Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli rice casserole is a simple and delicious meal that'll be a hit in any household! Bursting with flavor from the garlic, cream of chicken soup, broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese – this will be your new go-to family-friendly recipe. The best part? It's easy to make and cooks in just 40 minutes!

This broccoli cheese rice casserole has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. The crunchy topping is made with buttery panko breadcrumbs, and the delicious creamy cheese sauce is packed full of texture. The flavor combination is amazing and utilizes minimal ingredients with maximum results.

Plus, my broccoli rice cheese casserole is a one-pot meal – there are no extra pans or pots to wash up! 

Just assemble the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and wait for your kitchen to fill with delicious smells. You can even add your own twist to my broccoli rice casserole recipe by playing around with different cheeses and spices. Keep reading for some great ideas on how to customize this classic recipe!

Why You'll Love Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

• Uses simple ingredients. Most of us have a can of chicken soup and a bag of rice in our pantry. While these ingredients are staples, they can get boring pretty easily. That's why this broccoli cheese rice casserole is so amazing: it transforms these basic items into a delicious, comforting meal!
• A complete meal. Broccoli rice cheese casserole is a well-rounded main course – it's full of dairy, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, this recipe makes a perfect side dish too! Serve it up alongside some grilled chicken or fish for something extra.
• Budget-friendly. Whether you're feeding a crowd or your family, broccoli rice casserole is a brilliant option. Who said a delicious meal has to be expensive? This casserole is super affordable and requires minimal effort – a win-win!

Ingredients For Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

For the Broccoli Casserole

• White rice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dry mustard
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Celery seed
• Cream of chicken soup
• Broccoli
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

For the Topping

• Butter
• Panko bread crumbs

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

Instructions For Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Combine the casserole ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Pour mixture and spread evenly in an 8x8 baking dish.
4. Combine panko and melted butter.
5. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, uncovered, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Substitutions

The ingredients in this recipe couldn't be any better! You'll either already have what you need at home or likely have something that can be substituted.

Here are some great ideas for customizing your broccoli-rice casserole dish:

• Rice: Use any type of rice you like – white, jasmine, basmati, brown rice etc. It doesn't matter what type of instant rice you use, but keep in mind that some varieties can take longer to cook.
• Cheddar cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses for this dish! Add in some parmesan cheese for a salty kick or a bit of smoked gouda for added flavor. You can even swap out the cheddar cheese for another cheese that melts nicely, such as Colby or Swiss.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli is the star of this dish, but that doesn't mean you can't add other vegetables. Try adding some colorful bell peppers or even mushrooms – broccoli rice casserole is the best meal for using up what you have in your fridge!
• Cream of chicken soup: You can use cream of mushroom soup in place of chicken soup for a vegetarian alternative.
• Panko breadcrumbs: We want this broccoli rice cheese casserole to have a lovely crispy topping. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed-up potato chips, or even Ritz crackers.
• Sour cream: The sour cream gives this one pot recipe a mouth-watering flavor, although cream cheese will work just as well.

What to Serve with Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

We already know this great recipe is yummy on its own, but nothing is stopping you from serving it up with some extra sides!

Baked chicken breasts, pork chops, or rotisserie chicken are nice protein options, and you can season them with your favorite dried herbs – like my garlic and herb seasoning mix. Steak would also be a nice addition, such as reversed seared steak or tri-tip. Or you could serve your broccoli rice casserole with a simple side salad or Instant Pot Brussels sprouts for some added greens.