic recipe is perfect as is, feel free to explore these delicious variations to customize it to your taste:

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Transform it into a main course by adding 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or turkey. Stir it in with the broccoli and rice for a heartier meal.
Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add a savory twist with 1-1.5 cups of diced cooked ham. This is a great way to use leftover ham from holidays.
Pimiento Cheese Broccoli Rice Casserole: For a touch of Southern flair, stir in 1 tablespoon of diced pimientos. They add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Cauliflower Broccoli Rice Casserole: Increase the vegetable power by substituting half of the broccoli with cooked cauliflower florets.
Spicy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add a kick by using Mexi-melt cheese or stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Cracker Topping: For added texture, top the casserole with buttered, crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs before baking. Simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter, toss with 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs or panko, and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

Serving Suggestions: Pairings for Your Casserole

Broccoli rice cheese casserole is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. Here are some delicious pairings:

Protein Mains:

Grilled or Baked Chicken Breasts: A classic and healthy combination.
Pork Chops: The richness of the casserole balances beautifully with pork chops.
Grilled Fish: A lighter protein option that works surprisingly well with the creamy casserole.
Beef Roast or Steak: For a more indulgent and comforting meal.

Additional Side Dishes (to round out your meal):

Green Salad: A fresh green salad provides a contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus add more nutrients and flavor.
Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.

broccoli cheese rice casserole on a plate

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the broccoli rice cheese casserole ahead of time. Prepare the recipe up to step 4, transfer it to a casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftover broccoli rice cheese casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Oven Reheating: The best way to reheat broccoli rice cheese casserole is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes for a large portion, or 10-15 minutes for smaller portions, until heated through and bubbly. You can sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating.
Microwave Reheating: For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions until heated through. Be aware that the texture may be slightly softer when reheated in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, the rice needs to be fully cooked before incorporating it into the casserole. This ensures the correct texture and prevents the casserole from becoming too dry.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Cooked brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the casserole. Keep in mind that brown rice may absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to the sauce if it seems too thick.

Can I use fresh cheese instead of processed cheese like Velveeta?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination. Processed cheeses like Velveeta melt very smoothly and create a very creamy sauce. Freshly shredded cheeses may require a longer melting time and might result in a slightly different texture, but will still be delicious.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or mushrooms to your broccoli rice cheese casserole.

A Comfort Food Classic Ready for Your Table

This Pioneer Woman-inspired broccoli rice cheese casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that brings people together. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s destined to become a cherished recipe in your home. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-style goodness that everyone will love.

Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole is the perfect side dish everyone will love.

4.92 from 24 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Quick and Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

16 ounces chopped broccoli fresh or frozen
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup Velveeta cheese (diced) 4 ounces
10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup 1 can
2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

Place the broccoli into a steamer and steam for 5 to 7 minutes, until it turns bright green.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the cheese, cream of chicken soup, broccoli, and rice and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
You can serve this dish now, or you can put it in an 8-inch square baking pan, cover, and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, uncover and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

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