Cheesy Broccoli-And-Rice Casserole

This cheesy broccoli-and-rice casserole brings sliced cremini mushrooms, minced garlic, and freshly grated nutmeg into the mix of the South's most comforting foods.

Let's be honest, just about any Southern casserole qualifies as premium comfort food, especially when it's made with fresh ingredients and delivers a major yum factor. This casserole gets its creamy element from sour cream and mayo (we'll leave it to you whether to go with Duke's or Hellmann's), instead of the usual "cream-of" soups.

Even kids will eat broccoli if you cover it with cheese, and the extra-sharp Cheddar in this recipe offers plenty of cheesy goodness. Combined with butter and panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), a cheesy topping brings this casserole rich flavor and a nice bit of crunch.

Learn how to make broccoli-and-rice casserole. It is perfect for weeknight suppers, a bake-and-take option for potlucks and church fellowships, a curative for neighbors who are under the weather—you name it. Just file it under "Go-To Recipes."

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

To make this cheesy broccoli-and-rice casserole, you'll need:

• Unsalted butter: Binds the panko topping and helps brown the onion, celery, and mushrooms.
• Panko: For a crisp topping. Can substitute with other types of breadcrumbs if preferred.
• Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese: Adds a classic cheesy flavor to the topping and filling. Can substitute with other types of Cheddar or preferred shredded cheese.
• Reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth: Part of the liquid base for cooking the rice in this casserole. If using standard chicken broth, adjust the quantity of additional salt added.
• Whole milk: Adds richness.
• Bay leaf: For subtle herbal notes.
• Thyme sprig: Adds a floral quality to the broth.
• Onion and celery: Builds flavor in the casserole.
• Cremini mushrooms: Adds an umami flavor and bulks up the casserole. Can skip if desired, or substitute with other types of mushrooms if needed.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the mixture.
• Ground red pepper: For a hint of heat.
• Garlic cloves: Adds depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the liquid base of the casserole.
• Uncooked long-grain rice: When cooked, long-grain rice remains fluffy and separate.
• Sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy richness to the casserole filling.
• Mayonnaise: Helps bind the casserole filling.
• Grated nutmeg: Freshly grated or pre-ground for a hint of spice that complements the cheesy flavor.
• Broccoli florets: Adds color, texture, and a healthy serving of veggies to the casserole.

How To Make Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Don't let the number of steps fool you—with under 30 minutes of active time, this casserole comes together quickly and easily. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Make casserole topping: Toss 2 Tbsp. melted butter with panko and 1 cup Cheddar.
• Step 2. Make broth: Bring broth and next 3 ingredients to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low; cover.
• Step 3. Cook vegetables: Melt remaining butter in a Dutch oven or ovenproof skillet. Add onion and celery and cook until lightly browned. Add mushrooms, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and a pinch each black and red pepper. Cook, stirring, until mushrooms are tender. Add garlic; cook 45 seconds. Stir in flour until combined.
• Step 4. Add stock mixture to vegetables: Remove bay leaf and thyme from broth. Stir broth into mushroom mixture.
• Step 5. Add cheese: Stir in remaining cheese.
• Step 6. Add rice, sour cream, mayo, and seasoning: Stir in rice and next 3 ingredients. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
• Step 7. Bake casserole: Bake at 350°F 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from oven; turn oven to broil.
• Step 8. Cook broccoli: Microwave broccoli, 1/4 cup water, and remaining salt in a covered microwave-safe bowl until broccoli is tender. Drain and pat dry.
• Step 9. Add broccoli to casserole: Stir broccoli into rice mixture. Transfer to greased broiler-safe baking dish if desired.
• Step 10. Add breadcrumbs and broil: Top with breadcrumb mixture and broil until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Can I Make Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole Ahead?

This casserole can be made in advance for a great weeknight side dish that can be ready to serve when you are. Prepare and bake as directed through Step 7. Instead of turning on the broiler, cool and cover the baked casserole with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.

Bring casserole to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake casserole, covered, until hot throughout. Remove from oven, and turn on the broiler. Proceed with Step 8.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Wrap and store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving.

Variations for Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Looking to make some alterations to this casserole? Look no further:

• Swap the rice: If you aren't a fan of long-grain white rice, this casserole can also be prepared with orzo, cauliflower rice, or brown rice. Note you may need to adjust the baking time.
• Type of cheese: If you're looking to put a unique spin on this family-friendly casserole, substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or any cheese you prefer.
• Add protein: Stir in diced or shredded chicken, turkey, ham, or pulled pork along with the broccoli, or top the broiled casserole with crumbled bacon for a salty kick.
• Add other veggies: Bulk things up with additional mushrooms, peppers, squash, or cauliflower.
• Customize the topping: Add Parmesan for a nutty flavor, sliced almonds for extra crunch, or substitute the panko with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers for a nostalgic touch.

More Comforting Casserole Recipes You'll Love

There's just nothing like a hot casserole to warm you up on cold nights. These simple casserole recipes are all family-friendly, and can be made in advance to help you get ahead of the week:

• Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
• King Ranch Chicken Casserole
• Baked Ziti with Sausage
• Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
• Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole
• Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole
  
• Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.