Broccoli Casserole with Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Provides a hearty base for the casserole, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green element and a slight crunch to the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.

Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, savory sauce that binds the ingredients together.

Milk: Helps to thin out the soup, making the sauce smooth and creamy.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

To ensure your broccoli florets are perfectly tender in the casserole, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This step helps maintain their vibrant green color and prevents them from becoming too mushy during baking.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great source of protein and fiber.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used in the same way as broccoli.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy consistency and can be used interchangeably in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a similar liquid base without dairy, suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor compared to the powder form.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• Allow the broccoli casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
• For freezing, portion the casserole into individual servings or keep it whole, depending on your preference.
• Wrap each portion or the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
• Once thawed, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, approximately 20-30 minutes.
• If reheating directly from frozen, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover broccoli casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the broccoli casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the casserole halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue to heat in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is hot throughout.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of milk or cream of mushroom soup to the skillet to prevent sticking and add moisture.
  3. Add the leftover broccoli casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover broccoli casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. If the top isn't crispy enough, you can remove the dish and place the casserole directly in the air fryer basket for the last 2-3 minutes.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it is golden and bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the rice, milk, and other ingredients accurately.

• Cheese grater: To shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Baking dish: A greased dish to transfer the mixture into for baking.

• Spatula: To mix the ingredients thoroughly and to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Knife: To cut the broccoli into florets if they are not pre-cut.

• Cutting board: A surface to cut the broccoli florets on.

• Oven mitts: To safely remove the hot baking dish from the oven.

• Can opener: To open the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Measuring spoons: To measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Cooling rack: To place the baking dish on after removing it from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly before serving.

Use pre-cooked rice: Save time by using pre-cooked rice from the store or leftovers from a previous meal.

Frozen broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli florets which are pre-washed and cut, reducing prep time.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to skip the grating step.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one large bowl to minimize cleanup.

Microwave broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for a few minutes to soften them quickly before baking.