Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic and comforting side dish that’s great with a weeknight meal or holiday buffet.
The Southern Hospitality of Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
I just have to share my family’s recipe for classic Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that I’ve been eating since as long as I can remember. It’s one of those side dishes that my grandma always made for holidays and family gatherings and that my mom would make as an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner. It’s definitely a flavor memory for me!
Watch Me Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Join me in the kitchen as I make this classic and comforting side dish!
A Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dish
This casserole is just downright delicious! Rice (you can use white rice, brown rice or long grain rice — it’s up to you!) and broccoli are combined with a creamy cheese sauce then covered in more cheese and crushed potato chips before being baked to casserole heaven.
I use processed cheese to make it extra creamy, but I’ve had it with cheddar cheese (or even sharp cheddar cheese) and it was just as delicious.
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight side dish or a great casserole to take to a potluck or holiday get-together, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy broccoli rice casserole.
And It’s Flexible!
Some folks cook their rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. You could even add chopped rotisserie chicken to it and call it a meal in itself. Protein? Check! Vegetables? Check! Whole grains? Check! Look at you go! Otherwise, we serve it alongside some meat (think pork chops or barebecue).
I mean, ask anyone from the South. Broccoli casserole goes great with turkey dinner on Thanksgiving!) and a big green salad.
This easy broccoli rice casserole recipe is one of those go-to casseroles that I know everyone will enjoy, especially my boys. They gobble it up like they’ve never been fed before and usually beg for seconds.
More Comfort Food Dishes You’ll Crave
- Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: One of our favorite weeknight meals, this easy cheesy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
- The Best Beef Stew: A hearty, warm meal that’s made with fresh ingredients and whole lotta love.
- Great Grilled Cheese: A warm, melty grilled cheese with a crisp butter outside and a gooey melted center is the ultimate comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleasing Turkey Lasagna: Gather the family around the table for the comfort of a hot, delicious meal. Fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and ground turkey make this pasta dish a labor of love that everyone will enjoy.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Plenty of butter, just the right amount of seasoning and a secret ingredient make these Creamy Mashed Potatoes the stuff Sunday dinner memories are made of.
What Do I Need to Make Broccoli Rice Casserole?
- Quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- Unsalted butter
- Medium white onion, chopped
- Fresh broccoli, large stems removed and broken into small pieces
- Canned cream of chicken soup
- American cheese (such as Velveeta)
- Milk
- Crushed potato chips
- Casserole dish
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook rice according to package directions.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and broccoli florets and cook until onion is transparent.
- Add soup, 4 ounces cheese and milk. Stir until cheese is melted. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish or baking dish.
- Shred or crumble remaining 4 ounces cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with the crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on top is melted and casserole is bubbly.
More Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love
Let’s get you ready for the big feast with these festive, delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipes everyone is sure to be thankful for!
How to Store Broccoli Rice Casserole
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
If freezing, be sure let it cool completely before storing. This storage container set is my absolute favorite for food storage because it has various sizes for storing different amounts in the fridge or freezer.
If you make this Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. 
I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Casseroles
Description
Easy cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a classic and comforting side dish that’s great with a weeknight meal or holiday buffet.
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 cups quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, large stems removed and broken into small pieces
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, divided (such as Velveeta)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and broccoli and cook until onion is transparent. Add soup, 4 ounces cheese and milk. Stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish. Shred or crumble remaining 4 ounces cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with the crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on top is melted and casserole is bubbly.
Notes
You could use a 10 ounce package of chopped frozen broccoli in place of the fresh broccoli, if desired.
When my youngest requested a dish over and over it means, he liked it very much. And this one is one of the chosen ones. The first time I tried it was during our weekend gathering and he thought that he can still have it the next day. He likes the blend of rice, cheese and the potato chips.
★★★★★
This is one of my favorite dishes! I usually add chopped or shredded chicken and make it a meal!
Hi Sarah! So happy to hear you love it as much as we do. We add chicken sometimes too and it sure makes for a great meal. Continue to enjoy! 🙂
I do not particularly like broccoli, but in your performance, it turned out very tasty. And considering that it is also useful, then +100500! Thank you for sharing.
I made this brown rice dish because of my allergies. It turned out very tasty, thanks for the recipe!
This dish lived at my place for several minutes) and all because we adore cream cheese. Incredible softness and taste, this is such a delicate dish, I and the whole family are delighted, thank you!
Look yummy! One of my favorite Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, nice to see your recipe, easy to follow, will cook this for family this weekend. Thanks you!
I am fond of healthy food. Rice and broccoli are two boots – a pair. Keto diet always favors. Beautifully presented. My wife will forward your link with the recipe. I will keep track of your masterpieces of food
I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.
Maegan, these were fabulous! So fresh and yummy and we loved the colors of everything! Thank you so much 🙂
Maegan, thanks for sharing! Saved my butt on a quick impulsive idea for a dinner side!