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I’m a big fan of casseroles, and this broccoli-rice casserole is one of my favorites. It’s easy to make and always a hit with my family. I usually make this casserole with chicken, but you could easily swap out the chicken for ham or bacon. And if you’re not a fan of broccoli, you could always use another type of vegetable, like peas or carrots.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite recipe for a broccoli-rice casserole, as well as some tips for how to make it the best it can be. So whether you’re a fan of casseroles or not, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
What Is Broccoli-Rice Casserole?
If you’ve never had broccoli-rice casserole, you’re in for a treat. It’s a cheesy, creamy, and delicious dish for any occasion. The best part is that it’s straightforward to make. You need a few simple ingredients and can have them ready in no time. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe, this is one to try.
The History of Broccoli-Rice Casserole
When I was growing up, my mom made this fantastic recipe. It was one of my favourite dishes, and I still love it. But as much as I love it, I must admit that the recipe can be tricky to follow. That’s why I want to write a long and complete recipe for it, with proper guidelines, so that everyone can make it quickly and enjoy it just as much as I do.
The history of Broccoli-Rice casserole is a bit of a mystery. Some say it was invented in the 1950s, while others claim it originated in the 1960s. But one thing is for sure—it’s been around for a long time, and it’s here to stay.
How to Make the Best Broccoli-Rice Casserole
There are a few things you need to make a delicious broccoli-rice casserole. The first is, of course, broccoli and rice. You can either cook them yourself or use leftovers. If you’re cooking them from scratch, I recommend using a rice cooker – it makes the process easier.
The next ingredient is cheese. I like to use cheddar, but any cheese will work. Make sure it’s a sharp cheese to stand up to the dish’s other flavours. Finally, you’ll need some protein. I like chicken, but you could also use turkey, beef, or pork. The protein can be cooked however you want – grilled, baked, or even processed into a meat sauce.
Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to put everything together! Start by cooking the broccoli and rice according to the instructions. Then, mix the cooked broccoli, rice, and cheese in a bowl. Add your choice of protein and spread the mixture into a casserole dish. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
And that’s it – your delicious broccoli-rice casserole is ready to eat!
Tips for Making the Perfect Broccoli-Rice Casserole
There are a few things to remember when making the best recipe. First, ensure you use fresh broccoli—frozen won’t work as well in this dish. It’s essential to make sure the broccoli is cooked through before you add it to the casserole. Cook the broccoli until it’s tender; don’t overcook it, or it’ll get mushy in the casserole. I like chicken broth in my casserole, but you can use milk or cream. Also, I like to add a layer of cheese on top of the casserole so that it gets nice and crispy. You can use any cheese, but cheddar or Swiss work best. Be sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving; that’ll give the cheese a chance to set up, so it doesn’t all melt into a gooey mess when you dish it up.
And finally, I like to bake the casserole in an oven-safe dish so I can pop it in the oven and not have to dirty any extra dishes.
FAQs About Broccoli-Rice Casserole
There are a few questions that I get asked a lot about broccoli-rice casserole. So I wanted to take a minute and answer them here.
First of all, can you make it ahead of time? Yes, you can. I think it’s even better if you do. Follow the recipe strictly, and don’t add the cheese until before you bake it.
Another question I get a lot is whether or not recipe is freezer-friendly. And the answer is yes, it is. Again, follow the recipe precisely and let it cool completely before freezing.
And finally, one of the most common questions: what do you serve with a broccoli-rice casserole? Pretty much anything goes. But some of my favorites are mashed potatoes, simple green beans, rolls, and butter.
Conclusion
Follow these tips, and you’re guaranteed to end up with a delicious and satisfying casserole that everyone will love!
BROCCOLI, RICE, CHEESE, AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE
8
servings10
minutes35
minutesIngredients
2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken};
2 cups broccoli florets broken down into bite-sized pieces;
1 can cream of chicken soup can use low-sodium or Healthy Request;
2 cups cooked rice;
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese;
1/2 cup mayonnaise;
1/2-3/4 cup crushed cornflakes;
2 tbsp butter melted2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken};
2 cups broccoli florets broken down into bite-sized pieces;
1 can cream of chicken soup can use low-sodium or Healthy Request;
2 cups cooked rice;
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese;
1/2 cup mayonnaise;
1/2-3/4 cup crushed corn flakes;
2 tbsp butter melted;
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350‡F. Combine all ingredients into a greased 9×13 baking dish. I use a 9×13 because we like extra room for our corn flakes {more crunch!} but this recipe will fit into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish;
- Mix up all the ingredients except cornflakes and butter right in the baking dish;
- Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the top of the casserole;
- Drizzle melted butter over the top;
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until casserole is heated through;
Nutrition
- Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 5mg
