Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Name: Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Hearty Inspiration

I love making Sunday Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for my family; it’s a dish that brings everyone together. This recipe transforms the simple ingredients of broccoli and rice into a creamy, cheesy delight that's comforting and satisfying. I especially enjoy making it on lazy Sundays, where we can take our time savoring each bite. The best part is how easily this casserole can be customized to suit our tastes, adding in leftover veggies or proteins to make it even heartier.

Created by

Kerensa Trelawney

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:45:34.468Z

Every Sunday, I find joy in preparing this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. It stands out as a favorite family dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce. I’ve experimented with the cheese blend and found that sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor. Adding a touch of garlic and onion enhances the warmth of the dish, making it feel like a hug on a plate.

One tip I swear by is to slightly undercook the broccoli before mixing it with the rice—this ensures it retains its bright green color and crunchiness. The creaminess of the sauce melds perfectly with the textures, creating a dish that's not only easy to make but also pleasing to the eye and palate!

Why You'll Love This Casserole
Creamy cheese sauce that envelops every bite
Nutritious broccoli adds a pop of color and flavor
Perfect for using up leftover vegetables
Hearty enough to be a main dish

Making the Most of Your Broccoli

Choosing the right broccoli is essential for the best flavor and texture in this casserole. Fresh broccoli should be bright green with firm stems and compact florets. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it's thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy. Broccoli not only adds a vibrant color but also brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals that enhance the dish's nutrition. Remember to chop the florets into uniform pieces for even cooking and better distribution throughout the casserole.

If you're a fan of additional textures, consider roasting the broccoli before adding it to the mixture. Tossing the florets in a bit of olive oil and salt, then roasting at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes until slightly charred, can deepen the flavor and provide a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce. This can really elevate the flavor profile and make each bite more satisfying.

Cheese Choices and Creaminess

The choice of cheese plays a crucial role in achieving the desired creaminess and flavor in this casserole. While sharp cheddar is the recipe's star, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or gouda for its rich smokiness. Mixing different types of cheese can also create a more complex flavor that enhances the overall dish. Just remember to reserve some cheese for the topping to achieve that beautifully bubbly crust.

A common issue when working with cheese sauces is clumping. To prevent this, make sure to add the cheese gradually and stir continuously over low heat until melted and fully incorporated. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat sour cream or cottage cheese, which can still provide a creamy texture without compromising taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best aspects of this casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps it bake evenly and thoroughly, avoiding cold spots, especially in the center of the dish.

When it comes to leftovers, this casserole holds up nicely in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to keep it moist and delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable broth
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Once you have everything, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped broccoli, sour cream, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well until fully combined.

Add the Cheese

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese to the mixture, reserving the remaining cheese for topping.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty casserole!

Once it's cooled, dig in and savor each bite!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or mix in cooked chicken for added protein.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to personalize your casserole with different vegetables. If you have leftover peas, carrots, or corn, they can easily be folded in to add more color and nutrients. For those seeking additional protein, cooked chicken or beans can be excellent additions, making the dish even heartier and more satisfying. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Consider topping your casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch. Mixing them with a bit of melted butter can create a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Just keep an eye on the dish while it's baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your casserole comes out too dry, the likely culprit is insufficient moisture. Ensure you’re using the recommended amount of broth and sour cream. If you find it too dry on the next attempt, try adding extra broth gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency before baking. Similarly, if it turns out too soggy, reduce the amount of vegetable broth or ensure your veggies are properly drained before mixing.

Another common issue during the baking process can be uneven cooking. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform heating. For best results, use a light-colored, metal baking dish which can help the casserole to cook more evenly compared to dark or glass dishes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add cooked carrots, peas, or even corn to the mix for added color and nutrition.