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- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets or 1 cup frozen broccoli - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole for Families

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole, a perfect one-dish meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar cheese, and rich sour cream, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for busy families. With its creamy texture and delightful crunch from optional breadcrumbs, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Discover how to create this delicious dish today!

Ingredients
  

2 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup of long-grain white rice, uncooked

2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup

1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup of sour cream

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

½ teaspoon of black pepper

½ teaspoon of salt

¾ cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

      Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes. Drain them well and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and set aside.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice with the vegetable or chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Add the sautéed onion and garlic along with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly incorporated.

          Incorporate Cheese and Broccoli: Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the prepared broccoli florets into the mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy broccoli and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

              Add the Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the surface. For an extra cheesy bite, top the breadcrumbs with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

                Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is a lovely golden brown.

                  Cool and Serve: Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the casserole set for easier serving. Dive into your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 55 minutes | Serves 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual portions garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese or finely chopped herbs for a pop of color.