This Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy rice, tender broccoli, and a blend of cheeses in one deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect as a side for family dinners, holiday feasts, or as a hearty main course, this casserole brings together fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples for a delightful and wholesome meal. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You’ll love how the crunchy topping adds a layer of texture to the creamy and cheesy goodness underneath!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Broccoli:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the fresh broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain well. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, blanched broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Season with paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Mix well. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy!