Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole without Canned Soup

Looking for a new twist on classic comfort food? Look no further than this Broccoli Rice Casserole! Start by making a homemade mushroom soup base for the rice to cook in. Then add slightly steamed broccoli and top with a crispy panko topping for a side dish that will be the star of the meal.

When you need a vegetable casserole but hate mushy veggies, give this broccoli rice casserole a try. The broccoli is steamed and then added at the very end of the cooking process so that it doesn’t get overcooked.

It’s always a challenge for me to find a way to make vegetables interesting. While I love them just steamed or roasted, my family is a little pickier. Hide them in the most flavorful rice and your family will love them!

With just a few steps, you’ll build so much flavor in this casserole, this is not the bland broccoli rice casserole you typically find at potlucks. The rice is baked in a flavor rich sauce and once cooked, broccoli is added along with a a panko cheese mixture that will form a crispy topping under the broiler.

A hearty vegetable casserole that’s substantial enough to serve as a meal for meatless Mondays and impressive enough that you’ll want to bring it to your next potluck or holiday meal.

It has the perfect mixture of textures and ingredients that will compliment almost any main dish. Not to mention, the homemade cheese sauce adds so much more flavor than you typically see in broccoli rice casserole recipes that use canned soup.

It’s a nice alternative to a classic broccoli and cheese casserole that I make for most holidays when I want a vegetable that everyone will love that’s not quite as filling as a broccoli and rice casserole.

What to serve with broccoli and rice

The classic broccoli and cheddar combo goes with just about any main dish. Serve with ham or turkey or alongside chicken with olives or perfectly smoked brisket for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why you’ll love this easy broccoli rice casserole

• It goes well with almost any main dish
• Cooks in one pot
• Everyone loves the broccoli cheddar combo
• Crispy topping
• Comfort food

Ingredients you’ll need to have

• Chicken broth – For the best flavor, I like bone broth, but you can also use chicken stock.
• Bayleaf and fresh thyme – This is used to flavor the milk before adding to the sauce. It adds a subtle flavor that infuses the rice while it cooks.
• Veggies – Fresh broccoli is a must but you also need mushrooms, celery, onion and garlic for extra flavor.
• Sour cream and mayo – Sour cream and mayo gives this casserole a creamy and flavorful base.
• Cheese – Cheddar cheese is the best! Nothing beats the broccoli cheddar combo.
• Rice – Any type of rice will work for this recipe except for instant rice. I usually use a long grain rice.
• Panko bread crumbs – Panko breadcrumbs combined with melty cheese give this casserole a nice crunch.
• Pantry staples – milk, butter, red pepper flakes and nutmeg

How to make a broccoli rice casserole without canned soup

Step 1: Prepare

Combine milk and chicken broth in a large bowl and warm it in the microwave. Add a bay leaf and fresh thyme and let it sit.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies

Cook onions and celery in a shallow dutch oven or an ovenproof skillet with a lid until they start to brown. Then add the mushrooms and red pepper flakes and when they are almost browned, add some garlic.

Step 3: Create a sauce

Add flour to the veggies then slowly add the milk mixture and let it thicken slightly. Fold in some of the cheese. Remove from the heat and add in sour cream, mayo, and uncooked rice.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Final touches

Steam the broccoli in the microwave and once the rice has cooked add it to the rice mixture.

Top with panko crumbs and cheese, then broil for just a few minutes.

Pro tip: You can use frozen broccoli florets, but you will not need to steam it as long as fresh broccoli. You want it to be just slightly cooked.

Variations

• Switch up the crunchy topping by swapping panko breadcrumbs for corn flakes, ritz crackers, or seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Throw in some cauliflower along with the broccoli for extra veggies and a different texture.
• Make this cheesy broccoli rice casserole a complete meal by adding rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts.
• If sharp cheddar cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to add/swap for pepper jack, some parmesan cheese, or Colby jack. Extra cheese never hurt anyone!

How to store this casserole

Let cool to room temperature then wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven.

If you want to freeze this casserole, let it cool completely then freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Broccoli rice FAQs

Why is my broccoli casserole watery?

This can happen if you don’t drain the water from your vegetables before adding to the rice. If you have used frozen broccoli, make sure you just barely steam it.

Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh in a casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but use the florets and not chopped broccoli fo rthis recipe. It will not take as long to steam as fresh broccoli.

How do you that frozen broccoli for a casserole?

Thaw frozen broccoli in the refrigerator overnight. If you add frozen broccoli to a casserole it will make it watery.

More vegetable casseroles to try

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