Broccoli Casserole with Rice Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these provide a nutritious base for the casserole.

Cooked rice: Adds substance and texture to the dish.

Cream of mushroom soup: A canned soup that brings creaminess and depth of flavor.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich, cheesy taste.

Milk: Helps to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

When preparing the broccoli for this casserole, blanching it briefly in boiling water before combining it with the other ingredients can enhance its color and texture. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step ensures that the broccoli remains vibrant and slightly crisp after baking, adding a pleasant contrast to the creamy casserole.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to broccoli.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein grain that provides a similar texture and can add a nutty flavor to the casserole.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can provide a similar creamy texture without altering the flavor significantly.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Allow the broccoli casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a resealable plastic bag, but make sure to remove as much air as possible.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the casserole within 3-4 days. This keeps the broccoli and rice fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, portion the casserole into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen broccoli casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the broccoli and rice.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it was stored in a plastic container.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
• Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry, and sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover broccoli casserole to an oven-safe dish if it's not already in one.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispier top.
  5. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover broccoli casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, breaking up any large chunks, and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or line the basket with parchment paper.
  3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
  5. Let it cool for a minute before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until it is bubbly and golden brown on top.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the broccoli, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Baking dish: A greased dish to transfer the mixture into before baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder and onion powder accurately.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, this tool will be necessary.

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: A place to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Use pre-cooked rice: Save time by using pre-cooked rice from the store or leftovers from a previous meal.

Frozen broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli to skip the washing and chopping steps.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to eliminate the need for grating.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.

Microwave the broccoli: Quickly steam broccoli in the microwave instead of boiling it.