Are you craving a delicious, nutritious meal that combines the hearty goodness of brown rice with the vibrant crunch of broccoli? Look no further! This Brown Rice and Broccoli Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will satisfy your hunger and impress your family. Imagine a creamy, cheesy dish packed with wholesome ingredients that comes together effortlessly and tastes like a million bucks – this recipe is your ticket to culinary happiness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, then drain completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, wash and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Layer the broccoli florets over the rice, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a complete cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual servings and garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse your brown rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a sticky texture and ensures fluffy results.
- Broccoli Technique: Cut broccoli florets into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add cooked chicken or swap cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack to keep things interesting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
