Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Green Rice Casserole Recipe

What’s in Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole?

Casseroles of all kinds are my favorite, and this cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is at the top of the list. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, it’s cheesy, rice-y, and broccoli-y…what’s not to love?

Frozen Broccoli: No need to thaw; simply cook according to the instructions on the package, and it’s ready to use! You can also steam fresh broccoli if you prefer. You’ll need about 4 cups. Minute Rice: Another time-saving ingredient! Of course, you can cook some white rice from raw if you prefer, but I love this easy method! Water Chestnuts: Add a delightful crunch to this casserole. Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich and creamy texture and an umami flavor. Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess. Velveeta: Creates a smooth, velvety texture and infuses this casserole with so much cheesy flavor. Cheddar Cheese: Enhances the overall cheesy flavor of the casserole.

Pro Tip: Try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor!

Variations on Green Rice Casserole

There are tons of ways to change up this cheesy casserole to suit your tastes. For a full meal, try adding some cooked diced chicken, ham, tuna, or crumbled bacon. You could also add more veggies, like roasted mushrooms or steamed cauliflower. For a spicy casserole, try adding some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. And for a bit of crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover broccoli cheese rice casserole tightly covered with foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze this green rice casserole baked or unbaked tightly wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen (remove the plastic wrap first!) for about 1 hour or let the fully cooked casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I especially love this warm cheesy broccoli and rice casserole on Thanksgiving because it complements all the other foods so perfectly. Mashed potatoes, turkey, creamed corn, fresh dinner rolls… Yum! It’s also great with a regular weeknight meal, like oven baked fried chicken, baked Caesar chicken, beef tenderloin, Salisbury steak, or smoked pork chops.