Broccoli, Rice, And Cheese: Perfect Casserole Cooking Time

Broccoli rice and cheese casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering. This casserole is typically made with a combination of broccoli, rice, and cheese, baked together to form a creamy and cheesy dish. The great thing about this casserole is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days before baking. In terms of cooking time, the broccoli should be cooked until tender, while the rice should be cooked until tender as well. The baking time for the casserole will vary depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 15 to 35 minutes in the oven at a temperature of around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to cook broccoli rice and cheese casserole in the oven

Ingredients

You will need:

• Broccoli
• Rice
• Butter
• Onion
• Cheese (Velveeta, American, cheddar, or a mix)
• Cream of chicken soup (or another canned soup, like cream of mushroom)
• Milk
• Spices (garlic, paprika, dry mustard powder)
• Breadcrumbs

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
• Steam or boil the broccoli until tender and bright green.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter and cook the onion until it becomes transparent.
• To the saucepan, add the cheese, soup, broccoli, and rice. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips and Tricks

• You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli.
• You can add meat, like cooked chicken or ham, to make it a heartier dish.
• You can also add more vegetables, like cauliflower or peas.
• If you want a crunchy topping, try using crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs.

How to cook broccoli rice and cheese casserole on the stove

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Butter
• Onion
• Rice
• Cheese (Velveeta, American, Cheddar, Parmesan, or a mix)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Spices (garlic, paprika, dry mustard powder, etc.)
• Breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips

Method:

First, cook the broccoli. You can steam, microwave, boil, or blanch it—just make sure it stays slightly crisp as it will cook further in the oven.

Next, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add in the rice and continue cooking for about a minute.

After that, pour in milk, chicken stock/broth, and spices, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook until the rice is tender.

Now, stir in the cooked broccoli and grated cheese(s) of your choice. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, you can prepare a topping by combining melted butter, breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips, and Parmesan cheese, and sprinkling this over the casserole.

Finally, bake in the oven at around 350-400°F for 15-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.

Tips:

• You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, cooked or uncooked rice, and any type of cheese you like.
• This recipe is very flexible—you can add meat (ham, chicken, or turkey) or extra vegetables, and customize the crunchy topping.
• It's a great make-ahead dish and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for up to three months.

How to store broccoli rice and cheese casserole in the fridge

Broccoli rice and cheese casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for a quick and easy meal. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store it properly:

Storing in the Fridge:

• Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature after cooking.
• Place the casserole in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to store it for more than a day, it is recommended to divide it into smaller portions before storing. This will help it cool down faster and make it easier to reheat.

Reheating:

• To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Cover the casserole dish with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 20 minutes if reheating a large portion or 10-15 minutes for a smaller portion.
• You can also add some extra cheese on top before reheating to add a bit of freshness to the dish.

Storing in the Freezer:

• If you want to store the casserole for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe, airtight container.
• To thaw, move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat it in the microwave or oven.

How to store broccoli rice and cheese casserole in the freezer

To store broccoli rice and cheese casserole in the freezer, you should first let it cool completely. Then, transfer the food to a freezer-safe container that is also airtight. It can be kept in the freezer for up to six months.

When you're ready to eat it, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or oven. If you're reheating in the oven, you can sprinkle some extra cheese on top for good measure.

How to reheat broccoli rice and cheese casserole

Broccoli rice and cheese casserole is a delicious comfort food and a perfect side dish for family gatherings. It is also a great way to get picky eaters to eat their greens!

The best way to reheat broccoli rice and cheese casserole is in the oven. Here are the steps to reheat it:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cover a baking dish with aluminium foil.
• For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle some additional cheese on top.
• If you are reheating a large portion (4 or more servings), heat for about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, 10 to 15 minutes should be enough.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-60 second increments until warmed through.

Storing and Freezing:

You can store leftover broccoli rice and cheese casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave as above.

Frequently asked questions