Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
Transform mealtime with this indulgent Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake that makes eating vegetables a delight! This creamy, cheesy casserole combines tender broccoli with fluffy rice, rich Velveeta, and savory ingredients like onion and mushrooms. A comforting dish that showcases simple ingredients often found in your pantry, it’s perfect for family dinners or as a hearty side. Whether served as a main dish or a complementary side, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. A nostalgic recipe from my mom that has become a staple in my household, it's both satisfying and nutritious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
1 cup (cooked)
milk
1 cup (none)
frozen broccoli
10 ounces (cooked)
Velveeta cheese
1/2 lb (cubed)
onion
1 small (diced)
cream of chicken soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
mushrooms
4 ounces (canned, drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked frozen broccoli, milk, diced onion, cubed Velveeta cheese, cream of chicken soup, and drained mushrooms.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
7
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake?
It is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines cooked rice, broccoli, and Velveeta cheese into a savory side or main dish.
What ingredients do I need for this broccoli rice casserole?
You will need cooked rice, milk, frozen broccoli, Velveeta cheese, a small onion, cream of chicken soup, and canned mushrooms.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
How long does the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake take to bake?
The total bake time is 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, but ensure the fresh broccoli is steamed or blanched until tender before adding it to the mixture.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9x13-inch casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the rice before mixing it in?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of already cooked rice.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it contains cream of chicken soup. To make it vegetarian, swap it for cream of mushroom or broccoli soup.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1/2 lb of cubed Velveeta cheese for its superior melting properties and creamy texture.
Do the mushrooms need to be cooked first?
No, you should use canned mushrooms that have been thoroughly drained.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely diced before being stirred into the rice mixture.
Why do I need to cover the casserole with foil?
Covering with foil for the first 30 minutes prevents the top from burning while allowing the cheese to melt and the ingredients to heat through.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked shredded chicken or diced ham would make great additions to turn this into a heartier main meal.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the mixture is bubbly and the top has turned a light golden color.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, as long as the brown rice is fully cooked before you mix it with the other ingredients.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this broccoli rice bake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with roasted meats, a fresh green salad, or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main.
Do I need to sauté the onions before adding them?
The recipe suggests adding them raw/diced to bake in the oven, but you can sauté them first if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can mix in cauliflower or peas along with the broccoli for more variety.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy cheese sauce and soft texture make it a favorite for even the pickiest eaters.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Velveeta provides the creamiest result, you can substitute with sharp cheddar, though it may be slightly less smooth.
How much broccoli is needed?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce package of frozen broccoli.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, greasing the 9x13 dish is important to prevent the rice and cheese from sticking to the sides.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you are ready.
Can I add a topping to this bake?
Many people enjoy adding crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to the top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
What is the texture of the dish?
It has a very creamy, rich, and tender texture, similar to a traditional rice-based comfort food casserole.
Is it necessary to let it cool before serving?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes, but you should sauté fresh mushrooms first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the rice mixture.