Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Name: Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of cooked rice; 2 cups of broccoli florets; 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup of milk; 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Rustic Food

I absolutely love whipping up my Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for my family on lazy weekends. This casserole combines tender broccoli and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while satisfying our cravings for comfort food. I’ve learned that letting it bake slowly lets the flavors truly meld together, creating a delightful dish that warms both the body and spirit, perfect for our Sunday gatherings!

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:53:35.173Z

When I first made this casserole, I was searching for a dish that would bring everyone together at the dinner table. I was amazed by how simple ingredients like broccoli and rice could transform into something so comforting. I recommend letting it cool for a few minutes after baking for the best texture.

One fun tip I discovered is to use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor, and if you ever have leftovers, they heat up wonderfully the next day! It’s becoming a staple in our family’s Sunday meal rotation.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy, cheesy goodness that comforts the soul
Perfect blend of veggies and wholesome rice
Ideal for family gatherings and celebrations

      

Mastering the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the star of this casserole, and getting it right is crucial for flavor. When mixing the cream of mushroom soup with milk, ensure it’s thoroughly blended until smooth. This step prevents clumping and helps achieve that dreamy creaminess throughout the casserole. I often prefer using a whisk for this purpose, as it incorporates air and combines ingredients effectively, resulting in a glossy sauce that envelops the rice and broccoli beautifully.

Choosing the right cheese can also elevate the dish. While cheddar provides classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend for a different taste profile. If you’re looking to make it a bit more gourmet, adding a sprinkle of parmesan can introduce a nice salty bite. Make sure to reserve some cheese for topping, as it creates a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.

Perfecting the Bake

The baking process is essential for the flavors to meld. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) helps cook everything evenly from the get-go. Keep an eye on your casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking; that’s when you’ll want to look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown surface. If it looks like it's browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while still allowing the inside to cook thoroughly.

If you prepare the casserole ahead of time, you can refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to increase the baking time to about 50 minutes, as it will need longer to heat through from a cold state. Alternatively, you can bake it straight from the freezer, but allow up to an hour, and always check for that signature bubbling and browning to ensure it's thoroughly heated through.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked rice
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of milk
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the baking dish.

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Oven and Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, half of the cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and if desired, add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy casserole!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad.

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding cooked chicken or ham to the mixture. You can also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for a twist.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The casserole rewarms beautifully and can be enjoyed as a quick meal. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This ensures that the cheese doesn’t dry out and remains luscious.

For longer storage, consider freezing it. Allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thawing it overnight in the fridge before baking is the best method; just add an additional 10-15 minutes to your bake time to ensure it’s heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a more balanced meal. You can also enhance your serving by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and color. A side of grilled chicken or baked fish can elevate it to a complete dinner, particularly for family gatherings.

Feel free to customize the casserole to your taste by including other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers. They not only add color but also bring a unique flavor and texture. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes to the broccoli florets for uniform cooking. If you'd like a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can make it more vibrant!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce.

→ Is this dish freezable?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.