Go Back
Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

A creamy baked casserole combining cooked white rice, tender broccoli, mushroom soup, sour cream or mayonnaise, sautéed onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. It is an easy, comforting dinner or side dish with a bubbling cheesy finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Cooked white rice, preferably long-grain
  • 16 ounces Frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
  • 1 10.5-ounce can Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream or mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional
  • 1/2 cup Milk or chicken broth, only if mixture is very thick
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Additional shredded cheddar or buttered cracker crumbs

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cook the rice according to package directions if you are not using leftover cooked rice.
  2. Thaw the frozen chopped broccoli and drain it thoroughly, pressing away excess water. Melt the butter in a skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 3 to 5 minutes until softened, and remove from the heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream or mayonnaise, sautéed onion, salt, black pepper, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Add a little milk or chicken broth only if the mixture seems very thick.
  4. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and add buttered cracker crumbs if desired.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 5 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.

Notes

Drain the broccoli exceptionally well to prevent a watery casserole. Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoothly. Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat until hot. If using uncooked instant or converted rice, follow the exact liquid instructions for that specific rice because regular cooked-rice quantities are not interchangeable.