Are you craving a delicious, wholesome meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this mouthwatering Corn Broccoli Brown Rice Casserole that promises to transform your dinner routine from boring to extraordinary! Packed with wholesome ingredients, vibrant colors, and a cheesy goodness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that effortlessly combines health and flavor in one spectacular dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- If using fresh brown rice, ensure it's cooked and cooled slightly. For frozen rice, thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, corn, steamed broccoli florets, and chopped onions.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot as a main vegetarian dish or as a hearty side dish.
Tips
- Rice Matters: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has been slightly cooled to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Vegetable Prep: Ensure broccoli is blanched quickly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture. Don't overcook!
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or a blend for extra flavor complexity.
- Moisture Control: If your mixture seems too dry, add a splash more milk. If too wet, increase the cheese or add some breadcrumbs on top.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some additional cheese or breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal that's sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
