Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Whiz

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is one of those classic side dishes that is always on the table at holidays. We all need a simple recipe, like this broccoli rice casserole, that is quick to make and loved by everyone.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is a staple at the holidays for our family. It was passed on from a family friend many years ago, and Mom has made it for the holidays ever since.

You may think the best part is the cheesy goodness, but in all honestly it could be the simplicity of the recipe. Nothing has to be precooked, and the broccoli goes in frozen. You mix everything together, pour it into a pan and bake.

The hardest part is truly melting the butter. Ask Barbara. She’s has had many butter explosions in the microwave. Take our advice, melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stove top over medium-high heat.  It is the easiest method!

Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Whiz

Adding this side dish to your holiday line-up allows more time spent on desserts or main courses. This recipe is also a great way to get your kiddos to eat their veggies.

We like to use 2 (12 oz.) bags of frozen broccoli – one bag of broccoli cuts and one bag of broccoli florets.  That way you get a good variety of stems and florets in the casserole. You could even substitute a bag of frozen cauliflower and broccoli which would be delicious.

The secret ingredient is Cheez Whiz.  Cheez Whiz is the ultimate cheesy pleasure when it comes to casseroles.

What is Cheez Whiz?

Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that is kept on the shelf until opened.  It’s similar to Velveeta in flavor but comes in a sauce instead of a log. Since it comes in sauce form, it does not need to be melted.

Cheez Whiz can be used as a simple dip for chips, or used for a cheesy sauce for baked potatoes and cooked cauliflower and broccoli. Another way to use Cheez Whiz is as an ingredient in cheesy casseroles. Thin out the Cheez Whiz with some melted butter for the perfect base for all sorts of casseroles.

What is a substitution for Cheez Whiz?

Velveeta (also called Cheese Melt) is a suitable substitute for Cheez Whiz; however, you will need to melt the Velveeta first to make it a sauce.

Mom’s Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredient List

• Frozen Broccoli (do not thaw)
• Instant Rice
• Cheez Whiz
• Butter, melted
• Cream of Mushroom Sauce
• Onion, diced
• Salt and Black Pepper (optional)

How to Make Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Whiz

Step By Step Instructions

1. Prepare a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
3. In a large bowl, mix with Cheese Whiz and Cream of Mushroom soup to form a cheesy sauce.
4. Add frozen broccoli, instant rice and diced onions to cheese sauce.
5. Pour into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 60 minutes or until bubbly and hot.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for Mom’s Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

• Do not thaw frozen broccoli before assembling casserole.
• Be sure to use Instant White Rice not regular white rice or a long grain rice.
• If you have large, frozen broccoli florets, consider chopping into more bite-sized pieces.
• Velveeta could be substituted for Cheese Whiz; however, be sure to melt it first.  You could melt it with the butter in this recipe.
• Substitute margarine for butter, if desired.
• Dried onions could be used in place of diced onions, or omit onions entirely.
• Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery would work instead of cream of mushroom soup.
• This recipe holds heat well making it great for the holidays.
• To make it extra special, top with shredded cheddar cheese and/or panko or crushed Ritz crackers.
• Check out our Amazon Store for our favorite pantry and kitchen items.

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