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Here are the key ingredients you will need: - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) These ingredients blend together to create a creamy, cheesy, and tasty casserole. The rice serves as a base that soaks up all the flavors. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color, while cheddar cheese brings that gooey goodness. You can boost this dish by adding more ingredients. Try these for extra flavor: - Cooked chicken or turkey for protein - Chopped bell peppers for sweetness - Mushrooms for earthiness - Spinach or kale for extra greens These optional ingredients add variety and can be tailored to your taste. Feel free to mix and match! When picking broccoli, look for these signs: - Bright green color with tight florets - Firm stalks that feel crisp - No yellowing or wilting on the florets Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also adds more nutrients. I like to buy it from local farmers' markets whenever possible. This way, you can support local growers and enjoy the freshest produce. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled. Wash the broccoli and cut it into small florets. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having these ready makes cooking smooth. Next, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Now, add the minced garlic and stir for one more minute. Then, toss in the fresh broccoli florets. Stir them often and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The broccoli should look bright green and be slightly tender, but still crunchy. This keeps the texture nice in the casserole. In a big bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, onion, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Add the shredded cheese, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is combined. Now, pour this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs and some reserved cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden and bubbly top. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your casserole creamier, use a blend of cheeses. Mixing sharp cheddar with cream cheese adds richness. You can also add extra milk or a splash of heavy cream. This change gives a smooth, velvety texture. When it comes to cheese, I love using sharp cheddar. It melts well and has great flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different taste. For a kick, add pepper jack. Remember to save some cheese for the top. This creates a delicious, bubbly crust. To keep broccoli bright and crisp, cook it just until tender. Aim for a vibrant green color. This helps maintain its crunch in the casserole. If you overcook it, the texture turns mushy. So, be sure to check it often while cooking. Fresh broccoli not only tastes great, but it also adds nutrition. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish even more veggie-friendly. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. These add color and flavor. You can also use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This will enhance the taste without adding meat. If you want to add protein, there are great options. Cooked chicken, turkey, or ham work well. You can also use canned tuna or chickpeas for a tasty twist. Just mix them in when combining the main ingredients. This makes the casserole filling and satisfying. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. Be sure to check the labels carefully. These small changes let everyone enjoy this dish without worry. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. After you enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole, let it cool down. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Store in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is warm throughout. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts until warm. To freeze, make sure your casserole is completely cool. Cut it into portions for easy servings later. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! Yes, you can. Prepare the casserole the day before. Assemble all the ingredients, then cover and chill it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This method helps the flavors blend well. It also saves you time on busy nights. You have many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or turkey - A simple green salad - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - A light soup These sides add great flavor and balance to your meal. Mix and match based on what you have. To please picky eaters, start with small changes. You can: - Swap broccoli for their favorite veggie, like peas or spinach. - Use a milder cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. - Leave out any ingredients they dislike. - Add extra seasonings they enjoy, like Italian herbs. These tweaks make the dish more appealing to everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try the full recipe for more ideas. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple and tasty dish. We looked at ingredients, from fresh broccoli to different cheeses. Step-by-step instructions helped you see how easy it is to prepare and bake. Tips for creaminess and avoiding overcooked broccoli make a big difference. You can also customize this dish with veggies, proteins, or gluten-free options. Store leftovers for quick meals, and don’t forget the reheating tips. Now, you can enjoy this delicious casserole anytime!

- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Looking for a family-friendly meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Try this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect as a main course or side, it's versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Check out the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this tasty delight that'll become a staple in your home!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    In a large pot or skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.

        In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed broccoli and onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese (reserve a little for topping), black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

          Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs and the reserved cheese on top to create a crispy, cheesy crust.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.

              Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish or spoon into individual plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and a fresh sprig of parsley on top for an elegant touch.