Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Creamy, Comforting, and Loaded with Flavor!

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Then, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Top the Casserole: If you’d like a crunchy topping, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the casserole.

Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It makes a great side dish or even a main dish for a light meal.

Serving and Storage Tips