Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh broccoli florets: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these vibrant green florets provide a healthy dose of vegetables and a satisfying texture to the casserole. Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best flavor and texture.; 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: This forms the hearty base of the casserole. Long-grain rice provides a fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.; 2 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice and add savory depth of flavor to the casserole. Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content.; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the key ingredient for the creamy sauce base, providing richness and umami flavor. You can also use cream of chicken or celery soup for variations.; 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and thins out the cream of mushroom soup to create a smooth and luscious sauce. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but 2% or skim milk can also be used.; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese offers a classic cheesy flavor that complements the broccoli and rice perfectly. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.; ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack adds a mild, creamy melt and complements the sharper cheddar. It contributes to the overall cheesy goodness and melty texture.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor to the casserole. It also creates a lovely golden crust when baked.; ¼ cup butter, melted: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole and helps to create a slightly crispy top. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level.; ½ cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle savory and aromatic base to the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well, providing a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Minced garlic enhances the savory flavors of the casserole, adding a pungent and aromatic note. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor.; Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.; Optional: ¼ cup bread crumbs: Plain bread crumbs can be sprinkled on top for added texture and a crispy topping. Panko bread crumbs will provide extra crunch.; Optional: Paprika for garnish: A sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of color and a hint of smoky flavor to the finished casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fresh broccoli florets: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these vibrant green florets provide a healthy dose of vegetables and a satisfying texture to the casserole. Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: This forms the hearty base of the casserole. Long-grain rice provides a fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
2 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice and add savory depth of flavor to the casserole. Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content.
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the key ingredient for the creamy sauce base, providing richness and umami flavor. You can also use cream of chicken or celery soup for variations.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and thins out the cream of mushroom soup to create a smooth and luscious sauce. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but 2% or skim milk can also be used.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese offers a classic cheesy flavor that complements the broccoli and rice perfectly. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack adds a mild, creamy melt and complements the sharper cheddar. It contributes to the overall cheesy goodness and melty texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor to the casserole. It also creates a lovely golden crust when baked.
¼ cup butter, melted: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole and helps to create a slightly crispy top. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level.
½ cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle savory and aromatic base to the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well, providing a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Minced garlic enhances the savory flavors of the casserole, adding a pungent and aromatic note. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.
Optional: ¼ cup bread crumbs: Plain bread crumbs can be sprinkled on top for added texture and a crispy topping. Panko bread crumbs will provide extra crunch.
Optional: Paprika for garnish: A sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of color and a hint of smoky flavor to the finished casserole.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole, promoting even cooking. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing the dish prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving and cleaning up easier. You can use cooking spray or a little butter to grease the dish.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked long-grain rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. It’s important to cook the rice fully at this stage as it will only bake in the casserole, not cook further. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and set aside. Properly cooked rice is key to the texture of the casserole – avoid undercooked or mushy rice.
Steam or Blanch the Broccoli: While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli. You can either steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. To steam, place the broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 5-7 minutes. To blanch, drop the broccoli into boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and retain the bright green color. Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should still have a slight bite as it will cook further in the oven. Drain the broccoli well and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Softening the onion first mellows its flavor and prevents it from being crunchy in the final dish. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. The aroma of sautéed garlic and onion is a wonderful base for the casserole’s flavor.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The combination of these cheeses creates a rich and flavorful sauce. Ensure the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the soup and milk mixture.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, steamed or blanched broccoli, and sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the cheese sauce in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the cheese sauce. Be gentle while mixing to avoid breaking up the broccoli too much. Ensure the rice and broccoli are well incorporated into the sauce for a cohesive casserole.
Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs over the top for added texture. A sprinkle of paprika can also be added for color and a subtle smoky note. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the top is golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is ready when it’s heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Resting also helps to prevent the casserole from being too watery. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 400
Fat: 25 grams