Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

$To make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, gather these items: - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) I love using fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh broccoli gives a crisp bite and bright color. Use whole garlic cloves for stronger flavor. Choose a firm onion for sweetness. Fresh cheeses melt better and add richness. If you want to make the dish healthier, swap brown rice for quinoa. You can use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Try coconut milk instead of regular milk for a creamy texture. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it boils, add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. Check the rice to ensure it is tender and the water is absorbed. This step is key for a great base in your casserole. While the rice cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Next, toss in 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and slightly tender. This mix adds great flavor and nutrition to your dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed broccoli, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and optional 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle this over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy casserole! To get the best texture, cook the rice well. Use brown rice for a hearty feel. It takes longer to cook, but the nutty taste is worth it. Ensure the broccoli is bright and slightly tender. This helps prevent mushiness in the final dish. Mix all ingredients well, but don’t over-mix. This keeps the casserole light and fluffy. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this dish. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. I also love using Parmesan cheese for a salty kick. You can mix different cheeses for more depth. Consider using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a twist. Each cheese adds its own special taste to the casserole. For a beautiful, golden top, use breadcrumbs. Mix them with a little olive oil before sprinkling on top. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Bake it at 350°F for the perfect time. Keep an eye on it. If it browns too fast, cover it with foil. The goal is a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy inside. {{image_2}} You can boost your casserole by adding protein. Cooked chicken or turkey works great. Just shred or cube it before mixing. If you prefer seafood, try adding shrimp or crab. For a tasty vegetarian option, you could use cooked lentils or chickpeas. These options add flavor and make the dish more filling. To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can swap out cheese for a dairy-free option made from nuts or soy. For the cream of mushroom soup, opt for a plant-based version or make it at home. This way, you keep the creamy texture while staying true to your diet. Spices can take your casserole to a new level. Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also use Italian seasoning for a herby touch. Experiment with the spices you love to create a unique dish every time. After you bake the cheesy broccoli rice casserole, let it cool. Cooling helps keep the food safe. Once it cools, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. The casserole stays good for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, first take the casserole out of the fridge. You can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat it for about 20 minutes. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute bursts. Stir often to avoid hot spots. Make sure it gets hot all the way through. You can freeze the casserole for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into smaller portions. Wrap each portion tightly in foil or freezer bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy your cheesy broccoli rice casserole anytime! To make this casserole gluten-free, swap the regular cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Make sure the rice is certified gluten-free, which most brown rice is. This way, you keep all the great flavors without the gluten. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! It saves time and is often just as nutritious. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy. This casserole is great with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish for protein - A fresh garden salad for crunch - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor - Garlic bread for a comforting touch These pairings make the meal balanced and fun. Enjoy! This article covered how to prepare a cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We explored the best ingredients, including fresh options and alternatives for dietary needs. You learned the steps for cooking the rice, sautéing veggies, and baking the dish. I shared tips on texture, cheese choices, and achieving a perfect topping. In conclusion, this casserole is easy to adapt and store. Feel free to try different proteins and spices to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish as a comforting meal for your family.$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, the perfect comfort food for any occasion! This easy recipe combines brown rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheeses for a dish that's both hearty and satisfying. With simple steps and delicious results, you can have a warm, cheesy casserole on the table in no time. Click now to explore the recipe and bring this tasty dish to your family dinner!

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Ingredients

1 cup uncooked brown rice

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice, cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil until lightly coated, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish or scoop generous portions onto plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional cheese for an inviting touch.