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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as a creamy, cheesy casserole. The Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Delight stands out as a quintessential example of a dish that not only delights the palate but also provides a nourishing meal for the entire family. This recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but the desire for a hearty meal remains strong. It serves as an ideal centerpiece for a family dinner, a comforting side dish at gatherings, or even a delightful meal prep option for the week ahead.

Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Delight

Discover the heartwarming comfort of homemade casseroles with this delicious Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole Delight. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe combines wholesome ingredients like tender rice, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese, and savory cream of mushroom soup to create a dish everyone will love. Not only is it a family favorite, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a satisfying meal or gathering. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this classic comfort food!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a non-vegetarian option)

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color)

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Broccoli:

      - For fresh broccoli: Steam or blanch the florets in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.

        - For frozen broccoli: Simply thaw and drain the excess water to avoid sogginess.

          Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped broccoli florets, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir everything thoroughly until evenly combined and coated.

            Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil. Carefully pour the rice and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

              Add Toppings: For a deliciously crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter until they are evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese to create that enticing, gooey finish.

                Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, then serve warm.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 6