Easy 6-Ingredient Crockpot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Crockpot broccoli rice casserole is a delicious comfort food to serve with your main dish for your holiday dinner. Crockpot broccoli rice casserole is the comfort food side dish I make for almost every holiday dinner, and plenty of regular weeknights too.

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It only takes six ingredients and a few minutes of prep. You dump everything in the crockpot, and it does the rest of the work for you. Your whole family will love this recipe, even your picky eaters. It is perfect with any plain protein you make, chicken, steak, or holiday ham.

This delicious recipe is so easy to make that it also makes a cheesy side dish for any of your baked chicken breast dinners or any quick family dinners. Even your picky eater will love this delicious side dish.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm and cheesy casserole, especially when it’s as effortless to prepare as this Crockpot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. This dish combines the goodness of tender broccoli florets, creamy cheddar cheese, simple rice, and Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup. 

This easy crockpot recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. The recipe only takes minutes of prep. You can mix it in the morning and let it cook in the afternoon so the vegetable side dish is ready when you eat dinner. The slow cooking process ensures that your broccoli rice casserole turns out perfectly cooked.

Why You’ll Love This

• Only 6 ingredients that are pantry and freezer staples.
• Dump it in the crockpot and walk away, no standing over the stove over a hot pot .
• Frees up your oven and stovetop space for the main dish on a busy holiday.
• Creamy, cheesy, and a hit with picky eaters every single time.
• Works in a standard crockpot or a fast heating multi cooker, the timing notes below make sure it turns out right either way.

Other Delicious Crockpot Recipes

Tender Sirloin Cap CrockPot Recipe – ButcherBox Meats

This tender Sirloin Cap Roast recipe with ButcherBox meats is a mouth-watering cut of beef and is known for its tender texture and juicy flavor, with the help of your slow cooker, it’s easier than ever to prepare.

CrockPot Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken over Mashed Potatoes

Here is the ultimate comfort food recipe! Crockpot Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken over Mashed Potatoes is the perfect meal for those busy weeknights when you want a filling and delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 2 cups frozen or fresh broccoli florets
• 2 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth + 1 cup (added when you add in the rice) for a total of 3 (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the slow cooker

Tip: If you are using a standard crockpot rather than a fast heating multi cooker like a Ninja Possible Cooker Pro, this will take longer to cook. The full timing for both is in step 4 below.

Tip: Regular white rice needs more time than instant rice. Do not swap in instant rice unless you shorten the cook time.

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Equipment Needed:

• Crock Pot a standard 6-quart slow cooker or a Ninja Possible Cooker Pro both work
• Ninja Everyday Possible Cooker Pro 6.5 QT
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Serving Spoon
• Spray Cooking Oil

Instructions:

1. Grease your crockpot. Spray the inside of your crockpot well with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
   Pro tip: this small step makes cleanup so much easier later.
2. Warm the broccoli. In a large sauté pan, add 2 cups of the chicken broth and the frozen broccoli. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is thawed and the broth is hot.
   Pro tip: if you are using fresh broccoli, skip this step and add the florets straight into the crockpot.
3. Combine everything in the crockpot. Add the rice, both cans of cream of celery soup, and the garlic powder to your crockpot. Stir in the warmed broccoli and broth from your pan, then add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together well.
4. Cover and cook. This step depends on your appliance, so please read closely. If you are using a fast heating multi cooker like a Ninja Possible Cooker Pro, cook on high for 1 to 1.5 hours. If you are using a standard crockpot, plan on 2.5 to 3.5 hours on high, or 4 to 5 hours on low, since standard crockpots take longer to come up to temperature and this recipe uses regular rice, not instant rice.
   Pro tip: every crockpot runs a little differently, so start checking at the earliest time listed and stir. The rice is done when it is tender, and the liquid is absorbed, not a minute before.
5. Finish with cheese. Once the rice is fully tender, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 5 to 10 more minutes, just until the cheese is melted.

Hints and Tricks:

1. Make sure to spray the crockpot well to make sure nothing sticks for serving and easy cleanup.
2. When adding the recipe to the crockpot, make sure to evenly distribute the mixture. This helps ensure uniform cooking and flavor throughout the casserole.
3. If you’re looking for a great way to have an extra layer of flavor, a great addition would be to sauté onions, add a little garlic powder, and add them to the mixture.

Variations:

This broccoli casserole recipe can be adjusted to your family’s tastes. You can make it your own with just a few additions or changes.

• Protein boost: Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked chicken.
• Different soup: Swap the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
• Different cheese: Try sharp cheddar or a Colby jack blend instead of mild cheddar.
• Different rice: Brown rice or jasmine rice both work here, just add extra time since they take longer to soften than white rice.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Extra flavor: Saute some diced onion with a little garlic powder and stir it in with the broccoli.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave with a small splash of broth or milk so the rice does not dry out.

This casserole does not freeze well. The rice turns grainy once it thaws, so I recommend making it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

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