Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake – super easy side dish casserole or meatless main dish. Broccoli, tender rice, onion, celery, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sliced almonds. Our favorite way to eat broccoli! This is my go-to side dish for potlucks, cookouts, and holiday meals. Give this a try ASAP. This creamy side dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

scooping broccoli rice casserole from baking dish

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Easy Side Dish for Potlucks and Holidays

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is my favorite way to eat broccoli. OMG! This casserole is ridiculously good. Broccoli and fluffy rice baked in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with almonds. I could honestly make a meal out of just this casserole. It is that good! I especially love the sliced almonds on top. YUM! This is one of my favorite casseroles for potlucks, cookouts, and holiday meals. Give this a try the next time you need a side dish that the whole family will enjoy!

broccoli rice casserole topped with almonds in a baking dish

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a large skillet, sauté onions and celery in butter over medium-high heat until soft. Add cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in cooked rice and chopped broccoli florets. Spread the broccoli mixture into a greased baking dish and top with sliced almonds. Bake uncovered until hot.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

I used fresh broccoli. Feel free to substitute thawed frozen broccoli.
You can use any type of rice that you prefer – instant rice, long grain rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice all work fine.
You can use any cream of soup – mushroom, chicken, or celery all work fine. Here is the recipe for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup/
Don’t like Velveeta? You can substitute any cheese you prefer. Sharp cheddar cheese is good.
- Cheese Whiz and American cheese are also good alternatives.
Can Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Bake be made in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate the casserole dish until you are ready to bake. You made need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking cold straight from the refrigerator.
Can Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Bake be frozen? Yes! Assemble the casserole and let cool completely. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw completely and bake as directed.
Feel free to add some diced ham or chicken to the mixture to make this a main dish.
Is Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Bake gluten-free? For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.

What to Serve with Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole goes with everything. Chicken, pork chops, beef, casseroles, anything! This easy recipe is comfort food at its best. It is great as a side dish or as a main dish for Meatless Monday. This is a great casserole for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. Give this a try ASAP. It is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Main Dish