Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipes
These easy broccoli casserole recipes combine broccoli with chicken, ham, rice, pasta, cheese, stuffing, or a creamy homemade sauce. They work well as family dinners, holiday side dishes, or a practical way to use cooked chicken and leftover ham.
Children can help wash and break apart broccoli, measure ingredients, stir cooled fillings, sprinkle cheese or breadcrumbs, and arrange ingredients in a casserole dish. An adult should handle raw chicken, boiling water, hot pans, and the oven.
Start with the Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole, try the meatless Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, or make the Spaghetti Broccoli Ham Casserole when you have leftover ham.
Start Here: Choose a Broccoli Casserole
- Want a complete family dinner? Try the Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole.
- Prefer a creamy casserole? Make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Need a simple recipe formula? Use the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
- Using leftover ham? Try the Spaghetti Broccoli Ham Casserole.
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Why Broccoli Works Well in Casseroles
Broccoli adds color, texture, and vegetables to creamy chicken, pasta, rice, and stuffing casseroles. It pairs especially well with chicken, ham, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, white sauce, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
Broccoli should usually be cooked until just tender before it is added to a casserole. This gives it time to soften without becoming mushy while the casserole bakes.
Fresh or Frozen Broccoli?
Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in these recipes. Cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam or boil it for a few minutes before assembling the casserole. Frozen broccoli should be thawed, drained well, and patted dry so it does not make the casserole watery.
Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole
This chicken broccoli stuffing casserole combines cooked chicken, broccoli, pasta, creamy sauce, and a savory stuffing topping. It makes a filling family dinner and is a practical way to use leftover chicken.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini, penne, or egg noodles
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup or 1 1/2 cups homemade cream sauce
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package seasoned stuffing mix, about 6 ounces
- Hot water and butter called for on the stuffing package
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is slightly firm. Drain well.
- If using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets and steam or boil it for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain well. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and remove as much excess water as possible.
- Prepare the stuffing according to the package directions and set it aside.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken to the prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the pasta and milk.
- Shred cooled cooked chicken.
- Break broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Stir the soup and milk together.
- Add the cooled ingredients to the casserole dish.
- Spread the prepared stuffing over the top.
Adult Helper
An adult should cook and drain the pasta, steam the broccoli, prepare the hot stuffing, place the casserole in the oven, and confirm that the center is hot before serving.
Homemade Sauce Option
Instead of condensed cream of chicken soup, use about 1 1/2 cups of homemade cream sauce. A basic white sauce can be flavored with chicken broth, garlic powder, parsley, or shredded cheddar cheese.
Easy Variations
- Replace the pasta with 3 cups cooked rice.
- Use cooked turkey instead of chicken.
- Add peas, carrots, corn, or mushrooms.
- Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce.
- Replace the stuffing with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or shredded cheese.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This creamy chicken broccoli casserole combines tender broccoli, cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, and a smooth sauce under a crisp breadcrumb topping. It is an easy family dinner that can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup or 1 1/2 cups homemade cream sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square or 2-quart casserole dish.
- Steam or boil the broccoli for 3–4 minutes, until it is just tender. Drain it thoroughly.
- Spread the cooked broccoli and chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, if using, and sprinkle them over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the milk, mayonnaise, cheese, and seasonings.
- Shred cooled cooked chicken.
- Arrange the broccoli and chicken in the casserole dish.
- Stir the creamy sauce ingredients together.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
Adult Helper
An adult should steam or boil the broccoli, handle the hot cookware, place the casserole in the oven, and check that the center is hot before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking. A chilled casserole may need an additional 5–10 minutes in the oven.
Easy Variations
- Replace the chicken with cooked turkey or diced ham.
- Add cooked rice, pasta, or potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend instead of plain cheddar.
- Add mushrooms, peas, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or seasoned stuffing crumbs.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, celery, cheese, and a creamy sauce into an easy family side dish. It also works as a simple meatless meal or a delicious addition to holiday dinners.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and well drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 jar (4 ounces) chopped pimientos, drained (optional)
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the broccoli according to the package directions. Drain thoroughly and gently squeeze out any extra moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cooked rice, pimientos, celery, sour cream, soup, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the rice, cheese, and seasonings.
- Drain the broccoli with help.
- Stir all of the ingredients together.
- Spread the mixture into the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
Adult Helper
An adult should cook the broccoli if needed, place the casserole in the oven, remove the hot dish after baking, and check that the center is heated through before serving.
Easy Variations
Add cooked diced chicken or leftover ham to turn this side dish into a complete family meal. You can also substitute cooked brown rice for extra fiber or use cream of celery soup for a slightly lighter flavor.
