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This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a great blend of flavors. It features tender broccoli and creamy cheese. You can easily make this dish at home. It takes about one hour from start to finish. This recipe serves six, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. - 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking dish) To make this dish even more special, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey. You can also mix in some peas or corn. If you love spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. These add-ins will enhance the flavor and make your casserole unique. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You need broccoli, brown rice, vegetable broth, and some cheeses. Lay everything out on your counter. It saves time and helps avoid missing anything. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's hot when you're ready to bake. In a large pot, add your uncooked brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. The rice will be soft and soak up all the broth. When it’s done, fluff the rice with a fork. This step makes it light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, fold in the steamed broccoli and the cooked rice. Make sure every piece of rice and broccoli gets coated in that cheesy goodness. Next, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour your mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. If you want a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and slightly golden. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy a warm, cheesy meal that’s sure to please! To make your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole shine, follow these tips. First, steam the broccoli just right. You want it tender, but not mushy. This keeps it bright and fresh in your dish. Second, use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and gives a smooth texture. Third, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut. Avoid these errors for a great casserole. Don't skip the garlic and onion powders. They add depth to the flavor. Also, make sure you measure the rice and broth correctly. Too much liquid can make the dish soggy. Lastly, don’t overbake it. Keep an eye on the oven. You want it bubbly and golden, not burnt. For a beautiful presentation, serve the casserole in a bright dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, they are perfect for lunch the next day. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and variations to keep your meals exciting! {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian twist, skip the cream cheese and sour cream. Use plant-based cheese instead. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a vegan version, replace sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. To make this dish gluten-free, swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Be sure to check that your cheese and breadcrumbs are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole. You can boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just chop them small so they mix well. You can also use frozen veggies; just thaw them first. These additions make the casserole colorful and full of flavor. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will last for about three to four days. Label the container with the date to track freshness. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It stays good for about two to three months in the freezer. Always label the container with the date. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, until hot. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to ensure even heating. Enjoy your tasty dish! For the full recipe, check the link. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole lasts about three to five days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Always let the dish cool before you put it away. This helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time! Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, just pop it in the oven. This saves time on busy days and makes for an easy dinner. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. These options keep the dish creamy and add protein. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if you're avoiding dairy. Each substitute changes the flavor slightly, so choose what fits your taste! For a complete guide on this dish, check out the Full Recipe! You now have all the tools to make a great cheesy broccoli rice casserole. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned how to store leftovers and even explore variations for different diets. Cooking can be fun, and this casserole is a tasty way to enjoy veggies. Try your own add-ins for a unique twist. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole! This creamy, cheesy dish combines steamed broccoli with wholesome brown rice and a rich blend of cheeses for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy recipe is sure to please everyone. Ready in just one hour, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and transform your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

1 cup uncooked brown rice

2 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large pot, combine the uncooked brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

      While the rice cooks, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

        Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and then fold in the steamed broccoli and cheese mixture until everything is evenly coated.

          Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the broccoli and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

            If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crunchy texture.

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

                Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in a bright dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Enjoy hot for a comforting meal!