Ah, the humble broccoli—so often a sidekick, yet here it takes center stage in a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is like the cozy sweater of meals, wrapping you in nostalgia with every bite. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the kitchen was filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of cheese bubbling away. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet soul-satisfying—like a classic movie you’ve watched a hundred times but never tire of.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare the rice following the instructions on the package.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and broccoli florets. Cook until the onion becomes transparent.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, 4 ounces of cheese, and milk, mixing until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and incorporate the cooked rice. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish.
- Top the mixture with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese, and sprinkle the crushed potato chips over it.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, the chips are golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups quick-cooking white rice (equivalent to about 4 cups cooked rice)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (alternatively, 4 cups frozen broccoli florets can be used)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup (approximately 1 and 1/4 cups)
- 8 ounces processed American cheese (such as Velveeta), divided, or 2 cups of good-melting shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the Velveeta with 2 cups of good-melting cheddar cheese. To maintain the creamy texture, stir 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar into the broccoli rice mixture and sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup on top.
- Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the potato chips on top. Let it cool for 30 minutes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add the potato chips and bake.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
- Can I make this casserole into a full meal?
- Certainly! You can add proteins like pulled rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or cooked ground beef or turkey to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- What if I don’t have time to bake the casserole?
- If you’re short on time, you can serve the broccoli rice mixture straight from the skillet without the extra cheese and potato chips on top. However, the added cheese and chips provide extra flavor and texture that many enjoy.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider cooking your rice in chicken broth instead of water. This simple swap can enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- To make this dish a complete meal, add a protein such as diced ham, pulled rotisserie chicken, or cooked ground beef or turkey before baking.
- If short on time, serve the broccoli rice mixture directly from the skillet without the final baking step. While you may miss out on the extra cheesiness and crispy potato chip topping, it’s still delicious and saves time.
- Prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it without the potato chip topping, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, add the topping, and bake.
Equipment
- Casserole dish (specifically an 8×8-inch baking dish)
- Large skillet