Serve With
Spaghetti Broccoli Ham Casserole
Leftover ham and broccoli come together in this creamy baked pasta casserole. Homemade white sauce and a crisp Parmesan topping make it an easy weeknight dinner after the holidays or anytime you have extra cooked ham.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 1/2–2 cups homemade white sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the spaghetti until just tender. During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the same pot. Drain everything well.
- Place the cooked spaghetti, broccoli, and diced ham into the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare the white sauce and pour it evenly over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until everything is coated.
- Mix together the Parmesan and breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
- Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the spaghetti and Parmesan cheese.
- Break broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Stir the pasta, broccoli, ham, and sauce together.
- Sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Adult Helper
An adult should cook the spaghetti, prepare the white sauce, safely handle the hot casserole dish, and remove it from the oven.
Great for Leftovers
This casserole is an excellent way to use leftover holiday ham. It also works well with cooked turkey or chicken if you don't have ham available.
Easy Variations
- Replace the spaghetti with penne, rotini, or shells.
- Add mushrooms, peas, or cauliflower.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella with the Parmesan for a cheesier topping.
- Stir cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions into the sauce.
- Serve with a green salad and homemade bread for a complete meal.
Broccoli Casserole Recipe Video
Watch how easy it is to make a homemade broccoli casserole. Children can help measure ingredients, stir the filling, layer the casserole, and sprinkle the topping while an adult handles boiling water, hot pans, and the oven.
Once you've mastered these recipes, explore even more easy casserole recipes, learn to make a homemade white sauce, or browse our collection of easy family meals.
Broccoli Casserole Tips
Five Parts of a Great Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, cooked until just tender.
- Protein: Chicken, ham, turkey, tuna, sausage, or beans.
- Starch: Pasta, rice, potatoes, stuffing, or another whole grain.
- Sauce: Homemade white sauce, cheese sauce, or cream sauce.
- Topping: Parmesan, cheddar, breadcrumbs, stuffing, or crushed crackers.
| Helpful Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cook broccoli until just tender | Broccoli finishes cooking in the oven and stays bright green instead of becoming mushy. |
| Drain frozen broccoli well | Removing excess moisture helps prevent a watery casserole. |
| Cook pasta slightly firm | The pasta continues cooking while baking and won't become overly soft. |
| Use cooked meat | Chicken and ham should already be fully cooked before being added to the casserole. |
| Let the casserole rest | Allowing it to stand for 5–10 minutes makes serving easier and helps the sauce thicken. |
| Freeze individual portions | Single servings make quick lunches or easy family dinners on busy nights. |
Kitchen Skills Kids Practice
- Reading recipes from beginning to end before starting.
- Measuring liquids, pasta, cheese, and seasonings.
- Washing and preparing fresh broccoli.
- Breaking broccoli into evenly sized florets.
- Mixing sauces and casserole fillings.
- Layering ingredients in a baking dish.
- Sprinkling cheese, breadcrumbs, or stuffing over the top.
- Practicing safe food handling with help from an adult.
Did You Know?
Many casseroles taste even better the next day because the flavors have had time to blend together while they rest in the refrigerator.
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, divide the casserole into individual portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until the center is hot before serving for a quick lunch or easy family dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Frozen broccoli works very well in casseroles. Thaw it first, drain away as much liquid as possible, and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps keep the casserole creamy instead of watery.
Should broccoli be cooked before adding it to a casserole?
Yes. Steam or boil fresh broccoli until it is just tender before adding it to the casserole. It will continue cooking in the oven and stay bright green with a better texture.
Can I make broccoli casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.
Can broccoli casserole be frozen?
Yes. Most broccoli casseroles freeze well after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of condensed cream soup?
A homemade white sauce or cheese sauce makes an excellent substitute. Homemade sauces let you control the ingredients and salt while adding fresh flavor.
What proteins work well in broccoli casseroles?
Cooked chicken and ham are the most common choices, but turkey, tuna, sausage, bacon, beans, or leftover roast beef can also be used depending on the recipe.
What can children help with?
Kids can wash broccoli, measure ingredients, stir cooled fillings, shred cheese, mix sauces, spread toppings, and help assemble the casserole. Adults should always supervise boiling water, hot pans, knives, and the oven.
What should I serve with broccoli casserole?
Broccoli casserole pairs well with homemade bread, fresh salads, fruit, roasted vegetables, or another simple side dish. Many of these recipes are complete one-dish meals, so only a light side is usually needed.
Do you have another broccoli casserole recipe?
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